Blogs| Top LIHTC Trainings and Certifications to Take in 2025
Written by
Sajan Sharma
Published
Jul 2, 2025
Topics
Affordable Housing
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) has shaped the landscape of affordable housing in the U.S. for nearly four decades. Since its inception in 1987, it has financed over 3.6 million affordable housing units, translating to approximately 50,000 quality homes completed each year.
As major LIHTC agreements begin to expire through the 2020s, an urgent need has emerged for well-trained professionals who can navigate complex compliance, evolving regulations, and preservation strategies.
Today, mastering LIHTC isn’t just beneficial. It has become essential. The regulatory landscape has grown more intricate than ever, with recent changes from the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) introducing critical updates to tenant qualification, asset counting, and income documentation.
Whether you’re a newcomer to affordable housing or a seasoned compliance specialist aiming to stay ahead, investing in training can make the difference between smooth operations and costly mistakes.
In this post, we spotlight the most trusted LIHTC trainings and courses for 2025, from flagship certification prep programs to bite-sized refresher sessions and hybrid options. Each one equips you with the experience, expertise, and credentials today’s housing professionals need to excel — and most are open now for registration.
Here’s a persona-driven guide to match professionals with the best LIHTC training based on experience, goals, and preferred learning style:
A one-day, entry-level training covering household qualification, recertifications, income/asset rules, and HOTMA basics. It is ideal for frontline staff and property managers.
A good mix of online/live instruction focusing on compliance fundamentals, Novogradac Property Compliance Certification (NPCC) credential prep, and common IRS audit pitfalls.
It is a comprehensive multi-day live instruction program culminating in the Spectrum C3P designation. It is great for structured learning.
These two-tier live-online certifications cover LIHTC regulations, advanced compliance, layered financing, and audit preparedness.
A 12-week on-demand + live Q&A program offering full HCCP exam prep, ideal for self-directed certification seekers.
A three-day virtual event with an HCCP-aligned curriculum addressing HOTMA, student eligibility, and income/assets.
A 2-day, in-person intensive covering key compliance concepts like eligible basis, applicable fraction, utility allowances, and asset/income calculations. It is designed for mid-to-senior professionals and includes the option to sit for the HCCP exam on Day 2.
This workshop is focused on credit calculations, 9% vs. 4% decisions, and carryover/10% and 50% tests for agency and developer professionals.
It covers key HOTMA changes affecting LIHTC and HUD programs, like income and asset limits, regulatory updates, compliance deadlines (as of July 1, 2025), and how to apply new rules in tenant certifications and recertifications.
It is in the modular format with twice-weekly video lessons, quizzes, and live office hours, available on your schedule.
It is a self-paced online modules that mimic live sessions but offer anytime access for busy professionals.
| Persona | Recommended Trainings |
| New to LIHTC | MLCM Basics, Novogradac Basic, and Spectrum C3P |
| Certification-Seeking | NCHM TCS/TCSA, Costello Hybrid, and US‑HC Virtual |
| Advanced Practitioner | MLCM Advanced and Novogradac Advanced |
| HOTMA Focus | Spectrum HOTMA and US‑HC HOTMA modules |
| Need Flexibility | Costello Hybrid and Spectrum On-Demand C3P |
When choosing the right LIHTC course, it’s essential to evaluate five key factors to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your needs and budget:
A live online or in-person boot camp makes sense if you work traditional business hours. However, if your schedule is more flexible or unpredictable, a self-paced or hybrid format like Costello’s 12-week program offers adaptability without sacrificing depth.
Look for trainers with real-world LIHTC experience, such as working directors or former auditors. Review attendee feedback. Go for high ratings for clarity and look for practical examples as they signal effective programs.
Verify that the course aligns with recognized designations like HCCP (e.g., US‑HC), TCS/TCSA (NCHM), NPCC (Novogradac), or C3P (Spectrum). Certifications add credibility and help build professional trust.
Effective training must cover HOTMA, IRS audit requirements (Form 8823 and Form 8609), and new income/asset rules. For example, Novogradac explains that HOTMA’s 2024 updates to tenant qualification are “among the most significant ever.” Costello’s workshop highlights the importance of referencing the IRS’s Section 42 and Form 8823 Audit Guides to bolster audit preparedness.
Include course fees, exam costs, travel, and time commitment. In general training, ROI can range from 300% to 500%, but focus on both tangible gains (salary bump, new roles) and intangible ones (confidence, job satisfaction).
Improved audit outcomes, faster compliance reviews, or reduced errors—just as corporate ROI models use metrics like performance gains per training dollar.
| Evaluation Factor | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
| Format & Schedule | Live, hybrid, or self-paced | Ensures course fits your availability |
| Trainer & Feedback | Expert instructors and positive testimonials | Delivers high-quality and practical instruction |
| Certification Credibility | HCCP, TCS/TCSA, NPCC, and C3P alignment | Boosts career credibility and advancement |
| Regulatory Updates | Includes HOTMA and IRS audit guidance | Keeps your compliance knowledge updated |
| Cost vs. Value | Total investment vs. career impact | Maximizes ROI, both financial and professional |
Investing in the right LIHTC training program can turbocharge your career, offering enhanced compliance confidence, recognized credentials, and the adaptability to tackle evolving regulations. As we’ve explored, each course aligns with a distinct professional profile:
The starting point is to select the right format, whether live, virtual, or self-paced. Consider certification value, instructor pedigree, regulatory relevance, and long-term return on investment. With over 3.6 million affordable homes built under LIHTC, ongoing policy evolution, and the influx of properties approaching the 15-year mark, well-trained professionals are essential guardians of compliance and continuity.
Ready to boost your impact on affordable housing? Explore the links to each course above, review upcoming dates and pricing, and register soon to secure your spot and early-bird rates. Your next training isn’t just a credential; it’s a career catalyst for preserving America’s affordable housing.
Fill in your email address to subscribe to our newsletter. Get expert insights, the latest LIHTC news, and valuable resources delivered directly to your inbox.
No spam—just valuable information.
