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Studying online gives you total flexibility to study when and where works for you. You'll have access to a set of online learning tools, including study materials written by our team of specialist authors, links to useful websites and resources, and forums where you can share your thoughts and ideas with other learners.

 

Start date Application closing date Duration Price
16 March 2026 02 March 2026 16 weeks £680 Closed
27 April 2026 13 April 2026 16 weeks £680 Apply now
08 June 2026 25 May 2026 16 weeks £680 Apply now
14 September 2026 31 August 2026 16 weeks £680 Apply now
26 October 2026 12 October 2026 16 weeks £680 Apply now
07 December 2026 23 November 2026 16 weeks £680 Apply now
15 March 2027 01 March 2027 16 weeks £680 Apply now

What is the Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice?

This qualification will give you a basic understanding of housing and introduce you to some of the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in housing related activities.

Progression route

Successful completion of this qualification will prepare you for the Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice.

Who is this qualification for?

  • People who are new to housing or work in a frontline position who want to improve their general awareness of housing
  • People working in housing who wish to gain an initial qualification
  • People not currently working in housing but considering a frontline housing position as a career option
  • Tenants, residents and board members wishing to enhance their personal involvement and understanding of housing.
Entry requirements

The Housing Academy will accept learners who meet the follow criteria:

  • Are 18+ (please note that this is a Housing Academy stipulation for all learners)
  • Are confident in using IT and have access to a computer
  • Have the potential and opportunity to gain the qualification
  • Are aware that this qualification will be assignment based as the Housing Academy’s chosen method of assessment and that other centres may be approved for other assessment methodologies
  • Are aware that they must demonstrate an understanding of all the learning outcomes to achieve each unit of study within the qualification.

Level two descriptors

Please read the following level two descriptors that indicate the level that a learner must be working at to achieve the qualification and are confident that they are able to meet these requirements:

Knowledge descriptors

  • You have knowledge and understanding of facts, procedures, and ideas in an area of study or field of work to complete well-defined task and address straightforward problems
  • You can interpret relevant information and ideas
  • You are aware of a range of information that is relevant to the area of study or work.

Skills descriptor

  • You can select and use relevant cognitive and practical skills to complete well-defined, generally routine tasks and address straight forward problems
  • You can identify, gather, and use relevant information to inform actions
  • You can identify how effective actions have been.

How long will it take?

  • Approximately 16 weeks, with an average of six-eight hours study a week.

What will you learn?

The Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice provides a general introduction to the housing sector. It has four mandatory units:

Qualification units

Housing provision and housing organisations

View unit

Housing provision and housing organisations

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Understand housing provision and tenure in the context of trends in the housing market
  • Know about the relationship between landlord and tenant
  • Know about the partnerships and collaborative working housing organisations engage in to provide services
  • Know how housing organisations are regulated and funded.

Customer service for housing

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Customer service for housing

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Understand the principles of customer service
  • Know the diverse range and needs of housing customers
  • Understand the principles of equality and diversity.

Assets, repairs and maintenance

View unit

Assets, repairs and maintenance

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Know the main types of dwellings across the housing stock
  • Understand the concept of asset management for housing organisations
  • Understand the process for managing repairs and maintenance of housing stock.

Professional development in housing

View unit

Professional development in housing

In this unit, you will cover the following:

  • Know about paid and voluntary roles in the housing sector
  • Understand the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work within the housing sector
  • Be able to plan personal professional development.

How to apply

You can apply for this qualification in a few simple steps:

  • Choose your study method and start date from the table at the top of this page.
  • Complete the online application form, including:
    • Logging in or creating a My CIH account (see instructions below)
    • Uploading evidence of your qualifications and/or housing sector experience
    • Selecting your payment option and entering your payment details (if your organisation is paying, provide a purchase order)
  • Submit your application – it will be reviewed by the Housing Academy team to confirm your eligibility.
  • Provide proof of ID before starting your course (required because our qualifications are regulated by the CIH Awarding Organisation).

Apply now using the options at the top of this page

Creating a My CIH account

To pay, you’ll need a My CIH account.

  • New to My CIH? Visit My CIH page and click Sign up now to follow the steps. You can also follow our step-by-step guide.
  • Already have an account? Just sign in with your email and password as usual.

Having trouble logging in or creating your account? Read our guide or contact our customer services team:

Payment options
Individuals

Individuals (or purchasers booking on behalf of someone else) must pay full fees within seven days of receiving the invoice or before the course start date.*

  • Payment can be made by credit or debit card.
  • Failure to pay on time may result in your course date being changed or services stopped.

*The course start date is the advertised closing date for applications.

Organisations

If your organisation is paying:

  • You must provide a purchase order at the time of booking.
  • It is your responsibility to have this ready before starting the application.

Multiple learner bookings

We welcome organisations who want to work with the CIH Housing Academy to provide learning to their workforce. If you'd like to know more about possible discounts for multiple learners, please contact us on 024 7685 1700 or email partnerships@cih.org.

What can I expect as a CIH Housing Academy learner?

We will support you throughout your qualification, offering guidance when personal or work-related problems arise that may affect your studies.

  • At the beginning of the qualification you will be provided with a brief introduction to the qualification and information on how it is delivered, structured and assessed.
  • You will be allocated an academic tutor who will offer you support throughout your qualification.
  • You can contact your tutor through ‘messenger’ when logged in to our online learning platform, My Housing Academy.
  • Your tutor will mark your assignments and give you feedback as well as providing you with advice and support on any academic issues.
  • You will be able to communicate and share ideas with other students via My Housing Academy.

CIH membership included for eligible Housing Academy learners

CIH offer a concessionary learner membership that can be purchased by learners undertaking a CIH qualification*. This discounted rate provides access to all standard member benefits

If you choose to study with the CIH Housing Academy eligible learners will receive a year’s learner membership worth £82 when studying a full qualification at level two.

When you register with the Housing Academy, we will automatically transfer your details to the CIH membership team who will confirm if you are eligible to receive this special offer and will be in touch with how to access the membership package.

Although not an essential requirement to complete your qualification, CIH membership provides a wealth of resources, services and networking opportunities that will enhance your learning experience and benefit your professional development long into the future.

*Eligibility criteria apply.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about this qualification or want to speak with a member of our team, we’re here to help. We can guide you through the next steps and provide any additional information you need.

Contact us
Meet our tutors
We have a team of tutors, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, both in housing and education and will support you throughout your qualification.
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View our range of CIH qualifications from Level 2 to Level 5, available to study online or online plus.