Nan Mckay Housing Choice Voucher
Specialist Exam | 2026 UPDATE | ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | GRADED A+||
PASS!!
Terminations - HCV violation, lease termination, HAP contract
termination
Certification of preference + waitlist addition - ANSWERS-At time of
initial app, need only certify preference eligibility (not verify)
Place on waitlist according to preference claimed
eligibility verification requirement: X number of days - ANSWERS-60
day window to obtain verification docs
elderly family: - ANSWERS-head or spouse is 62+
disabled family: - ANSWERS-head/spouse is disabled
two+ people in hh are disabled
,one+ people w/ one+ live-in aides
exemptions from SSN disclosure - ANSWERS-Noncontending family
member (someone not declaring citizenship/eligible non-citizen status)
Noncontending family member - ANSWERS-someone not declaring
citizenship/eligible non-citizen status
exempt from SSN disclosure
Mixed family - ANSWERS-Citizens + eligible noncitizens/non-eligible
non-citizens
To declare citizenship/national status: - ANSWERS-complete signed
declaration (section 214 status)
Section 214 - ANSWERS-to declare citizenship/national status
Owner responsibilities - ANSWERS-Selects and screens tenants
Enforces lease
State responsibilities - ANSWERS-Passes legislation establishing PHAS
PHA administrative plan - ANSWERS-establishes local policies for
administering the HCV program
,HUD vs ADA definition of disability - ANSWERS-HUD definition is more
specific, used for eligibility determination and allowances/deductions
ADA definition - broader, used for reasonable accommodations
Live in aide - ANSWERS-would not be living in the unit except to
provide necessary supportive services
Occupancy cycle - ANSWERS-Intake - preapplication, waiting list,
needs estimation, final eligibility determination
Initial lease-up - briefing & voucher issuance, RFTA and lease approval
submitted, HQS inspection, approval & execution, moves
Annual Activities - recerts, HQS (biennially), rent adjustment
Moves
Interim activities - interem recerts, HQS compliance
When is income eligibility not tested? - ANSWERS-After lease-
up/admission
, Student rule for eligibility - ANSWERS-Cannot give assistance to
someone who:
• Is enrolled as a student at an
institution of higher education;
• Is under the age of 24;
• Is not a veteran of the United
States military;
• Is unmarried;
• Does not have a dependent
child;
• Is not a person with disabilities,
• Student and parents are both income eligible (80% AMI) or student is
independent/absent from their parents
Before beginning denial on basis of criminal/sex-offender status, PHA
must - ANSWERS-Notify household and provide an opportunity to
dispute
PHA must deny if applicant fails to: - ANSWERS-sign consent forms
not disclose SSN
no citizens/eligible nationals
PHA may deny for - ANSWERS-debts owed
Specialist Exam | 2026 UPDATE | ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | GRADED A+||
PASS!!
Terminations - HCV violation, lease termination, HAP contract
termination
Certification of preference + waitlist addition - ANSWERS-At time of
initial app, need only certify preference eligibility (not verify)
Place on waitlist according to preference claimed
eligibility verification requirement: X number of days - ANSWERS-60
day window to obtain verification docs
elderly family: - ANSWERS-head or spouse is 62+
disabled family: - ANSWERS-head/spouse is disabled
two+ people in hh are disabled
,one+ people w/ one+ live-in aides
exemptions from SSN disclosure - ANSWERS-Noncontending family
member (someone not declaring citizenship/eligible non-citizen status)
Noncontending family member - ANSWERS-someone not declaring
citizenship/eligible non-citizen status
exempt from SSN disclosure
Mixed family - ANSWERS-Citizens + eligible noncitizens/non-eligible
non-citizens
To declare citizenship/national status: - ANSWERS-complete signed
declaration (section 214 status)
Section 214 - ANSWERS-to declare citizenship/national status
Owner responsibilities - ANSWERS-Selects and screens tenants
Enforces lease
State responsibilities - ANSWERS-Passes legislation establishing PHAS
PHA administrative plan - ANSWERS-establishes local policies for
administering the HCV program
,HUD vs ADA definition of disability - ANSWERS-HUD definition is more
specific, used for eligibility determination and allowances/deductions
ADA definition - broader, used for reasonable accommodations
Live in aide - ANSWERS-would not be living in the unit except to
provide necessary supportive services
Occupancy cycle - ANSWERS-Intake - preapplication, waiting list,
needs estimation, final eligibility determination
Initial lease-up - briefing & voucher issuance, RFTA and lease approval
submitted, HQS inspection, approval & execution, moves
Annual Activities - recerts, HQS (biennially), rent adjustment
Moves
Interim activities - interem recerts, HQS compliance
When is income eligibility not tested? - ANSWERS-After lease-
up/admission
, Student rule for eligibility - ANSWERS-Cannot give assistance to
someone who:
• Is enrolled as a student at an
institution of higher education;
• Is under the age of 24;
• Is not a veteran of the United
States military;
• Is unmarried;
• Does not have a dependent
child;
• Is not a person with disabilities,
• Student and parents are both income eligible (80% AMI) or student is
independent/absent from their parents
Before beginning denial on basis of criminal/sex-offender status, PHA
must - ANSWERS-Notify household and provide an opportunity to
dispute
PHA must deny if applicant fails to: - ANSWERS-sign consent forms
not disclose SSN
no citizens/eligible nationals
PHA may deny for - ANSWERS-debts owed
