Quick Knowledge Check!

You’ve reviewed the basics — now let’s see what you remember.

This short knowledge check is designed for new Public Housing Authority staff and anyone who wants a quick refresher on foundational PHA concepts.

Questions

1. What does PHA stand for?

A. Public Housing Administration

B. Public Housing Authority

C. Property Housing Agency

D. Public HUD Association

2. Which document generally governs admissions and continued occupancy for a Public Housing program?

A. Administrative Plan

B. ACOP

C. SEMAP

D. HUD-50058

3. Which document generally governs a PHA’s Housing Choice Voucher program?

A. Administrative Plan

B. ACOP

C. Capital Fund Plan

D. Tenant Lease

4. True or False:

Every reported household change automatically requires an interim reexamination.

5. When reviewing income, what three basic questions should staff ask?

A. Who reported it, when was it received, and who approved it?

B. What income is received, is it included or excluded, and how should it be verified?

C. Is it taxable, recurring, and deposited electronically?

D. Has the resident received it before?

6. Why is file documentation important?

A. It helps another reviewer understand how and why a decision was made.

B. It replaces the need to follow agency policy.

C. It is only necessary when HUD requests it.

D. It is optional if the calculation is correct.

7. Which of the following may be used as part of the verification process, depending on HUD requirements and agency policy?

A. EIV

B. Tenant-provided documents

C. Third-party verification

D. Self-certification when permitted

E. All of the above

8. True or False:

If you worked at another PHA, you can assume your new agency follows the exact same local procedures.

9. What should a strong resident or participant notice clearly explain?

A. The decision

B. Why the decision was made

C. The effective date

D. Any required family action or applicable review rights

E. All of the above

10. What is one of the most important habits a new housing professional can develop?

A. Memorizing every HUD regulation immediately

B. Avoiding questions until fully trained

C. Knowing where to find reliable information and documenting decisions

D. Processing files as quickly as possible

Answer Key:

1. B — Public Housing Authority

2. B — ACOP. The Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy generally governs the Public Housing program.

3. A — Administrative Plan. The Administrative Plan establishes many of the local policies and procedures used to administer the HCV program.

4. False- Whether an interim must be processed depends on applicable HUD requirements and the agency’s approved policy.

5. B. Identify the income, determine whether it is included or excluded, and determine how it should be verified and documented.

6. A. A strong file should allow another staff member, supervisor, auditor, or reviewer to understand the decision without needing the original processor to explain it.

7. E — All of the above

8. False- HUD establishes federal requirements, but local policies and procedures can differ from one agency to another.

9. E — All of the above

10. C.  You do not have to memorize everything. Learn where to find reliable guidance, understand your agency’s policy, and document your decisions.

How Did You Do?

9–10 Correct — Strong Start! You have a solid understanding of the public housing basics. Keep building on that foundation.

7–8 Correct — You’re Getting There! You understand the key concepts. Review the areas you missed and keep learning.

5–6 Correct — Keep Building! That’s exactly what the New Employee Corner is for. Revisit the basics and try again.

0–4 Correct — Start With the Foundation No problem — public housing has a learning curve. Return to “New to Public Housing? Start Here!” and work through the concepts one section at a time. Call me if you need help!

One Last Question!

Could someone review one of your files today and clearly understand what happened, why the decision was made, and what documentation supported it?

That is one of the best compliance questions you can learn to ask.

Keep learning. Keep asking questions. Keep strengthening the file.

This Quick Knowledge Check is an educational resource from Virginia Viles Services, LLC and is intended for general staff training. Always follow current HUD requirements and your agency’s approved policies and procedures.