Taking a CIH qualification with the CIH Housing Academy

We hear from John Baldwin from Guildford Borough Council on his time studying with the CIH Housing Academy.

I have just recently completed CIH’s Level 4 Certificate in Housing after studying with the CIH Housing Academy.

The course helped me broaden my housing knowledge, develop new skills, increase my confidence, and apply learning directly to my day-to-day role as a housing professional. Beyond the professional benefits, it was also personally rewarding and provided a great sense of achievement.

Study options and resources

The Plus study option was particularly valuable. The tutor-led sessions provided clear guidance on assignment requirements, learning outcomes, and key concepts, while also creating a supportive network of fellow learners. Having direct access to experienced tutors gave me the confidence to tackle each assignment successfully.

CIH’s online learning platform, ‘MyHA’, was easy to use and offered a wealth of high-quality study materials, guidance documents, webinars, and practical resources. Sessions covering time management, study skills, report writing, research techniques, and referencing were especially helpful for building confidence and supporting academic success.

Learning support

Throughout the qualification, I received excellent support from tutors and found CIH to be highly flexible and understanding of the challenges faced by professionals balancing study alongside work and personal commitments.

Applying learning day to day

One of the greatest strengths of the programme was its practical relevance. The assignments encouraged me to explore wider housing and local government services, build relationships with colleagues across different teams, and develop a broader understanding of partnership working.

Most importantly, the learning could be applied immediately in the workplace. The qualification enhanced my professional practice, strengthened my decision-making, and helped me implement new ideas and approaches that added value to both my role and the services I deliver.

Advice for future learners

I would highly recommend a CIH qualification to anyone looking to develop their housing career. The combination of expert tutor support, excellent learning resources, flexible study options, and real-world application makes it an outstanding investment in both professional and personal development.