CAPS Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist


View a list of Members Who Hold CAPS Designations

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)CAPS

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. The NAHB RemodelorsTM Council, in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, developed this program to provide comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging-in-place.

What is aging-in-place?

In plain English, aging-in-place means remaining in one's home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one's maturing years, and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a "home" for a lifetime.

Why Earn the CAPS Designation?

The CAPS program will expand your understanding of the aging-in-place market, provide the necessary technical knowledge and resources, and give you the tools to gain access to that market.

Find Out How to Get Started

Benefits of the CAPS Designation

  • Recognition for completing the only national designation program 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
  • Technical knowledge to solve the remodeling needs of the aging-in-place population
  • Greater understanding of the aging-in-place population
  • Official CAPS certificate and lapel pin identifying your accomplishment

Graduates will receive a certificate and press release approximately six to eight weeks after submitting the graduate application. The Remodelors Council, a department of NAHB, markets CAPS professionals through NAHB's Web site and publications.

 

CAPS Getting Started:

In a three-day program CAPS teaches 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 to a specific market. CAPS adds value to that knowledge by providing insights into how to market to and work the demographic group. Candidates who already possess an industry certification with a business component are exempt from taking the third day (see below for additional information).

  • (CAPS I) Marketing and Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility: This course teaches participants techniques to use when marketing to the older adult population, how to recognize the housing needs of older adults and how to communicate the best remodeling options to them.
  • (CAPS II) Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility: Most older adults would prefer to remain in their own homes.  This course teaches remodelers how to help them achieve that goal.  This course teaches participants the relevant codes and standards, depicts common barriers and demonstrates how to redesign living areas for safety and comfort.
  • Business Management for Building Professionals: strategies and techniques for building a competitive, sustainable remodeling business; case studies and interactive exercises
    (holders of certain certifications are exempt from this course*)

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

Upon completion of the CAPS coursework, participants receive a graduation application. Participants must complete and submit the graduation application to the NAHB University of Housing before they can use the “CAPS” designation.

Curriculum and Other Requirements
Required Courses (three)

  • Marketing and Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility
  • Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility
  • Business Management for Building Professionals*

Associated Fees

  • Graduation Fees:
    $145.00 members
    $245.00 non-members
  • Annual Renewal Fee:
    $50.00

Continuing Education Requirements

Designation holders are required to earn a total of twelve hours of continuing education credit every three years from building industry courses or events, including those produced by NAHB. 

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. These hours may also be applied to Section 2 depending upon the activity.

For more information about this item, please contact the Director of Education, Stephanie Bosslet at 214-615-3881 or by email.
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