What education, qualifications and training does CIH offer?

CIH offers four main learning routes: professional qualifications (delivered through approved study centres), training courses and the Housing Academy, apprenticeships with end-point assessments, and organisation-level options such as strategic membership pathways and board membership. Individuals can study towards a CIH qualification or take shorter training; employers can arrange training and apprenticeships for teams. The right route depends on whether you want a recognised qualification, a short skills course, or a structured programme for staff.

Qualifications

CIH qualifications are the route to a formally recognised housing credential. According to CIH, they are delivered through study centres rather than only directly by CIH, so the practical steps are:

1. Decide which qualification level fits your current role and experience.
2. Find an approved study centre offering that qualification (CIH lists study centres on its site).
3. Enrol with the centre and confirm study mode, timetable and assessment method with them.
4. Register as a CIH member if the qualification or centre requires it — membership is a separate step from qualification enrolment.

Expected result: you study with a recognised centre and gain a CIH qualification. Common sticking point: people often assume they enrol directly with CIH; in practice the study centre is usually the first contact for delivery details.

Training courses and the Housing Academy

CIH runs training courses and a Housing Academy aimed at everyone involved in housing — from frontline staff to managers — covering the skills, knowledge and behaviours the sector needs. This is the better route if you want practical upskilling without committing to a full qualification.

• Training courses: short, focused learning; check the CIH events and training listings for current topics and dates.
• Housing Academy: CIH's broader learning offering, including support for organisations as well as individuals.
• Events and webinars: CIH events include speakers from housing and beyond, and recordings are available — useful for low-cost continuing learning and horizon-scanning.

Verification: before booking, confirm the course format (in person or online), date and any prerequisites on the CIH listing, since these vary by course.

Apprenticeships and end-point assessments

CIH supports apprenticeships and acts in end-point assessment — the independent assessment stage at the end of an apprenticeship. This route suits people entering or developing within housing through a work-based programme rather than classroom study alone.

For employers, the practical steps are to confirm the apprenticeship standard you want to use, check that CIH is listed as an endpoint assessment organisation for it, and coordinate with CIH on scheduling and requirements. For individuals, ask your employer whether an apprenticeship is available before approaching CIH directly.

Options for employers and organisations

CIH structures its offer so organisations are not limited to buying courses:

The Competence and Conduct Standard came into effect on 1 October 2026 for all registered providers in England, and CIH states it can support organisations in meeting it. If you work for an English registered provider, this is the most time-sensitive reason to look at CIH's organisational training and membership options.

How to choose

• Want a recognised qualification: start with CIH qualifications and locate a study centre.
• Want quick, practical skills: look at training courses, webinars and event recordings.
• New to housing via a work route: ask about apprenticeships and end-point assessment.
• Employer planning workforce development: combine strategic membership pathways with training and apprenticeship options, and check the Competence and Conduct Standard requirements first.

Fees, entry requirements and specific course availability are not detailed in the source material, so confirm these directly with CIH or your chosen study centre before committing.