Self-Paced HMIS Training for End Users Now Available
We’ve spent the last few months building a self-paced training tailored to meet the needs of our end users while maintaining our high standards for data collection and privacy. Quality, real-time data is a key component of our region’s strategy to end homelessness, and that data lives in HMIS. We hope this new process will make HMIS more accessible to agencies across the region so that we can make more data-driven decisions, together.
About the Training
The new HMIS training is self-paced rather than instructor-led. This allows us to increase the number of end users we train AND provides the end user with the flexibility to complete the training on their own terms. The content is spread over a minimum of 3 days to promote retention. End users do not have to complete the training on consecutive days and can take more than three days overall.
There are graded content reviews, interactive activities, and a final practical exam. All exams are graded as Pass/Fail. Users who pass all content reviews and the final practical exam receive an HMIS license for one year. End Users must take refresher training in the fall of each year to keep their license active.
Signing Up for Training
The new training will be rolled out in a phased approach beginning October 1, 2022. All staff will not have access immediately.
If you were previously enrolled, we will be evaluating your situation on an individual basis. Communications will be sent to each agency’s DPAL detailing the next steps for staff members.
If you were not previously enrolled, the DPAL (Data Partner Agency Liaison) at your agency is responsible for signing you up. A DPAL is the HMIS Team's contact at each agency.
Office Hours
Office Hours will replace the instructor-led portion of the training. This is a space to answer questions about training content. Check the calendar in the LMS (Learning Management Software) for updated meeting information.
Refresher Training
Every end user with an HMIS license is required to complete annual refresher training in the fall. The purpose of this training is to review changes to the mandatory HUD data reporting requirements.
End users who do not complete annual refresher training will be deactivated. These users must complete refresher training to re-activate their license, or else they must repeat the training course.
Note: We had to pause refresher training in 2022 so we could launch the new self-paced HMIS training. Refresher training for 2022 will take place in October. Our HMIS Team will reach out to your agency’s DPAL directly to get everyone scheduled. We thank you for your patience.
Partnering with HMIS
New to COHMIS or interested in using COHMIS at your organization? Learn more with our COHMIS New Agency Welcome Packet.