Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

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Registration Deadline:  July 24, 2009

Did You Know?
Seventy-seven million baby boomers are reaching retirement age and nearly half of them do not feel that their home will fully meet their needs as they grow older. 

The rapid growth of the older adult population in the U.S. is a huge opportunity for remodelers and other businesses that serve the remodeling industry.  The results of an AARP landmark study Fixing to Stay showed that the majority of Americans:

1. Prefer to remain in their homes as they mature rather than seek assisted living and other arrangements; and

2. Older consumers want a reliable means of identifying professionals they can trust to remodel their homes.

The CAPS program has been developed by NAHB to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of this burgeoning market.    - Source:  www.nahb.org/CAPSinfo

About CAPS

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management & customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry-home modification for aging in place.  CAPS will provide comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging in place.

Benefits of CAPS

• Recognition for completing the only 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 emerging aging in place market.
• Greater understanding of the aging in place market.
• Technical knowledge to solve the remodeling need of the aging in place population
• A network of nearly 1,200 CAPS designation holders nationwide to ask questions, share information and make connections.
• Listing in the NAHB online designation directory, a site which received over 6.5 million views in 2006.

CAPS Course Overview

CAPS teaches the strategies and techniques for marketing, designing & building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments.  CAPS also addresses the communication and technical needs of the older adult market.  The CAPS designation program adds value to that knowledge by providing insights into marketing and working with this demographic group.

How Do I Become a CAPS?

Curriculum:
1.  Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging & Accessibility (CAPS I)
2.  Design / Build Solutions for Aging & Accessibility (CAPS II)
3.  Business Management for Building Professionals*

* Exempt designations are the following: CGR, GMR, CGA, CGB, CGP, GMB, CGA, CR, CKD, CBD, AIA, ASID, GRI,CCIM.  This list will be reviewed periodically and additional designations may be added.  Individuals who have earned a Masters of Business Administration from an accredited University within 10 years of submitting their CAPS graduation application are also exempt. However, it is highly recommended that all individuals seeking the CAPS designation take the Business Management for Building Professionals course which focuses on business principles relevant to residential construction.

Additonal Fees:
An additional graduation fee will be required for NAHB.
$145 NAHB member
$245 Non NAHB member

How Do I Maintain My CAPS Desingation?
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.