EARNING THE CHA CREDENTIAL

Earn Your Certification

Applicant Responsibilities for Homelessness Advocate Certification:

Review the complete Candidate Handbook thoroughly. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and comprehended the policies detailed in this Handbook.
Complete the online application, which includes providing two (2) letters of recommendation. Additionally, candidates opting for the ‘Equivalent Experience’ pathway must furnish a written narrative outlining their homelessness advocacy experience (whether paid or volunteer). This narrative should incorporate at least five (5) citations from the list of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities statements.
Expect notification from the Homelessness Advocate Certification Board (HACB) via email within five (5) business days. This notification will specify whether your application has been accepted, denied, or requires further information.
Upon approval of your application, you will receive an examination scheduling authorization notice.
If your application is deemed incomplete due to missing information, follow the provided instructions to rectify the deficiencies and resubmit the application.
In case your application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision.

Are you Eligible to Apply

Eligibility for Homelessness Advocate Certification:

Eligibility for the Homelessness Advocate Certification is based on a combination of education and experience. However, seasoned practitioners have the option to request eligibility based on experience alone. Detailed eligibility information is available in the Eligibility section.

All candidates are required to complete the self-assessment quiz. It serves as a guide to assess readiness for the certification exam. Please note that your score on the self-assessment quiz is solely collected for data purposes by the Homelessness Advocate Certification Board (HACB) and does not impact your eligibility.

Eligibility Pathways:

Education Pathway: Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree or its international equivalent.
Equivalent Experience Pathway: Candidates with relevant experience (whether paid or volunteer) can apply for eligibility based on experience alone. Written documentation of experience is required. Refer to the HACB website for examples of acceptable documentation

Moral Character Assessment for Homelessness Advocate Certification:

As part of your application for Homelessness Advocate Certification, you are required to complete the following Disclosure Questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, you must provide a detailed written explanation. Additional information may be requested during the review of your application.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
Within the last 10 years, have you been a defendant or respondent in any criminal action related to your professional or business conduct, or are you currently named as a party in any such action?
Within the last 10 years, have you been a defendant or respondent in a civil action, such as a lawsuit, arbitration, or mediation related to your professional or business conduct, or are you currently named as a party in any such action?
Within the last 10 years, has any governmental, regulatory, or administrative body denied, suspended, revoked, or restricted your license, permit, certificate, registration, or membership, or have you been censured, fined, restricted, or reprimanded by such body?
Within the last 10 years, have you been named as the subject of an investigation or complaint by any governmental, regulatory, or administrative body?
Within the last 10 years, have you been censured, fined, reprimanded, or otherwise disciplined by any professional credentialing organization to which you belong or belonged, or has such organization named you as the subject of an investigation or complaint?
Have you ever been convicted of violating any law or ordinance related to the use, possession, or sale of drugs or alcohol?
Have you ever been convicted of violating any statute or ordinance related to sexual assault, abuse, molestation, indecent solicitation, obscenity, or similar immoral acts?

See the Candidate Handbook for complete details regarding application fees. See the Continuing Education Handbook for complete details regarding Recertification fees.

*Revised for renewals due in 2024 and later.

Submit the Application for Homelessness Advocate Certification

Apply Online

By submitting an application for Homelessness Advocate Certification, you affirm that you have thoroughly reviewed the entire Candidate Handbook and agree to adhere to all outlined policies. HACB is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of candidate data and information in accordance with our privacy policy.

To apply online, you will need to Register online and pay exam Registration fee .access your account on the HACB online portal hosted by Exam.net If you are a new applicant, you must create a profile in the portal using the following steps:

Visit the login page at: Exam.net
Fill out the Exam key that is provided to your email prior to the exam date
Once logged in, you should arrive at your Dashboard. Click on taking the exam, fill out and answer all questions based on your perspective as an advocate of homelessness.
Submit and wait for the result 14 days after the chosen exam date.