Exam Related Topics

Proctoring & Rules

Additional Exam Help

Learn About The Process

Accessing the exam

To access the online certification exam, to download Sentinel Secure, and to create your Biometrics Profile, you must be signed into your account on HUDHousingCounselors.com.

Once you are signed in, select Access Your Online Exam in the Countdown to Your Exam section of your User Profile Dashboard. Read the instructions on the Exam Pre-launch page then select the Proceed to Exam Status Center button at the bottom of the page to access the Webassessor Exam Status Center. From the Webassessor Exam Status Center, select MY ASSESSMENTS to view your exam details, download Sentinel Secure, create your biometrics profile, or launch the exam.

Please contact Kryterion Support if you experience issues with Sentinel, biometrics, or exam launch.

HUD test takers are never required to log into Webassessor separately. Exam related activity occurs through your HUDHousingCounselors.com account. Links to the Kryterion website are provided for informational purposes only.

Appointment details

Your test date details are included in your Assessment Purchase Confirmation email. Your test date details are also located in the Countdown to Your Exam! section of your User Profile Dashboard. You must be logged in to access your user profile. To change your test date, please log in to HUDHousingCounselors.com and visit the Exam Registration page.

Changing Online/Onsite Registration

Exam registration, cancellations, and changes are handled through your account on HUDHousingCounselors.com.

To change your exam delivery type, sign in and select Change Your Test Date in the Countdown to your Exam section of your User Profile Dashboard . Follow the steps under Reschedule an Exam to cancel your scheduled exam (the exam purchase will be refunded to the credit card used), then follow the steps to register for a new exam.

Be sure to review the No Shows and Cancellations Policy prior to making changes.

Feedback and scoring

Upon completion of the certification exam, each candidate receives an immediate PASS or FAIL notification, as applicable. Candidates who pass receive an email outlining next steps. Those who fail receive an email report with information as described in the practice exam feedback explanation. Passing scores are not provided to test takers, but those who do not pass can access their scaled score on the User Profile page of their HUDHousingCounselors.com account.

Note: The minimum passing score is 500. Test takers do not receive information on topic area weighting with their exam scores. For most information, please visit the HUD FAQ on scaled scoring.

System & webcam requirements

For online proctored exams, computer systems must meet the criteria outlined on the Kryterion Online Proctoring Support page. Before scheduling your exam, we encourage you to visit this page to test equipment compatibility, which includes checks for webcam, microphone, and internet speed. Individuals planning to take the certification examination online can prepare by taking the following steps:

Review the webcam requirements. NOTE: Beginning August 6, 2020, HUD will accept any camera for the online exam. An external camera will no longer be required until further notice.
Visit Online Testing Requirements to check equipment compatibility for webcam, microphone, and internet speed
Test browser functionality of the exam Calculator provided onscreen during the exam

HUDHousingCounselors.com cannot provide a webcam. You will not need a webcam if you choose to take the Certification Exam at a test center.

Note: A separate Webassessor log-in is not required for any step in this process. Candidates are automatically logged into Kryterion's Webassessor site with their HUDHousingCounselors.com account when they proceed to the Exam Status Center. Candidates should proceed to the Exam Status Center from the Exam Pre-launch page to complete the preparation steps and launch the exam. The Exam Pre-launch page can be accessed in your User Profile via Access Your Online Exam.

FHA Connection

The purpose of HUDHousingCounselors.com is to help counselors prepare for the HUD Housing Counselor Certification Exam and provide access to the exam. After passing the exam and transferring the results to FHA Connection, counselor certification activities shift from HUDHousingCounselors.com to FHA Connection.

Questions regarding the application process for HUD Certified Housing Counselor certification must be submitted to housing.counseling@hud.gov with subject line “FHAC."

For additional steps to certification visit the HUD Exchange website and view the HUD Certified Housing Counselor Application Process.

Certificates are available to print after the candidate's employment is verified in FHA Connection. Find instructions for printing your certificate here.

Transferring HECM Exam results to FHA Connection

Your HECM Exam results are submitted by Ajanta Consulting, LLC. Once you take the exam, your Pass or Fail results are taken and submitted in bulk to FHA Connection. You don't need to transfer anything! Make sure you have applied to be on the HECM Roster, this can take 3-4 weeks to go through. Once you've been approved and your exam results have been submitted you will show up 7-10 business days after result submission.

Proctoring and Rules

Proctoring online

If you experience issues with exam set up, launch, or during your exam, contact Kryterion Support immediately:

Live Chat for URGENT Assistance: Go to Online Proctoring Support, then select “Chat with an Expert" near the bottom of the screen. You may need to exit the exam page and access the link in a new window. After you enter your name and email address, the system should tell you how many people are ahead of you. Please wait for a Kryterion technician for assistance.
Webform: Go to Contact Support, then complete the form, including a detailed description, and submit. Webform responses may take up to 72 hours.

Candidates may experience long wait times for support during times of high volume. If your exam times out while you are waiting for support, Kryterion should reschedule you at no charge.

Proctoring Onsite Kryterion Test Centers

Individuals planning to take the certification examination at a proctoring center can utilize the tool to Locate a Kryterion Testing Center. Candidates can view appointment availability and schedule the exam via the Registration Process. Test centers cannot schedule your exam.

The exam will be available both in person and online throughout the US and in US Territories where there are proctoring centers, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. The exam will be available online only in the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa, as there are no proctoring centers in these areas.

For any additional questions relating to Kryterion Testing Centers, please visit the Kryterion FAQ page, Kryterion Support and select Onsite Proctoring or Chat with an Expert.

Technical Issue Assistance - Instructions & Rules

Launching the exam symbolizes your signature and acceptance of the following terms:

Each candidate deserves a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate his or her knowledge in the examination process. Therefore, exam security measures have been developed to prevent any candidate from gaining an unfair advantage.

All exam materials are the property of HUD. Unauthorized removal of any material is prohibited. Any attempt to reproduce or memorize all or part of the exam is prohibited. Any unauthorized disclosure, publication, copying, reproduction, transmission, distribution, or possession of exam content or materials in any form without the prior express written permission of HUD may result in your disqualification from the HUD housing counselor certification program. The prohibition against “unauthorized disclosure” means you may not discuss the contents of the exam with anyone except those who developed or delivered the exam.

A proctor may dismiss a candidate, halt an examination progress, or report a candidate for any unauthorized behavior, such as any of the following: attempting to gain unauthorized admission to an exam site; attempting to take the exam for someone else; creating a disturbance; giving, receiving, or attempting to give or receive help from unauthorized sources; removing, or attempting to remove, exam materials; having in his or her possession any item prohibited from the exam taking area as specified above; exhibiting behavior consistent with memorization or copying of exam items.

Note: Exam sessions may be recorded.

Additional Exam Help

Advice for a Successful Test Center Exam

Print your Assessment Confirmation Email and bring it with you to your exam
Verify both Primary Photo ID and Secondary ID are valid (not expired) and will be valid on test date
Arrive up to 15 minutes early for your exam
Be prepared for test center staff to secure all of your personal items in a locker during your exam
Be prepared to remove your glasses briefly for examination by test center staff
Request assistance from test center staff immediately if you encounter any technical issues during the exam

View additional Certification Exam - Group Testing Events Information.

Advice for a Successful Online Exam

Download Sentinel Secure from the Exam Status Center, create your Biometrics Profile, and test your equipment at least one day before your exam.
Some candidates may require assistance from their IT Department to install Sentinel Secure and troubleshoot any network or equipment issues.
Exams should be launched at least 10 minutes before the appointment time, but may be launched up to 20 minutes after.
Upon launching, you will be queued up for the next available proctor and alerted when a proctor becomes available.
The proctor will communicate with you through a chat feature on the computer. Be prepared for possible interruptions by proctor requests during the exam.
Prepare to work with the proctor before beginning the exam to ensure the testing environment and camera placement are in compliance.
Use a camera stand to allow for quick adjustments to camera placement. Make sure the camera view includes your eyes, hands, keyboard, and mouse. (Beginning August 6, 2020 an external webcam is no longer required. HUD will accept any camera).
If you wear glasses, the proctor will ask you to remove them and present them for inspection through the camera.
Make sure the testing room is well lit, quiet, and free from distraction.
Ensure your testing surface is clutter-free and contains only one computer, one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse (online proctored exams).

View additional Tips for a Successful Online Exam.

Additional Guidance About the Exam

Do not read the exam aloud.
Do not interact with another individual during your test session.
Do not leave your workstation or take a break for any reason. If you leave the workstation during the exam, Kryterion is obligated to inform your test sponsor and may suspend your exam.
Candidates are not allowed access to or use of books, paper, reference material, or writing utensils during the exam. (Candidates will have access to an online calculator during the exam).
Electronic devices, including telephones, cameras, signaling devices, pagers, alarms, and recording/playback devices of any kind are not permitted.
Remove all items from your neck and wrist. Watches, bracelets, and necklaces are not permitted during testing.
No questions concerning the content of the exam may be asked during the examination period. Listen carefully to the directions and carefully read the directions shown on the computer monitor.
No examination materials, documents, or memoranda of any type may leave the testing room.

Limited Language & Accomodations

Limited English Proficiency

Limitadong kasanayan sa ingles | 제한된 영어 능력 | Trình độ tiếng anh hạn chế

Maîtrise limitée de l'anglais | 英语水平有限 | Konpetans angle limite

The HUD Housing Counselor Certification Exam is available in English, Korean, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. Candidates with limited English proficiency, limited Korean proficiency, limited Vietnamese proficiency, limited Simplified Chinese proficiency, and limited Spanish proficiency may request additional exam time.

Please complete the Limited Language Proficiency Accommodations Request Form to request additional exam time due to limited English, limited Korean proficiency, limited Vietnamese proficiency, limited Simplified Chinese proficiency and limited Spanish proficiency. Additional time is limited to one additional hour for a total of 3 hours.

참고: 한국어가 모국어인 경우 시험이 한국어로 제공되므로 언어 편의 시설을 이용할 수 없습니다.

XIN LƯU Ý: Nếu tiếng Việt là ngôn ngữ chính của bạn, bạn không đủ điều kiện để được hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ vì kỳ thi có sẵn bằng tiếng Việt.

请注意：如果简体中文是您的主要语言，则您没有资格获得语言便利，因为考试以简体中文提供。

TENGA EN CUENTA: Si el español es su idioma principal, no es elegible para una adaptación de idioma porque el examen está disponible en español.

Please call 210-489-1461 if you require assistance. Support is available 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday – Friday except federal holidays.

Materials en Español - Training

HUDHousingCounselors.com provides access to training and exam materials in Spanish. Sign into your account and take the following steps to access each component.

Training - Select “Training Center” at the top of the page. Then, select "en español" to find the Study Guide in Spanish.
Practice Exam - Select “Training Center” at the top of the page. Then, select "Take Practice Exam" to take the practice exam or learn more.
Certification Exam - Select Begin Exam Registration in the "Countdown to Your Exam!" section of your User Profile Dashboard.

Reasonable Accommodations (ADA related)

Reasonable accommodations are provided to eligible test takers in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Before completing the Reasonable Accommodations Request Form, please review the information below. Requests that do not comply with the guidance below may not be approved.

If you seek extra time due to limited language proficiency, please review the Limited English Proficiency Policy. Limited language proficiency is not covered by the ADA.

Important Information About the Request Process:

Gather documentation before submitting your request.
Request accommodations before you register for the exam.
Submit a new request for each exam attempt.
Request accommodations for exams at a test center at least 45 days in advance (Test Center Locator).
Request accommodations for online exams at least 5 days in advance.
Note the following accommodations are only available at test centers:
- Special software or equipment
- Professional reader or recorder
Call 210-489-1461 if you have questions or concerns. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday–Friday except Federal holidays.

Examples of Accepted Documentation

Recommendations by qualified professionals
Proof of past testing accommodations
Documented observations by educators
Results of psycho-educational or other professional evaluations
An applicant’s statement of his or her history regarding testing accommodations

Important Notes

Requests are not complete until Support confirms that sufficient documentation has been provided.
Online exams are proctored remotely using software that blocks all other computer applications. Screen reader or screen magnification programs will not function during online exams.
Online exam candidates must provide their own equipment.
Candidates should contact Support immediately if canceling or rescheduling a test center exam with accommodations.
Call 210-489-1461 if you have questions. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday–Friday except Federal holidays.

View User Account Support

< User Account Support

Exam Related Topics

Learn about the process

Proctoring & Rules

Additional Exam Help

Limited Language & Accommodations

Learn About The Process

Accessing the exam

To access the online certification exam, to download Sentinel Secure, and to create your Biometrics Profile, you must be signed into your account on HUDHousingCounselors.com.

Please contact Kryterion Support if you experience issues with Sentinel, biometrics, or exam launch.

Appointment details

Changing Online/Onsite Registration

Exam registration, cancellations, and changes are handled through your account on HUDHousingCounselors.com.

Be sure to review the No Shows and Cancellations Policy prior to making changes.

Feedback and scoring

Note: The minimum passing score is 500. Test takers do not receive information on topic area weighting with their exam scores. For most information, please visit the HUD FAQ on scaled scoring.

System & webcam requirements

Review the webcam requirements. NOTE: Beginning August 6, 2020, HUD will accept any camera for the online exam. An external camera will no longer be required until further notice.
Visit Online Testing Requirements to check equipment compatibility for webcam, microphone, and internet speed
Test browser functionality of the exam Calculator provided onscreen during the exam

HUDHousingCounselors.com cannot provide a webcam. You will not need a webcam if you choose to take the Certification Exam at a test center.

FHA Connection

Questions regarding the application process for HUD Certified Housing Counselor certification must be submitted to housing.counseling@hud.gov with subject line “FHAC."

For additional steps to certification visit the HUD Exchange website and view the HUD Certified Housing Counselor Application Process.

Certificates are available to print after the candidate's employment is verified in FHA Connection. Find instructions for printing your certificate here.

Transferring HECM Exam results to FHA Connection

Proctoring and Rules

Proctoring online

If you experience issues with exam set up, launch, or during your exam, contact Kryterion Support immediately:

Live Chat for URGENT Assistance: Go to Online Proctoring Support, then select “Chat with an Expert" near the bottom of the screen. You may need to exit the exam page and access the link in a new window. After you enter your name and email address, the system should tell you how many people are ahead of you. Please wait for a Kryterion technician for assistance.
Webform: Go to Contact Support, then complete the form, including a detailed description, and submit. Webform responses may take up to 72 hours.

Candidates may experience long wait times for support during times of high volume. If your exam times out while you are waiting for support, Kryterion should reschedule you at no charge.

Proctoring Onsite Kryterion Test Centers

For any additional questions relating to Kryterion Testing Centers, please visit the Kryterion FAQ page, Kryterion Support and select Onsite Proctoring or Chat with an Expert.

Technical Issue Assistance - Instructions & Rules

Launching the exam symbolizes your signature and acceptance of the following terms:

Note: Exam sessions may be recorded.

Additional Exam Help

Advice for a Successful Test Center Exam

Print your Assessment Confirmation Email and bring it with you to your exam
Verify both Primary Photo ID and Secondary ID are valid (not expired) and will be valid on test date
Arrive up to 15 minutes early for your exam
Be prepared for test center staff to secure all of your personal items in a locker during your exam
Be prepared to remove your glasses briefly for examination by test center staff
Request assistance from test center staff immediately if you encounter any technical issues during the exam

View additional Certification Exam - Group Testing Events Information.

Advice for a Successful Online Exam

Download Sentinel Secure from the Exam Status Center, create your Biometrics Profile, and test your equipment at least one day before your exam.
Some candidates may require assistance from their IT Department to install Sentinel Secure and troubleshoot any network or equipment issues.
Exams should be launched at least 10 minutes before the appointment time, but may be launched up to 20 minutes after.
Upon launching, you will be queued up for the next available proctor and alerted when a proctor becomes available.
The proctor will communicate with you through a chat feature on the computer. Be prepared for possible interruptions by proctor requests during the exam.
Prepare to work with the proctor before beginning the exam to ensure the testing environment and camera placement are in compliance.
Use a camera stand to allow for quick adjustments to camera placement. Make sure the camera view includes your eyes, hands, keyboard, and mouse. (Beginning August 6, 2020 an external webcam is no longer required. HUD will accept any camera).
If you wear glasses, the proctor will ask you to remove them and present them for inspection through the camera.
Make sure the testing room is well lit, quiet, and free from distraction.
Ensure your testing surface is clutter-free and contains only one computer, one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse (online proctored exams).

View additional Tips for a Successful Online Exam.

Additional Guidance About the Exam

Do not read the exam aloud.
Do not interact with another individual during your test session.
Do not leave your workstation or take a break for any reason. If you leave the workstation during the exam, Kryterion is obligated to inform your test sponsor and may suspend your exam.
Candidates are not allowed access to or use of books, paper, reference material, or writing utensils during the exam. (Candidates will have access to an online calculator during the exam).
Electronic devices, including telephones, cameras, signaling devices, pagers, alarms, and recording/playback devices of any kind are not permitted.
Remove all items from your neck and wrist. Watches, bracelets, and necklaces are not permitted during testing.
No questions concerning the content of the exam may be asked during the examination period. Listen carefully to the directions and carefully read the directions shown on the computer monitor.
No examination materials, documents, or memoranda of any type may leave the testing room.

Limited Language & Accomodations

Limited English Proficiency

Limitadong kasanayan sa ingles | 제한된 영어 능력 | Trình độ tiếng anh hạn chế

Maîtrise limitée de l'anglais | 英语水平有限 | Konpetans angle limite

참고: 한국어가 모국어인 경우 시험이 한국어로 제공되므로 언어 편의 시설을 이용할 수 없습니다.

XIN LƯU Ý: Nếu tiếng Việt là ngôn ngữ chính của bạn, bạn không đủ điều kiện để được hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ vì kỳ thi có sẵn bằng tiếng Việt.

请注意：如果简体中文是您的主要语言，则您没有资格获得语言便利，因为考试以简体中文提供。

TENGA EN CUENTA: Si el español es su idioma principal, no es elegible para una adaptación de idioma porque el examen está disponible en español.

Please call 210-489-1461 if you require assistance. Support is available 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday – Friday except federal holidays.

Materials en Español - Training

HUDHousingCounselors.com provides access to training and exam materials in Spanish. Sign into your account and take the following steps to access each component.

Training - Select “Training Center” at the top of the page. Then, select "en español" to find the Study Guide in Spanish.
Practice Exam - Select “Training Center” at the top of the page. Then, select "Take Practice Exam" to take the practice exam or learn more.
Certification Exam - Select Begin Exam Registration in the "Countdown to Your Exam!" section of your User Profile Dashboard.

Reasonable Accommodations (ADA related)

Reasonable accommodations are provided to eligible test takers in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Before completing the Reasonable Accommodations Request Form, please review the information below. Requests that do not comply with the guidance below may not be approved.

If you seek extra time due to limited language proficiency, please review the Limited English Proficiency Policy. Limited language proficiency is not covered by the ADA.

Important Information About the Request Process:

Gather documentation before submitting your request.
Request accommodations before you register for the exam.
Submit a new request for each exam attempt.
Request accommodations for exams at a test center at least 45 days in advance (Test Center Locator).
Request accommodations for online exams at least 5 days in advance.
Note the following accommodations are only available at test centers:
- Special software or equipment
- Professional reader or recorder
Call 210-489-1461 if you have questions or concerns. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday–Friday except Federal holidays.

Examples of Accepted Documentation

Recommendations by qualified professionals
Proof of past testing accommodations
Documented observations by educators
Results of psycho-educational or other professional evaluations
An applicant’s statement of his or her history regarding testing accommodations

Important Notes

Requests are not complete until Support confirms that sufficient documentation has been provided.
Online exams are proctored remotely using software that blocks all other computer applications. Screen reader or screen magnification programs will not function during online exams.
Online exam candidates must provide their own equipment.
Candidates should contact Support immediately if canceling or rescheduling a test center exam with accommodations.
Call 210-489-1461 if you have questions. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday–Friday except Federal holidays.

View User Account Support

HUD Housing Counselors

HUD Housing Counselors

Learn About The Process

Accessing the exam

Appointment details

Changing Online/Onsite Registration

Feedback and scoring

System & webcam requirements

FHA Connection

Transferring HECM Exam results to FHA Connection

Proctoring and Rules

Proctoring online

Proctoring Onsite Kryterion Test Centers

Technical Issue Assistance - Instructions & Rules

Additional Exam Help

Advice for a Successful Test Center Exam

Advice for a Successful Online Exam

Additional Guidance About the Exam

Limited Language & Accomodations

Limited English Proficiency

Materials en Español - Training

Reasonable Accommodations (ADA related)

Learn About The Process

Accessing the exam

Appointment details

Changing Online/Onsite Registration

Feedback and scoring

System & webcam requirements

FHA Connection

Transferring HECM Exam results to FHA Connection

Proctoring and Rules

Proctoring online

Proctoring Onsite Kryterion Test Centers

Technical Issue Assistance - Instructions & Rules

Additional Exam Help

Advice for a Successful Test Center Exam

Advice for a Successful Online Exam

Additional Guidance About the Exam

Limited Language & Accomodations

Limited English Proficiency

Materials en Español - Training

Reasonable Accommodations (ADA related)

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