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How to become a Certified 203k Contractor®

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  • How to become a Certified 203k Contractor®

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The process of becoming a Certified 203k Contractor® starts here.

To apply for the accreditation as a Certified 203k Contractor®, a contractor must fully understand the requirements of the FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Program by completing the 203k Contractor Education Course. 

The 203k Contractor Education Course is a prerequisite to earning the accreditation as a Certified 203k Contractor®. The FHA 203k underwent major changes on November 4, 2024, and the education course will allow you to be up-to-date on the current 203k guidelines.

The 203k Contractor Certification Program is the standardized process by which contractors become educated on the 203k and the only process by which contractors become Certified 203k Contractors®. 

Complete the 3 steps below to become a Certified 203k Contractor®.

  1. Answer 5 questions (only takes 30-seconds) to see if your company meets the minimum requirements before you apply.
  2. Read the requirements in Sections I-V.
  3. Complete the online application at the bottom of this page.

Step 1 of 3: Does your company qualify?

203k Contractor Qualifier

Answer 5 questions to see if you qualify to apply (30 seconds)

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1) Does your company meet the license/registration requirements for the area(s) it services?
(Some states or cities do not require certain contractors to be licensed/registered)
2) Does your company have an active General Liability Insurance policy of at least $500,000?
3) Can your company provide a minimum of 3 residential homeowner customers who hired your company directly during the previous 12 months?
4) Does your company have $15,000 working capital (cash reserves and/or lines of credit, such as credit cards, building suppliers, etc.) to start a small-medium project ($75k max) with no deposits from the customer?
5) Does your company have $30,000 working capital (cash reserves and/or lines of credit, such as credit cards, building suppliers, etc.) to start a medium-large project ($75k+) with no deposits from the customer?

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Step 2 of 3: Read the Requirements (Sections I-V)

I. Introduction

The FHA 203k was created in 1978 as a method to manage and dispose of HUD owned muti-family projects. Since then, the 203k has changed many times ... most recently in November 2024.

The 203k Contractor Certification Program provides the most recent up to date guidelines.

The 203k Contractor Certification Program is chartered with the responsibility of properly educating & preparing contractors to work within the guidelines of the FHA 203k Rehabilitation Loan and completing it is a prerequisite to getting listed in the 203k Contractor Directory.

Contractors will receive the necessary knowledge to master their role as a Certified 203k Contractor® allowing them to properly and efficiently participate with 203k renovation jobs & will  also be connected with customers, lenders, sellers, and Realtors® who need a Certified 203k Contractor®.

II. Certification Process

The 203k Contractor Certification process consists of the following:

  1. Contractor applicants must read the all the information provided on this page (Sections I-V), prior to completing the online application form below.
  2. Contractor applicants must read the About and FAQ pages.
  3. Contractor applicants should add info@203kContractors.com as a safe/approve email sender to their email account to avoid important emails going to junk/spam and to ensure they receive the necessary communication.
  4. Contractor applicants may then complete the online application request below.
  5. Contractor applicants will receive login instructions within 1 (one) business day to access the 203k Contractor Education Program.
  6. Contractor applicants then complete the course 203k test (minimum passing score is 80%).
  7. Contractor applicants will submit their references, credentials, and experience to be verified.
  8. Contractor applicants will make their listing selection for the 203k Contractor Directory.
  9. Contractor applicants will complete the Listing Agreement Packet, the final step to becoming a Certified 203k Contractor®.

III. Education Course

The 203k Contractor Education Course fee is $975 and teaches the new FHA 203k rules that are effective November 4, 2024. If you need access to the course containing the former guidelines (for 203k loans that started prior to Nov 4, 2024), please make that known when you complete the online application form.

Because the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor® is earned and retained by the company and is not associated with a person, the 203k Contractor Education Course must be completed by the owner/principal of the company or the individual who holds the contractor license (applicable in areas where licensing is required for contractors).

The 203k Contractor Education Course includes:

  • The 140-page Certified 203k Contractor® Training Manual,
  • 203k Education Course (3.5-hours total separated into 15 sessions),
  • HUD/FHA  203k Updates Guide, and
  • The 100-question, open book, multiple choice test on the 203k guidelines

Minimum passing grade is 80%.

Additional employees (company staff only) are also encouraged to complete the 203k Contractor Education Course (no additional fee).

Contractor applicants will have a maximum of 30 calendar days to complete the education course, which begins the day the application form below is submitted. The average time it takes to complete the education course requirements is 10-12 hours.

IV. Continuing Education

Continuing education is free, quarterly, takes about 45 minutes each time, and required in order to retain the accreditation as a Certified 203k Contractor®.

V. Benefits

  • Extensive education on the FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan Program
  • Notifications of any changes to FHA guidelines that effect the 203k
  • Validate contractor's knowledge, understanding and/or experience with the FHA 203k Loan
  • Free listing in the 203k Contractor Directory
  • Designated as a Certified 203k Contractor®
  • Connected with all of the Mortgage Lenders who do FHA 203k Loans
  • Connected with all of the FHA 203k Consultants
  • FHA 203k marketing materials, such as:
    • Certificate of Accreditation
    • Certified 203k Contractor® Logo
    • Press Release about becoming a Certified 203k Contractor®
    • "Benefits of the FHA 203k Loan" brochures (customized with contractor's information)
    • FHA 203k marketing pieces for your industry partners (Lenders and Realtors®)
    • FHA 203k Marketing Webinar
  • Assistance with becoming an FHA 203k Consultant
  • Continuing Education opportunities
  • 203k Real Estate CE Classes for your Realtor® and Lender partners conducted by Paul Welden, Director 203k Contractor Program, who has been a licensed Real Estate Agent since 2005
  • Free support and assistance with FHA or 203k related items

*** Proceed to Step 3 (Application) below ***

Step 3 of 3: Certified 203k Contractor® Application

Certified 203k Contractor Application

(The application form will take approximately 10 minutes to complete)

  • Begin
  • I. Contractor Information
  • II. Description
  • III. Education Course
  • IV. Vetting Process
  • V. Compensation
  • VI. Timelines
    • VII. Apply for Certification
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