Chartered Institute Of Housing

CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services)

A nationally recognised qualification designed for professionals delivering independent living, sheltered housing and housing with care services, providing the knowledge and confidence to support older people to live safely, independently and well.

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Advance Your Career in Independent Living Services with our CIH Level 3 Certificate In Housing Services (ILS Pathway)

Invest In Your Future With Kingdom Academy's Trusted Programmes with the Chartered Institute Of Housing

The CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services) has been developed for professionals working within sheltered housing, retirement living, extra care and other independent living services. It provides the knowledge, skills and practical understanding needed to deliver high-quality, person-centred services that enable older people to live independently for longer.

At Kingdom Academy, we deliver this programme through a flexible, practical learning approach that combines expert tutor support with real-world application. Learners will develop expertise across safeguarding, customer engagement, legal responsibilities, service delivery and supporting independent living, giving them the confidence to provide outstanding services while progressing their careers within the housing sector.

Individual Enrolment Investment: £1695 +VAT

For groups of 12 or more, we offer an exclusive in-house training programme tailored to your organisation’s needs. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quotation.

Key benefits of the programme include:

  • Complete the qualification in approximately ten months.
  • Flexible roll-on, roll-off start dates
  • Delivered by experts with extensive experience across housing and independent living services.
  • Achievement rates exceeding the national average
  • A recognised qualification from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)

Why You Should Choose
Kingdom Academy...

Fast-track your career. Build your expertise. Make a difference with Kingdom Academy.

Who Is This Programme For?

The CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services) is designed specifically for professionals working within sheltered housing, retirement living, extra care and other independent living services. It develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver safe, effective and person-centred housing services while responding to the changing needs of an ageing population.

Whether you’re an Independent Living Coordinator, Scheme Manager, Sheltered Housing Officer, Retirement Housing Officer, Wellbeing Officer or Housing Officer supporting older people, this qualification will strengthen your knowledge, build your confidence and enhance your ability to deliver outstanding services. It is equally valuable for professionals looking to move into specialist independent living roles or those wanting to formalise their existing experience with a nationally recognised qualification.

Through a practical, real-world approach to learning, you’ll gain the expertise needed to support residents to live independently for longer, deliver high-quality services and progress your career within the independent living sector.

Your Learning Journey...

Stage One

Eligibility & Enrolment

Starting your journey right

  • Complete your enrolment process and receive all the necessary course materials.
  • Attend an induction session to understand the course structure, learning objectives, and assessment requirements.
  • Meet your dedicated Kingdom Academy tutor who will support you throughout the programme.

🔑 Key Outcome: Clear understanding of the programme and your pathway to success.

Stage One

Stage Two

Pre-Course Preparation

Setting yourself up for success

  • Access pre-course materials to familiarise yourself with key concepts.
  • Reflect on your current knowledge and experience to identify areas for development.
  • Set personal learning goals to maximise the impact of your studies.

🔑 Key Outcome: Prepared and ready to engage in your learning journey.

Stage Two

Stage Three

Core Learning Workshops

Throughout the programme, learners will take part in interactive workshops and tutorials covering the core knowledge required to deliver excellent independent living services. Learning combines legislation, best practice and practical application, ensuring learners can immediately apply their knowledge within the workplace.

📋 Key Topics Covered:

  • Professional Practice Skills for Housing
  • The Housing System
  • Involving Housing Service Users
  • Delivery of Housing Services
  • The Legal Framework
  • Occupancy, Tenure and Lettings
  • Independent Living for Older People
  • Safeguarding Adults with Care and Support Needs

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will develop the knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality independent living services, support older people effectively and contribute to positive outcomes for residents and communities.

Stage Three

Stage Four

Application in Practice

Learners will be encouraged to apply their new knowledge directly to their roles. This stage focuses on translating theory into practice with supporting residents, promoting independence, responding to changing needs and delivering person-centred housing services.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Applying new skills to workplace tasks
  • Managing tenancy agreements, rental income, and tenant engagement
  • Receiving feedback from mentors and colleagues

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will build confidence in their housing roles and see the real-world impact of their learning.

Stage Four

Stage Five

Assignments & Portfolio Development

Throughout the programme, learners will complete written assignments and build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their competency across the qualification standards.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Completing written assignments for each module
  • Collecting evidence of knowledge, skills, and behaviours
  • Documenting practical achievements and workplace applications

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will have a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their housing expertise and readiness for assessment.

Stage Five

Stage Six

Progress Reviews & Mentoring

Regular progress reviews with a Kingdom Academy mentor ensure learners stay on track and meet key milestones. These one-to-one sessions provide personalised guidance and support.

📋 What to Expect:

  • Regular one-to-one meetings with a mentor
  • Reviewing progress and setting next steps
  • Addressing challenges and identifying solutions

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will feel fully supported throughout their learning journey, with clear guidance to help them succeed.

Stage Six

Stage Seven

Final Submission & Qualification Award

Once learners have completed all assignments and their portfolio, they will make their final submission for review. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services)

📋 What to Expect:

  • Final submission of assignments and portfolio
  • Review by Kingdom Academy tutors
  • Official awarding of the qualification by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)

🔑 Key Outcome: Learners will achieve a recognised qualification that supports career progression and further study opportunities within the housing sector.

Stage Seven

Stage Eight

Post-Completion & Progression

What’s next?

  • Celebrate your achievement and reflect on your learning journey.
  • Explore opportunities for further development, such as progression to additional leadership training.
  • Apply your new skills to continue driving positive change in your organisation and the housing sector.

🔑 Key Outcome: Continued personal and professional growth beyond the qualification.

Stage Eight
CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services)

Accelerate your career in the housing sector by investing in your skills

Delivered through live workshops and practical assignments, the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services) is designed specifically for professionals working within independent living, sheltered housing and housing with care, this qualification develops the practical knowledge required to support older people while delivering safe, effective and person-centred services.

The eight core modules include:

  • Professional Practice Skills for Housing
  • The Housing System
  • Involving Housing Service Users
  • Delivery of Housing Services
  • The Legal Framework
  • Occupancy, Tenure & Lettings
  • Independent Living for Older People
  • Safeguarding adults with care and support needs

These specialist modules equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support older people to live independently, deliver high-quality housing services and respond confidently to the complex challenges faced within independent living settings. Learners leave with a nationally recognised qualification and the confidence to make a meaningful difference within their organisation and the lives of the people they support.

Testimonials

Flourished in my line of work...

"I have seen development in my confidence and have flourished in my line of work, the support from Kingdom Academy is undeniable in the help to peruse and achieve this qualification. The courses have helped develop a broad understanding of housing and how all the modules tie in together.

My ATC Wendy Gray was outstanding her support and advice helped my development throughout my apprenticeship this was paired with Angela Freemans expertise and valuable critical feedback in order to reflect and analyse ways of improvement in my assignments and building my knowledge within each specified area.
Mitchell Sutcliffe
2024

Essential Information

All the important information you need to move forward with confidence.

The CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services) is a nationally recognised qualification designed for professionals working within sheltered housing, retirement living, extra care and other independent living settings. It develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver safe, person-centred housing services that promote independence and wellbeing for older people.

This course is ideal for individuals already working in housing roles or those looking to progress into more senior positions. It’s particularly suited for:

  • Independent Living Coordinators
  • Sheltered Housing Officers
  • Retirement Housing Officers
  • Scheme Managers
  • Independent Living Managers
  • Housing Officers working with older people
  • Wellbeing Officers
  • Community Support Officers
  • Housing professionals moving into specialist independent living roles

The qualification is suitable for anyone looking to formalise their experience, improve their housing knowledge, or advance their career in the independent living sector.

The course is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining:

  • Interactive workshops
  • Self-directed study
  • One-to-one mentoring

Workshops are typically delivered at regular intervals to keep learners engaged and on track. The course also includes written assignments and practical activities to reinforce learning.

There are no formal entry requirements for the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice (Independent Living Services). However, it is recommended that learners have some experience working in housing or a related field to benefit fully from the course content.

The programme covers housing practice alongside specialist independent living topics including safeguarding adults, supporting older people, customer engagement, housing law, tenancy management and delivering high-quality independent living services.

  • Professional Practice Skills for Housing
  • The Housing System
  • Involving Housing Service Users
  • Delivery of Housing Services
  • The Legal Framework
  • Occupancy, Tenure and Lettings
  • Independent Living for Older People
  • Safeguarding Adults with Care and Support Needs

The qualification typically takes 10 months to complete. However, the timeline can vary based on the learner’s pace and availability to complete assignments.

Yes, this is a CIH-accredited qualification that is widely recognised across the housing sector. 

Learners are encouraged to apply their learning within their current role wherever possible. The qualification focuses on real workplace practice, helping learners develop practical skills that immediately benefit residents and their organisation.

Yes, Kingdom Academy offers in-house cohorts for organisations that wish to enrol multiple employees. This option can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the organisation.

After completing the Level 3 qualification, learners can progress to:

  • Progression to CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing
  • CIH Level 4 Senior Housing/Property Management Apprenticeship
  • Higher-level housing roles within the sector

These progression routes can help learners build their careers and take on more responsibility in housing management.

To apply for the course or learn more about upcoming start dates, please click the enrol button or  complete the enrolment enquiry form below, and a member of our team will get in touch with you to discuss your options and next steps.

Ready To Enrol?

To apply for the course or learn more about upcoming start dates, complete the enrolment enquiry form below, and a member of our team will get in touch with you to discuss your options and next steps.