Certified Specialist of Family Self-Sufficiency (CSFSS)
NAHRO’s Certified Specialist of Family Self-Sufficiency (CSFSS) designation demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills and ability necessary for:
- Identifying individual participant needs.
- Designing and developing an FSS program to meet the demands of participants.
- Accurately calculating escrow credits.
- Improving the image of the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing Programs through the FSS Program.
- Leveraging community resources by creating a robust Program Coordinating Committee (PCC).
- Establishing a non-profit organization to create self-sustaining support for FSS program operations.
How do I become a NAHRO Certified Specialist of Family Self-Sufficiency (CSFSS)?
NAHRO has two paths to becoming Certified! Please refer to the chart below to determine the path that works best for you.
Certification Requirements
| Education & Experience | High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 6 months of experience OR Associates Degree and above (6 months of experience not required) |
| Specialist Training | Completion of NAHRO’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Training |
| Ethics Training | Completion of NAHRO’s Ethics for Housing Professionals OR Ethics for Management Training |
| Exam | Passing score on NAHRO’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Certification Exam |
| Application | Submission of Certification Application |
Requirement to waive specialist training and sit for the exam:
To waive the specialist training requirement, participants must have five (5) or more years of experience working in the Family Self Sufficiency program (e.g., Coordinator, FSS Case Manager, or Eligibility Specialist) and demonstrated knowledge in all the following:
- Executing an Individual Training and Services Plan (ITSP) for every head of FSS family/each adult member of the FSS family that elects to participate in the FSS program.
- Securing services included in the participants’ Contracts of Participation and making certain those services are provided on a continuing, consistent, and satisfactory basis – including, but not limited to, education, financial education/management/coaching programs, health, employment, and job development through service delivery and/or leveraging partnerships with organizations/companies.
- Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the progress of participants fulfilling their responsibilities under each contract.
- Establishing and properly maintaining FSS escrow accounts for eligible families.
- Building partnerships with employers and service providers in the community.
- Working with an active Program Coordinating Committee (PCC).
NOTE: Individuals waiving the specialist training still have the following requirements:
| Education & Expereince | High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| Ethics Training | Completion of NAHRO’s Ethics for Housing Professionals OR Ethics for Management Training |
| Exam | Passing score on NAHRO’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Certification Exam |
| Application | Submission of Certification Application |
If you are unsure if you are eligible to waive the specialist training requirement, please email professionaldevelopment@nahro.org or call 202-589-7211.
All applicants must understand the importance of, and agree to adhere to, NAHRO’s Professional Code of Conduct.
Recertification
0.5 NAHRO CEUs (5 training hours) required every 3 years from date of certification
For further information regarding NAHRO Certification, contact: