How to Earn Your CAPS

Get 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 market. Earn NAHB’s Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation and become the expert in your market.

Students who began the CAPS curriculum before Dec. 31, 2017, can complete either course work path listed below.

• Marketing and Communicating with the Aging in Place Client (CAPS I)
• Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging in Place (CAPS II)
• Business Management for Building Professionals*

* Designation holders exempt from this requirement are CGR, GMR, CGA, CGB, GMB, CGP, Master CGP, CR, CKD, CBD, CMKBD, AIA, Professional ASID, IDC, GRI and CCIM. Proof of active membership is required. Individuals who have earned an MBA from an accredited university within 10 years of submitting a CAPS graduation application also are exempt but encouraged to take the course because it focuses on business principles relevant to residential construction.

Students who begin the CAPS curriculum after Jan. 1, 2018, are required to complete the following:

• Marketing and Communicating with the Aging in Place Client (CAPS I)
• Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging in Place (CAPS II)
• Details and Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging in Place (CAPS III)

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete and submit the online CAPS graduation application or the print version
2. Submit a signed copy of the CAPS code of ethics pledge or agree to the terms electronically
3. Remodelers/Contractors are required to submit the following documentation:
• Proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, or be an employee of a company that holds both (where required by local jurisdiction)
• A valid business license (if state required)

Course Fees

National fees:

• Members: $279
• Non-members: $419

Local course fees are determined by the HBA or other educational license holder that holds the classes.

Graduation and Renewal Fees

Premium Option
NAHB will mail you a graduation kit that includes a customized CAPS plaque, lapel pin, ribbon, and a sample of the “Make Your House a Home for a Lifetime” consumer brochure.

• Members: $145
• Non-members: $218

Standard Option
Kit available online only (includes downloadable designation certificate)

• Members: $75
• Non-members: $110

Annual Renewal Fees

• Members: $65
• Non-members: $95

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, designees who have lapsed longer than one year from their renewal date will pay a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Continuing Education Requirements

NAHB designees are required to complete four hours or credits each year. Designees are NOT required to send in proof of continuing education (CE) earned at time of renewal. However, designees may be chosen for a random audit and NAHB will contact them directly to provide proof of CE. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, if it’s been more than three years since your designation lapsed, CAPS designees are required to take or retake CAPS III or Universal Design Essentials. View continuing education requirements for NAHB designations.