Become a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency
Determine whether becoming a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency is the right choice for your organization.
Start LearningAbout this Learning Pathway
This Learning Pathway covers the requirements associated with participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program and the process of becoming a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency.

Introduction to Housing Counseling
Take this self-paced training to learn the definition of housing counseling, the benefits of participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program, and how to participate in the program.
1 hour
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How to Become a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency Webpage
Review this webpage to learn the types of organizations eligible for HUD approval, eligibility criteria, and instructions for submitting an application for HUD approval.
15 minutes
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How to Become a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency Webinar
Review this archived webinar to learn about the full process of becoming a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency. This webinar offers tips and best practices for meeting HUD's requirements for approval.
1 hour
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Agency Eligibility Tool
Use this interactive tool to determine whether your organization meets the basic requirements to apply to become a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency. Note: This tool does not replace a formal review by HUD, for which an appointment should first be scheduled with an application advisor (refer to step #2 above).
30 minutes
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Housing Counseling Program Regulations
Review the Housing Counseling Program Federal Regulations at 24 CFR Part 214. For this Learning Pathway, learners should review in detail Subpart B—Approval and Disapproval of Housing Counseling Agencies.
1 hour
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Housing Counseling Program Handbook
Read this document to learn about the requirements for:
- Program eligibility and approval
- The delivery of comprehensive and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counseling services
- Program record keeping and reporting
- Performance monitoring
- Competitive funding and grant application process
2 hours
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Housing Counseling Frequently Asked Questions
Briefly review this collection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the Housing Counseling Program Agency Approval process.
30 minutes
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Certification Resources
Review this collection of resources to learn about HUD's Housing Counselor Certification Requirements Final Rule, exam, covered programs, success stories, and best practices.
2 hours
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Work Plan Online Training and Toolkit
This self-paced training and corresponding toolkit offer strategies and best practices for developing Housing Counseling Program Agency Work Plans.
1 hour 15 minutes
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Client Management System Guidance
Review this webpage to learn about Housing Counseling Client Management Systems (CMS), benefits and reporting requirements, and guidance on choosing a compliant and suitable CMS.
30 minutes
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Housing Counseling 9902 Online Toolkit
Review this toolkit to determine how your housing counseling agency can comply with federal grant requirements, increase effectiveness, and maximize efficiency in completing reports. Learners that already reviewed the Client Management System Guidance in step #10 above will not need to do so again within this toolkit.
1 hour
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