2. How do I submit comments on the Proposed Rule?
*Update – The comment period has closed. Comments are currently being reviewed and responses are being prepared for inclusion in the Final Rule.
3. I’ve already shared my comments about housing counselor certification during stakeholders meetings and discussions with my HUD Point of Contact. Is this sufficient input?
No. Comments must be submitted through www.regulations.gov or mailed to the address in Answer #1 in order to be evaluated for the final rule. As stated in Question 2 above, the comment period has closed.
From the Deputy Assistant Secretary
Housing counseling agencies have always had strong and innovative partnerships with other service providers in order to meet clients’ needs and achieve their housing goals. This edition of The Bridge features a myriad of partnerships and collaborations among housing counseling agencies and housing stakeholders including federal and state government agencies, REALTORS® and and real estate professionals, government-sponsored enterprises, community groups, faith-based organizations, and civic associations.
4. Will counselors be allowed to substitute prior education and/or certification from other organizations instead of passing the certification examination?
HUD cannot make this change by rulemaking. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) amended the Housing Counseling Statute by removing HUD’s discretion to certify counseling agencies or individual counselors. The Housing Counseling Statute now requires that all individuals that provide counseling for HUD Programs must be HUD-certified by way of passing a new written examination showing competency in each of the 6 areas prescribed.
5. What will the certification examination cover?
The Dodd-Frank Act mandates that housing counselors demonstrate, by written examination, competency to provide counseling in each of the following areas:
- Financial management.
- Property maintenance.
- Responsibilities of homeownership and tenancy.
- Fair housing laws and requirements.
- Housing affordability
- Avoidance of, and Responses to, rental and mortgage delinquency and avoidance of eviction and mortgage default.
6. Will I have to pass each module on the exam?
You must pass the exam demonstrating proficiency in all six Dodd-Frank competency areas.
8. When will I have to take the exam?
All counselors will be required to successfully complete the HUD Certification Exam within one year from the date of publication of the Final Rule to be eligible to continue providing housing counseling related to HUD programs.
9. Will I need to take the exam more than one time?
The Proposed Rule requires that an individual successfully pass the HUD Certification only once to become certified.
Housing Counseling & the CFPB
Washington, DC - In July 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the nation’s first federal agency whose sole focus is protecting consumers in the financial marketplace.
Since the Bureau opened its doors, it has concentrated on making consumer financial markets work better for the American people, and helping people improve their financial lives.
HUD's Office of Housing Counseling
#HUDCertifiedProud
Use #HUDCertifiedProud once you are HUD Certified!