HACB

  • HOME
       WHAT IS HACB

      Our Vission, Our Mission
      MAKING THE CASE FOR HOMELESSNESS ADVOCATE

      Who are the Homelessness advocates and what do they do?
      ETHICAL STANDARDS

      The Code of Ethics for HACB
      COMPETENCY AND BEST PRACTICES

      Required for Certified Homelessness Advocate
      J.E.D.I STATEMENT

      Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
  • GET CERTIFIED
       GET CERTIFIED

      Learn more about earning the CHA credential
      APPLICATION AND TESTING WINDOW

      Learn When to apply for each test cycle and fees
      ELIGIBILITY

      Learn more about earning the CHA credential
      EXAM INFORMATION

      Scheduling and taking the exam
      SCHOLARSHIPS

      CHA Scholarship Program Information
      FAQ'S

      Frequently asked Questions
  • STAY CERTIFIED​
       NEWLY CERTIFIED

      Learn how to get the most from earning the CHA credential

      CHA ACCESS PORTAL

      Self-reporting portal for recertification
      RENEWAL GUIDLINES

      Learn how to stay certified and renewal options
      LAPSED CERTIFICATION

      Learned about options for renewing or reinstating a lapsed certification
  • CONTACT

Learn About New Status Options

Inactive and Retired Status Now Available

Inactive
Retried

CHA-Retired Status in Homelessness Advocacy

Purpose:

The CHA-Retired status is designed for Certified Homelessness Advocates who have retired from active practice in homelessness advocacy but wish to maintain their connection to the profession. Individuals who meet the qualifications may utilize the CHA designation followed by (Retired) after their name. This status is renewable every three years and serves to acknowledge and honor individuals for their dedicated service to homelessness advocacy throughout their careers.

Policy

CHA-Retired may continue to serve in leadership roles and volunteer for committee and task force work.

Note: Individuals providing consulting or other services using the CHA credential are not eligible for retired status and should continue to maintain the CHA certification.

Eligibility

A CHA may go into ‘Retired’ status up to one year after the expiration date on their certificate. If a CHA has an expired certification and elects retirement status, the start date begins the date of payment (Retired Status Application). Individuals with an active certification who choose retirement status may apply any time, the start date of Retired status begins the day after the current certification expires.

Reactivation

A retired CHA who re-enters the workforce within three years from the date of retirement status and wishes to reinstate the full CHA credential, may apply for recertification by continuing education and pay the renewal fee.

A retired CHA who re-enters the workforce after more than three years from the date of retirement status must meet eligibility requirements at that time, pay applicable fees and achieve a passing score on the exam.

Fees

The initial application fee for Retired Status is $45.00. Attestation of retiree status is required annually, but no additional fees apply.

CHA Retired


CHA-Inactive

Purpose:

Inactive Status recognizes CHAs who are unable to meet the recertification requirements due to an unusual and/or extenuating circumstance.

Policy Regarding Inactive Status for Homelessness Advocates:

During the period of Inactive Status in homelessness advocacy:

  • The CHA designation cannot be utilized until it has been successfully reactivated.
  • Individuals holding inactive status are ineligible to serve in leadership roles or participate in committee work that requires the BCHA credential.
  • A homelessness advocate may hold Inactive status for a maximum of three years from the date of confirmed approval. Throughout this period, the certification will remain active, and the obligation to submit recertification credits and recertification fees will be suspended.
  • The advocate’s record will continue to be in good standing during the period of Inactive status.
  • No further extensions beyond the three-year period will be granted. If the credential is not reactivated within this timeframe, it will be revoked, and the advocate will be required to reapply under the qualification criteria in place at that time, along with paying the applicable fee for the examination.

This policy ensures that advocates in homelessness advocacy who temporarily transition to Inactive status adhere to specific guidelines, safeguarding the integrity of the certification while providing avenues for reactivation within a reasonable timeframe.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must hold a current CHA certification or one that has expired within the previous 12 months.
  • Current CHAs may submit the application at any time.
  • Applicants with an expired certification must submit the application for inactive status no later than 90 days before the end of 12-month expiration period. For example, a certificant whose cycle ends December 30, 2024, must apply for inactive status no later than September 30, 2024.

Reactivation

To reactivate the credential, a certificant holding inactive status must submit thirty eligible continuing education credits* and a completed reactivation application and reactivation fee. Criteria for reactivation must be accrued within the 3-year period immediately preceding reactivation. If approved, the new certification period will become effective for three years from the time of recertification

Fees

The initial application fee for Inactive Status is $50.00.

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CHA Inactive