Where can I go....

To find training online for Certified Occupancy Specialist? What about project based section 8?

I prefer online as I control the pace and have never learned very well in a classroom.

I received my training through the NCHA ( www.nchm.org ) in Indianpolis. It was pretty easy, as I recall because I had use of notes and book. I spent 3 days there where 2.5 days were in teaching the manual and the last half was the test. I believe you can take the training and then take the test at a later time, but I am not sure if this is still true. If you work with Section 8, you definitely need this training! You should contact your Apartment Association to see if you can get this on line. You could also contact IREM - they are highly recognized for providing excellent training, too.

Quadel and Nan McKay both provide the desired training. Also, your state NAHRO is another resource.

I am looking for ONLINE training and testing for these certifications.... I do not learn well when I cannot control the schedule or the pace of the training.

Johnny, I am not sure if there is an on-line class for the COS designation. I do think, however, that if you have a learning disbility, you have the right to ask for special modifications to allow you to learn in a different setting.

It's not so much a learning disability, as it is a scheduling disablility. I have found that I am much more productive when I control the pace and schedule. It keeps me engaged, I can train online when most people sleep, and I can incorporate my new learning into daily practice right away.

You can't get much more intense that dedicating 3 whole days of active listening and learning for this designation! The reason this particular course is not on-line (that I know of) is because it IS very intense. You will be learning the HUD manual - all the rules and regs and you will be tested on this. I found it helps to get all the info at one time and while it is fresh in my mind, take the test. It is kind of like when you sit for your real estate licensing exam - you are required to attend class and take module tests. This makes it much easier to pass the state test. Sometimes there are no short cuts.

I don't see training online as a shortcut. I see it as an effective use of TIME and resources.

I can only tell you, from my experience, spending that time in the in-person class was a good foundation for managing a project based Section 8 property according to HUD specifications. The first time you experience an MOR and your auditor starts quoting chapter and verse from the HUD manual, you may be happy to have had one-on-one in person instruction. My instructor told me point blank some of the common pitfalls that occur during the MOR and REAC Inspections. I really used that information to my advantage. Time in a classroom setting was not wasted, was effective and the better resource - for me. Just saying ...

I feel, even as a teacher, that students oftentimes benefit from in-person instruction when they are learning difficult material for the first time. If you find an on-line course, let me know. I would be interested in hearing about your experience.

I did earn tax credit certification through online training (Housing Credit College), and while there were some concepts that did not apply to either property I was at; I found the training very intense, and the supporting materials very well put together. There were 2 great things about doing this online:

1) I was able to do it at home 'in my shorts'
2) I was able to apply most of the concepts right away, and my work product improved as I had a better understanding of what I was doing. My mistakes steadily decreased as I completed more of the sessions; to the point where the only mistakes I made were 'bonehead' mistakes when I was rushed.

The National Apartment Association has good links for education on COS, CAM and CAPS, and IREM is a good place to get good strong Property Management education. Also, Spectrum is a good place to learn about LIHTC and other affordable programs.

Spectrum? Seems like too common of a name. Can you provide a link?

Sure, here you go: www.spectrumlihtc.com/

www.trainagents.com/ is a common one in my state but I'm not sure how many states they cover. Our local community college offers the courses and has a huge list of online resources for them too.

Thanks; but they do not have any offerings for California