Designations

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

Get the technical, business management and customer service skills essential for competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry. This program provides comprehensive, practical market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging-in-place.

In this three-day program, CAPS instructors teach the strategies and techniques for marketing, designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments. This program goes beyond universal design; CAPS addresses the communication and technical needs of this market. CAPS adds value to that knowledge by providing insights into marketing and working with the demographic group.

Benefits of CAPS designation:

  • Recognition for completing the only designation program in the country dedicated to improving the knowledge of remodelers who want to serve the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling market.
  • Marketing and customer service tools to gain access to the burgeoning aging-in-place market.
  • The technical knowledge to solve the remodeling needs of the aging-in-place population.
  • Greater understanding of the aging-in-place population.
  • Official CAPS certificate, press release and lapel pin identifying your accomplishment.

Curriculum and other requirements

Required courses (three)

  • Marketing and Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (SM 550)
  • Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (DA 520)
  • Business Management for Building Professionals* (BM 500)

* Holders of the following designations are exempt from the Business Management for Building Professionals requirement: GMB, CGR, CGB, CGA, CR, CKD, CBD, ASID, AIA and GRI. Other exemptions are determined on a case by case basis.

Continuing education requirements

Designation holders are required to earn a total of 12 hours of continuing education every three years. Recertification candidates are required to earn six hours through academic coursework and an additional six hours through industry education and activities, for a total of 12 hours. A total of six hours is required to be earned by completing a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) University of Housing course that is at least six hours in length. Recertification candidates are required to earn the remaining six hours from the options outlined below. Candidates may earn their hours in any combination within the maximum hour limits for each section.

A maximum of six hours can be earned through attending or presenting educational programs at national meetings or regional trade shows. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Local homebuilders association educational programs
  • NAHB International Builders Show
  • Other national industry conventions

Community service

A maximum of two hours can be earned by participating in community service projects. Community service projects can include any work done for the public good without compensation.