Choose your study method
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.
The online study route includes four mandatory units alongside two additional units of your choosing.
| Start date | Application closing date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 April 2026 | 23 March 2026 | 12 months | £2430 | Select → |
| 18 May 2026 | 04 May 2026 | 12 months | £2430 | Select → |
| 29 June 2026 | 15 June 2026 | 12 months | £2430 | Select → |
| 24 August 2026 | 27 July 2026 | 12 months | £2430 | Select → |
| 05 October 2026 | 21 September 2026 | 12 months | £2430 | Select → |
| 16 November 2026 | 02 November 2026 | 12 months | £2430 | Select → |
| 11 January 2027 | 14 December 2026 | 12 months | £2430 | Select → |
What is the Level 4 Certificate in Housing?
The Level 4 Certificate in Housing is a one year vocational qualification and is at the same level of learning as the first year of an undergraduate degree.
The qualification is designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of how your organisation and others in the housing sector work. It equips you with advanced technical knowledge in housing practice at a management level, empowering you to excel as a proficient and effective housing professional.
This qualification meets the requirements for the Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing.
On completion you will be able to progress to Level 5 Diploma in Housing and CIH chartered membership CIHCM.
Who is this qualification for?
The CIH Level 4 qualifications are for individuals in or aspiring to a supervisory or management role in housing. They are designed to explore in greater depth the contextual and specialised knowledge for the housing professional.
Experience requirements
- You should be working in housing or a housing related sector, preferably at a management or supervisory level
- You should, as a minimum requirement, have completed one of the following:
- The CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice
- An equivalent level three qualification or higher
Learners must also meet the follow criteria:
- 18+
- Are working or resident in the UK or Ireland
- 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 four descriptors
Please read the following level four 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 descriptor
- You have practical, theoretical, or technical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to address problems that are well defined but complex and non-routine
- You can analyse, interpret, and evaluate relevant information and ideas
- You are aware of the nature of approximate scope of the area of study or work
- You have an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.
Skills descriptor
- You can identify, adapt, and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills to inform actions and address problems that are complex and non-routine while normally fairly well defined
- You can review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods actions and results.
How long does it take?
- 12 months, with an average of eight hours study a week.
What will you learn?
The level 4 Certificate in Housing qualification explores areas of housing policy, law, customer focus, and professional practice.
Qualification units
Depending on your study method, you’ll complete a set of mandatory units — and, for the online option, choose from two additional units.
You’ll complete four mandatory units, and you’ll also choose two optional units from a choice of four — giving you a total of six units to complete.
Mandatory units
- Housing law and regulation
- Housing policy
- Customer focus in housing
- Professionalism in housing.
Optional units (choose two)
- Housing management
- Managing people, teams and change
- Strategies for delivering independent living services
- Finance in housing.
You’ll complete six mandatory units.
Mandatory units:
- Housing law and regulation
- Housing policy
- Customer focus in housing
- Professionalism in housing
- Housing management
- Managing people, teams and change.
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).
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:
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.
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
Our Online Plus option combines all the benefits of online study with the addition of six face-to-face learning days or a comparable number of virtual tutor-led sessions.
These sessions give you the chance to interact and share knowledge with other learners and tutors while still benefiting from studying around your work and life commitments.
On this route, you’ll complete six mandatory units.
| Start date | Application closing date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 April 2026 | 23 March 2026 | 12 months | £2940 | Apply online |
| 18 May 2026 | 04 May 2026 | 12 months | £2940 | Apply online |
| 29 June 2026 | 15 June 2026 | 12 months | £2940 | Apply online |
| 05 October 2026 | 21 September 2026 | 12 months | £2940 | Apply online |
| 16 November 2026 | 02 November 2026 | 12 months | £2940 | Apply online |
What is the Level 4 Certificate in Housing?
The Level 4 Certificate in Housing is a one year vocational qualification and is at the same level of learning as the first year of an undergraduate degree.
The qualification is designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of how your organisation and others in the housing sector work. It equips you with advanced technical knowledge in housing practice at a management level, empowering you to excel as a proficient and effective housing professional.
This qualification meets the requirements for the Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing.
On completion you will be able to progress to Level 5 Diploma in Housing and CIH chartered membership CIHCM.
Who is this qualification for?
The CIH Level 4 qualifications are for individuals in or aspiring to a supervisory or management role in housing. They are designed to explore in greater depth the contextual and specialised knowledge for the housing professional.
Experience requirements
- You should be working in housing or a housing related sector, preferably at a management or supervisory level
- You should, as a minimum requirement, have completed one of the following:
- The CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice
- An equivalent level three qualification or higher
Learners must also meet the follow criteria:
- 18+
- Are working or resident in the UK or Ireland
- 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 four descriptors
Please read the following level four 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 descriptor
- You have practical, theoretical, or technical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to address problems that are well defined but complex and non-routine
- You can analyse, interpret, and evaluate relevant information and ideas
- You are aware of the nature of approximate scope of the area of study or work
- You have an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.
Skills descriptor
- You can identify, adapt, and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills to inform actions and address problems that are complex and non-routine while normally fairly well defined
- You can review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods actions and results.
How long does it take?
- 12 months, with an average of eight hours study a week.
What will you learn?
The level 4 Certificate in Housing qualification explores areas of housing policy, law, customer focus, and professional practice.
Qualification units
Depending on your study method, you’ll complete a set of mandatory units — and, for the online option, choose from two additional units.
You’ll complete four mandatory units, and you’ll also choose two optional units from a choice of four — giving you a total of six units to complete.
Mandatory units
- Housing law and regulation
- Housing policy
- Customer focus in housing
- Professionalism in housing.
Optional units (choose two)
- Housing management
- Managing people, teams and change
- Strategies for delivering independent living services
- Finance in housing.
You’ll complete six mandatory units.
Mandatory units:
- Housing law and regulation
- Housing policy
- Customer focus in housing
- Professionalism in housing
- Housing management
- Managing people, teams and change.
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).
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:
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.
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
