This page tells you how to earn your CAPS designation. The following Certified Aging in Place Specialist training article covers the conditions and requirements for becoming CAPS certified.
What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist?
The Certified Aging in Place Specialist training (CAPS) program was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers, NAHB Research Center, 50+ Housing Council and the AARP.
The program is designed to teach the business management, customer service and technical information a business needs to serve the needs of seniors or the elderly.
To learn more about what a CAPS is, please see : Introduction to Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) >>
Certified Aging in Place Specialist Training
CAPS Coursework
There are three courses you are required to complete in order to receive the designation. This training is provided over the course of three days and is geared towards helping businesses learn the technical, marketing and customer service skills they will need to succeed in serving the needs of seniors and the elderly. The courses are:
- Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I)
- Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II)
- Business Management for Building Professionals
You can search the availability of courses in your area by visiting the CAPS Courses information page on the NAHB website.
People who already hold certain designations from the NAHB or who meet other criteria are exempt from the Business Management for Building Professionals course.
Designations : CGR, GMR, CGA, CGB, CGP, GMB, CR, CKD, CBD, CMKBD, AIA, Professional ASID, GRI and CCIM.
Others: Any person receiving a Masters in Business Administration from an accredited university in the last 10 years.
Certified Aging in Place Specialist Graduation Requirements
Once Certified Aging in Place Specialist training courses (or requirements) are met, you are eligible to graduate from the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) program. In order to graduate from the program, you have to complete the following steps.
- Application Submission : Submit a completed application for CAPS graduation
- Sign and submit the CAPS code of ethics
If you are a Remodeler or Contractor, you must also the following information:
- Liability and workers compensation insurance documentation for your company OR you must be employed by a company that has both of those (if it is required by local law).
- Your company’s business license (as required by state law).
Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) Costs
There are fees associated with the designation beyond the Certified Aging in Place Specialist training. The national course fees for the CAPS designation are $220.00 for NAHB members and $330.00 for non-members. The graduation fees are $145.00 for NAHB members and $218.00 for non-members. There is also an annual renewal fee, which is $55.00 for NAHB members and $83.00 for non-members.
Please consult the CAPS information on the NAHB website or your local Home Builders Association for current costs and requirements.
Continuing Education
In order to maintain your Certified Aging in Place Specialist designation, you must complete at least 12 hours of building industry related education every three years. This is your ongoing Certified Aging in Place Specialist training. Incidentally, you can substitute up to two hours of continuing education for participating in community service projects.
You can find the necessary forms for the Code of Ethics, continuing education, renewals and more at the NAHB website.
More about Certified Aging in Place Specialists
- Introduction to Certified Aging in Place Specialists
- What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist & How Can They Help
- How to Become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist
- Why You Should Choose a Certified Aging in Place Specialist
