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 Remodelers™ 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.

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.

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.

Marketing and Communications Strategies for Aging & Accessibility (CAPS I)
As a graduate of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the 3 segments within the Aging-in-Place market that present business opportunities for building professionals.
2. Implement a process for promoting new opportunities for products & services in the Aging-in-Place market.
3. Enhance your sales process with effective techniques for the Aging-in-Place market.

Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II)

(Formerly Home Modifications.) The rapid growth of the older adult population of the United States is a huge opportunity for remodelers. As this consumer group expands, more and more are interested in remodeling their home to fit their new lifestyle and abilities. This Certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) course will help you:

1. Understand the guidelines and requirements of accessibility;
2. Understand the importance of doing an assessment with qualified health care professionals;
3. Understand the significance of a good design in making modifications.

As a graduate of this course, you will:

1. Describe the home ownership market as it relates to the 3 segments of the Aging in Place market;
2. Consider contractual & legal concerns for building professionals providing design solutions to the client;
3. Perform a needs assessment to identify & prioritize the needs, wants & wishes of the client;
4. Recommend specific design solutions;
5. Estimate & schedule the project while regarding special considerations; and
6. Identify considerations for executing the job while the client is in residence.

Introduction to Business Management:*
Strategies and techniques 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 and CR. Other exemptions determined on a case-by-case basis.

Continuing Education Requirements
Designation holders are required to earn a total of twelve 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 twelve hours. A total of six hours is required to be earned by completing a 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. Click here to download your CE form.

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

For more information about this item, please contact The Professional Designation Helpline at 800-368-5242 x8154 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .