In order to be certified as a Workforce Housing Specialist, participants must complete 16 hours of education within 18 months, including these core courses: - Federal Housing Programs - FHA, USDA, etc. (hours vary)
- NC Housing Finance Agency’s “Financing Dreams” (4 hour CE)
- Local Housing Programs and Resources (hours vary)
A variety of elective courses are available to attain the remaining hours needed to earn the certification. Qualifying Elective Courses Include:
- NAR's Employer Assisted Housing Program
- NAR's Expanding Housing Opportunities
- NAR's Green Course
- Freddie Mac's Credit Smart
- REBAC's Short Sales and Foreclosures
- CRS 111: Short Sales and Foreclosures: Protecting Your Clients Interests
- FHA 203(k) and Energy Efficient Mortgages
- USDA Housing Programs
- Sustainable Housing and Green Building (NCREC Approved CE)
- Foreclosures, Short Sales, REO's and Auctions (NCREC Approved CE)
- Selling HUD Homes
Alternative Track
Members have the option of attaining their WHS certification through a similar program offered by the Charlotte Regional REALTOR Association's Housing Opportunity Foundation. Participants in this alternative program must complete four workshops and attend the Workforce Housing Fair within two years to earn the Workforce Housing Specialist certification. The four required tracks are: Creative Lending Programs for Workforce Housing Employer Assisted Housing Foreclosure Prevention Working with Housing Nonprofits
The WHS program is currently being offered in partnership with REALTOR associations in Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Raleigh and Wilmington. You May Already Have Credit
If you’ve taken any of the core or elective courses within 6 months of starting this program, or have taken something similar in content to the above listed courses, you may be able to count the credit hours towards your WHS Certification. To request acceptance of your credit hours, simply complete a Previous Credit Certification Form and fax it to Homes4NC at 336-299-7872. Annual Recertification
In order for graduates to remain updated on workforce housing resources and issues, they will be required to recertify by Dec. 31 of the year following their certification and annually thereafter by re-taking one of the core courses and participating in an affordable housing event. For 2010 graduates, recertification will be required by Dec. 31, 2011. Get started on your certification today to reap benefits tomorrow! | 
