203k Contractor Certification

I. Introduction
Becoming a Certified 203k Contractor by being approved to be listed on 203kContractors.com®, which is the National Directory of Certified 203k Contractors for the FHA 203k loan, involves education and testing as well as verification of credentials, references and work experience. The 203k Contractor Certification program enables contractors to have the knowledge necessary to master their role as a 203k Contractor, properly and efficiently participate with 203k renovation jobs and to connect with borrowers, lenders, sellers, asset managers and real estate agents who are in need of a Certified 203k Contractor.

The 203k Contractor Certification Program contains the education course for contractors for the FHA 203k loan and assures the borrowers, lenders, asset managers and Realtors® who recommend or use a Certified 203k Contractor of the most knowledgeable and experienced contractor for their FHA 203k loan needs. Developed to ensure that contractors are properly educated, prepared and informed on the complexities of the FHA Section 203k Rehabilitation Loan, this education-based program is a prerequisite to getting listed in the 203k Contractor Directory, thus earning the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor.

Because the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor is earned and retained by the company and is not associated with any one person, the 203k Contractor Education Course must be completed by the owner/principal of the company. Additional employees may also take the 203k Contractor Education Course, but at a minimum must be completed by the owner/principal.

Preferred 203k Lenders

II. Fee
The fee for the 203k Contractor Education Course is $425 for the company and includes the 3-hour 203k contractor education session (conducted online), 72-page 203k Contractor Manual and the 7-page 203k test. Additionally, personalized education sessions, conducted by the Director of Education (in person or web conferencing) are also available. Contractor applicants will be required to read the 72-page 203k Contractor Manual, complete the 3-hour education session, must pass the test with minimum 80% and then their formal 2-page application will be verified ($75 application fee). If the application is sufficiently verified and approved, the contractor company will be approved to be listed in the 203k Contractor Directory at no cost in one city-category, thus earning the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor. Selecting additional city-categories is optional. Additional employees (company staff only) are also strongly encouraged to complete the 203k Contractor Education Course (no extra fee).

III. 203K-Experienced Contractors
Contractors who are experienced with both versions of the 203k (Streamline and Standard/Full) may be permitted to bypass the required education program if the following requirements are met:

• Contractor must be lead contractor on minimum six completed 203k renovation jobs during the past twelve months
• Contractor’s extensive 203k experience with both versions must be verified by lenders, 203k Consultants, Realtors® and 203k borrowers
• The owner/principle must pass the 7-page 203k test with minimum 80% ($75 application fee applies). 

Approval to bypass the required 203k Contractor Education Course is rare and typically occurs less than 4 times each year. 203k-Experienced contractors always learn something new when taking the 203k Contractor Education Course, and contractors are encouraged to obtain the most complete and current information on how to properly participate with the 203k and efficiently integrate the 203k within their company. These standards ensure the integrity of the 203k Contractor Directory service and that all Certified 203k Contractors will fully succeed with their participation of the FHA Section 203k government insured renovation program. If you or your company will not benefit from this 203k education, already has the most complete understanding of the 203k and meets the above minimum requirements, you many add this bypass request to your online application request below.

IV. Process (must be completed within 30 calendar days)
The 203k Contractor Education, Certification and approval process consists of the following:

1. Contractor applicants must read the all the information provided on this page (Sections I-VI), prior to completing the online application request at end of page.
2. Contractor applicants must read the About and FAQ pages.
3. Contractor applicants must read the information regarding a contractor’s participation with the 203k found HERE on the FAQ page.
4. Contractor applicants must read the information regarding the compensation structure for contractors according to HUD guidelines found HERE.
5. Contractor applicants must add certification@203kContractors.com to their email address book to ensure they receive the necessary communication.
6. Contractor applicants may then complete the online application request below.
7. Contractor applicants will be contacted to complete their 10-15 minute initial phone consultation to ensure the contractor meets basic requirements.
8. Contractor applicants will receive instructions on how to proceed with the 203k Contractor Education Program or will receive instructions regarding how to bypass the Education course if minimum requirements have been met.
9. Contractor applicants then receive access to the online education portal where the course materials (Manual, Test, Application) can be downloaded and proceed to complete the 3-hour online education (divided into 17 sessions) where the details of the FHA 203k loan program will be learned. Reading of the 72-page 203k Contractor Manual first is strongly encouraged, because it will aide in your understanding and comprehension of the 3-hour online 203k education. 
   • Topics learned during the 203k Contractor Education Program include, but not limited to: HUD guidelines, Streamline guidelines, Standard/Full/Rehab guidelines, payment/draw structure, eligible and ineligible items, role of the 203k Consultant, lender overlays, minimum and maximum rehab limits for both 203k versions, time lines, recommended procedures, qualifying questions, bid/estimate process, uncovering lender overlays, paperwork, sample forms and contracts, FAQs, the business side of the 203k, qualifying borrowers, etc.
   • Question & Answer session with the Director of Education where the contractor’s questions are answered
10. Contractor applicants then complete and submit their 7-page 203k test (must pass with 80% or better) and their 2-page application with supporting documentation.
11. Upon passing the test with 80% or better, Contractor applicants will have their formal 2-page application verified, which lists their license information, insurance, business references (subcontractors, lenders, Realtors®, etc.), customer references and company financial information. Verification of information provided on application is required for certification.
12. Upon application approval, Contractor applicants will receive the packet of Certification papers to complete before the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor is issued. 

Because the 203k Loan has very specific Government and Lender time lines, contractor applicants must complete the 203k Contractor Certification process in a timely manner, which is actually part of the approval process. This permits contractors to get acclimated with the time lines inherent with the FHA 203k program. Once the online application request is submitted below, contractors will have a maximum of 30 calendar days to complete the steps listed above.

V. Benefits

• Extensive education on FHA’s Section 203k Rehabilitation Loan Program
• Validate your knowledge, understanding and/or experience with the FHA 203k Loan
• Listing in the 203k Contractor Directory.
• Connected with the National Directors for Renovation Lending for a some of the 203k Lenders (currently available in 39 states)
• Access to and connected with the local 203k lender offices in contractor’s service area
• Certified 203k Contractors receive various validation & marketing tools:
  • Certificate of Approval
  • Certified 203k Contractor Logo (Logo Licensing Agreement required)
  • Press Release
  • Benefits of the FHA 203k Loan Brochures (customizable with contractor’s contact information)
    
  • Customizable marketing pieces to help your industry partners (Lenders and Realtors®) with the 203k Loan
• Continuing Education opportunities (99% are free)
• Certified 203k Contractors receive free support and assistance with FHA or 203k related items
  

VI. Renewals

Certification is valid for one year. Routine follow-ups (monthly, quarterly and annually) are conducted on all Certified 203k Contractors to ensure appropriate retention of the 203k education and proper administration of the 203k, and continued education is required in order to retain the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor.

The online application request form below is for official application requests only.
Questions, comments or concerns must be addressed by calling the 203k contractor directory toll-free at (855) CALL-203K or the Contact page.

The online application request form above is for official application requests only.
Questions, comments or concerns must be addressed by calling the 203k contractor directory toll-free at (855) CALL-203K or the Contact page.

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