According the the Government’s Final Rule, "entities and individuals providing housing counseling will have 36 months to be approved or certified by the Office of Housing Counseling.” As the exam became available in August of 2017, the 36-month period should cover until August of 2020, but candidates should always follow guidance from HUD and monitor the Office of Housing Counseling’s mailing list for updates or changes to this policy. To join the housing counseling mailing list, contact housing.counseling@hud.gov.