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How do I become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist?

The 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 Remodelors™ 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.

Click here for the HBAA Calendar to find a class near you.

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 develop a special designation?

The AARP landmark study Fixing to Stay was a wake-up call to the residential remodeling industry. The results of the study sent two messages loud and clear:

  • Americans prefer to remain in their homes as they mature rather than seek assisted living and other arrangements.
  • Older consumers want a reliable means of identifying professionals they can trust to remodel their homes.

The 77 million Baby Boomers that will reach retirement age in the first years of the 21 century are the first wave sweeping this new American demographic tide. The CAPS program has been developed to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of this burgeoning market.

Overview of CAPS Program

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 (including CGR, CGB, and CGA with a business component are exempt from taking the third day (see below for additional information).

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.

Working With and Marketing To Older Adults:
Background on the older adult population; communication techniques; common remodeling expenditures and projects; accessing the aging in place remodeling market.

Home Modification:
Codes and standards, common barriers and solutions, product ideas and resources.

Introduction to Business Management:*
strategies and techinques for building a competitive, sustainable remodeling business; case studies and interactive exercises.

*Holders of the following designations are exempt from this course: CGR, CGB, CGA, CKD, CBD, ASID, AIA, GRI. Other exemptions determined on a case-by-case basis.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain the CAPS designation, graduates are required to complete the contiuing eduction requirements every three years. CAPS designees are required to attend continuing education programs and/or participate in community service. Click here to download your CE form.