SPECIALIST Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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QUESTION 1
Which entity establishes the statutory authority for the Housing Choice Voucher
program?
A) Department of Education
B) United States Congress
C) Federal Reserve
D) Environmental Protection Agency
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The HCV program is authorized by Congress through the United States
Housing Act of 1937 and subsequent amendments.
QUESTION 2
HUDs primary role in the HCV program is to:
A) Directly manage all vouchers for families
B) Provide funding, set national policy, and oversee compliance
C) Conduct background checks on all owners
D) Set rent levels for every unit nationwide
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: HUD provides funding, develops regulations and procedures, contracts with
PHAs, and monitors PHA performance and compliance. PHAs are responsible for local
administration.
,QUESTION 3
The local policy document required of each PHA is commonly called the:
A) Administrative Plan
B) Lease Agreement
C) Fair Housing Manual
D) Utility Allowance Schedule
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Administrative Plan establishes the PHAs local policies and procedures
for administering the HCV program, as required by HUD.
QUESTION 4
Under the Fair Housing Act, which of the following is NOT a protected class?
A) Race
B) National origin
C) Marital status
D) Disability
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Fair Housing Acts protected classes include race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Marital status is not a federally protected
class.
QUESTION 5
Reasonable accommodation requests must be handled in a manner that is:
A) Delayed until the end of the lease term
B) Determined solely by the owners discretion
C) Prompt, effective, and without discrimination
D) Ignored if the tenant has a criminal record
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: PHAs and owners must respond promptly and effectively to reasonable
accommodation requests to ensure equal access for persons with disabilities.
,QUESTION 6
The form used to report family income and composition is the:
A) HUD-52517
B) HUD-9886
C) HUD-50058
D) HUD-52667
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The HUD-50058 is the Family Report form used to collect and report family
income, assets, and composition for the HCV program.
QUESTION 7
Which of the following is considered annual income for HCV eligibility purposes?
A) Temporary gifts from relatives
B) Welfare assistance payments
C) Student loans
D) Insurance claim settlements for property damage
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Annual income includes recurring amounts received from welfare
assistance, Social Security, employment, and other sources. Gifts and student loans are
generally excluded.
QUESTION 8
The payment standard is best defined as:
A) The actual rent charged by the owner
B) The maximum subsidy the PHA can pay for a unit size
C) The tenants total share of rent
D) The security deposit amount
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The payment standard is the maximum monthly subsidy the PHA can
provide for a unit of a particular size, based on the Fair Market Rent.
, QUESTION 9
A familys total tenant payment is calculated based on the highest of which four
amounts?
A) 10 percent of monthly income, 30 percent of adjusted income, welfare rent, or
minimum rent
B) 20 percent of gross income, 40 percent of adjusted income, utility allowance, or flat
rent
C) 30 percent of gross income, 10 percent of total assets, welfare rent, or maximum rent
D) 15 percent of monthly income, 25 percent of adjusted income, market rent, or flat
rent
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Total Tenant Payment is the highest of 10 percent of monthly income,
30 percent of adjusted monthly income, the welfare rent amount, or a PHA-established
minimum rent.
QUESTION 10
Which inspection standard is used to determine if a unit is decent, safe, and sanitary?
A) Uniform Physical Condition Standards
B) Housing Quality Standards
C) Building Safety Code
D) Local Zoning Ordinance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Housing Quality Standards are the minimum requirements set by HUD that
all HCV units must meet to pass inspection.
QUESTION 11
If a family fails to recertify their income before the annual deadline, the PHA may:
A) Immediately terminate their voucher
B) Terminate assistance after providing proper notice and an opportunity for a hearing
C) Reduce rent to zero
D) Send the family to a different PHA