*Please disregard the October 31st "Start Date." This training is on-demand and available immediately. You will have access to this class until you complete it. There is no deadline.*

Essentials of Rural Development

The purpose of our RD eLearning classes is to provide information for all interested personnel to successfully provide housing under HB-2-3560 regulations.

Class A – RD History and Introduction to 3560 Regulations

This foundational, first class in the Essentials of Rural Development course will explore the history and mission of the RD program, its regulations, and its programs. Learn about the 3560 and what it requires.

• Handbooks developed from 7 CFR 3560
• RD housing programs and regulations
• Property maintenance, affirmative marketing and civil rights

Time: Approximately 1 hour
Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Site staff, Management, Owners/Agents, Syndicators, Developers

Class B – Application Process and Eligibility Requirements

This is the second class in the Essentials of Rural Development course. The purpose of the RD application process is to determine applicant eligibility, provide complete information to RD, and rightfully determine waiting list placement. This class will explore the entire application process and the eligibility requirements to live at an RD property.

• Minimum application requirements, fees, and waiting lists
• Income limit types, application rejection, and agency review
• Types of eligibly, waivers, and occupancy/property rules

Time: Approximately 1 hour
Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Site staff, Management, Owners/Agents, Syndicators, Developers

Class C – Verifications

This is the third class in the Essentials of Rural Development course. The first step in a perfect application review is understanding how to properly obtain verifications for certifications and assets. The student will learn about Form 3560-8, collecting data, the interview process, and the requirements necessary to determine eligibility for new move-ins and recertifications.  

• Annual and adjusted income
• Interview and application process
• Verification requirements and lifespan 

Time: Approximately 1 hour
Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Site staff, Management, Owners/Agents, Syndicators, Developers

Class D – Earned and Unearned Income

This is the fourth class in the Essentials of Rural Development course. There are several types of earned and unearned income and knowing the differences and how to calculate them is critical. In this class, you will learn how to make these determinations for both new applicants and recertifications.

• Projecting income
• Various income types, including zero income
• Household size, who is counted, and how changes impact qualification 

Time: Approximately 1 hour
Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Site staff, Management, Owners/Agents, Syndicators, Developers

Class E – Asset Income

The fifth class in the Essentials of Rural Development course will cover asset income. Verifying a household’s assets is just as important as verifying their income. The student will learn about the various asset classes and how to factor them into a household’s eligibility.

• Asset exclusions, inclusions, and calculations 
• Imputing asset income
• Previously disposed assets

Time: Approximately 1 hour
Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Site staff, Management, Executives, Owners/Agents, Syndicators, Developers

Class F – Deductions and Rent Calculations

This is the final class in the Essentials of Rural Development course. There are several types of allowances for the RD program that can be deducted from an applicant’s income. Learn about deductions, calculating rent, and other final matters for qualifying a household, such as recertification, leasing, terminations, and the grievance process.

• Calculation allowances and deductions
• Determining rent
• Tenant warnings, lease terminations, and the grievance procedure

Time: Approximately 1 hour
Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Site staff, Management, Executives, Owners/Agents, Syndicators, Developers

Housing Compliance Manager of Rural Development “HCM-R” Designation Exam

The Housing Compliance Manager of Rural Development “HCM-R” designation exam is designed to help you take the next step in your career toward becoming a Rural Development professional. This 100-question exam is open-book. The class manuals from the Essentials of RD courses will be useful to have on hand when taking this exam. A score of 67% is required to pass.

Time: 3-hour limit
Level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Site staff, Management, Executives, Owners/Agents, Syndicators, Developers

Refund Policy:

• If notice of cancellation is received in the first 48 hours of purchase: Full refund
• If notice of cancellation is received in the first 48 hours of purchase but the class has already been started: No refund
• If notice of cancellation is received after 48 hours of purchase: No refund; funds can be applied to other staff or training, funds can be held as a credit for up to one year from original purchase date