Certified Master Building and Remodeling Professional Credentials
The NAHB Certified Master Building Professional (CMBP) and Certified Master Remodeling Professional (CMRP) credentials are designed to set accomplished builders and remodelers apart. If you’re a builder with at least five years of leadership experience, you can earn this national recognition.
NAHB's CMBP and CMRP credentials spotlight experienced industry professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a commitment to continuous professional development, and adherence to the highest standards of practice in the residential construction industry.
Learn more in our credential guide.
Both credentials are accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Earning the CMBP or CMRP credential helps demonstrate your leadership, verified industry experience, and commitment to ongoing education to clients, peers, and industry partners.
Before registering for the exam, candidates are encouraged to review the credential requirements to confirm they are prepared to complete the application after passing the exam.
At a glance, candidates should be prepared to verify:
- Qualifying professional development
- Leadership experience as a builder or remodeler
- Industry referrals
- Required pledge and attestation
Candidates must successfully complete the CMBP or CMRP exam before submitting the credential application.
The CMBP and CMRP exams are delivered through Meazure Learning, NAHB’s secure testing provider.
- Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Delivery: Online with a live remote proctor or in person at an approved testing center
- Passing score: 75/100
Candidates who do not pass the exam on their first attempt may retake it following a seven-day waiting period.
Exam and Retake Fees
| Fee Type | NAHB Member | Non-member |
| Exam Fee | $399 | $499 |
| Exam Retake Fee | $99 | $199 |
The CMBP and CMRP exams are based on the following blueprint, which outlines the major content areas covered on the exam and the percentage of questions associated with each area.
| Content Area | Exam Weight | Topics Covered |
| Architecture & Design | 14% | Aging-in-place and universal design; floor plans; elevations and exteriors; interiors |
| Building Techniques & Strategies | 20% | Codes and standards; construction strategy; construction methods and materials |
| Business Management | 21% | Business planning and finance; competitive and diversification strategies; personnel management; growth, profits, and productivity; legal issues |
| Land Development & Community Design | 7% | Community design strategies; land-use planning; product types/development; project financing |
| Project Management | 20% | Customer experience; pre-construction planning; jobsite management and project controls |
| Research & Trends | 7% | Consumer data and analysis; industry forecasts; emerging issues |
| Sales Process | 11% | Customer relationships and feedback; marketing and branding; sales process; digital tools |
The Certified Master Building Professional and Certified Master Remodeling Professional exams include both shared and track-specific content. Approximately 50% of each exam covers content that is relevant to both builders and remodelers, while the remaining 50% focuses on the unique knowledge and responsibilities associated with each credential track.
The practice test provides a sample of the types of questions candidates may see on the exam. It is designed to introduce the question style and general topic areas, but it does not cover all exam domains and is not representative of the percentage weights assigned to each domain.
For a complete overview of exam content areas and domain weights, please refer to the "What Is on the Exam" section above.
Access the Practice TestAfter passing the exam, candidates complete the online credential application to verify eligibility and submit required documentation.
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
| NAHB Member | $199 |
| Non-member | $299 |
As part of the application, candidates will be prompted to verify the following:
- Education credits: 50 hours of qualifying professional development within the past five years
- Business role verification: Five years in a qualifying leadership role as a builder or remodeler
- Industry referrals: Three referrals from clients or professionals who can attest to professional standing
- RCPG Pledge of Excellence
- Credential compliance and misrepresentation attestation
Candidates will also be prompted to upload supporting documentation and complete any required forms or attestations. All necessary fillable templates, instructions, submission steps, and an education credit hour chart will be provided within the credentialing portal.
The application may be saved and completed over time; however, all requirements must be completed within one year of application submission.
You will receive an official email notification once your application review is complete and a final credentialing decision has been made.
If you wish to appeal a credentialing decision, please use the appeal form.
NAHB Education
NAHB Education includes webinars, Shop Talks, courses, and IBS education sessions. You can find upcoming offerings here. And if you're heading to IBS, don't forget to add the Education Pass to your IBS registration.
How to prove it:
Any education offered by NAHB will be automatically added to your transcript.
What it is worth:
1 credit hour per hour of instruction.
HBA Education
Industry-related education offered by your state or local HBA can be applied towards your prerequisites. This may include informal learning opportunities, such as Lunch and Learns or product demonstrations, as well as formal classes or mentoring programs.
How to prove it:
Ask your executive officer or another HBA staff member to confirm your attendance. You can access the form here.
What it is worth:
1 credit hour per hour of instruction.
Membership in Professional Organizations
NAHB's 20 Clubs are one example of executive networking groups that may count toward your continuing education. Regional or state version of similar formal networking groups may also be accepted.
How to prove it:
Submit payment receipts for each year of participation. We may also accept a signed letter from staff at the organization confirming your participation.
What it is worth:
10 credit hours per year of membership (up to 5 years).
Credentials, Certifications, and Designations
The CMRP and CMBP credentials are designed to be stackable. If you actively hold a certification from NAHB or another organization, it can count for 15 credit hours per credential.
How to prove it:
NAHB designations do not require additional proof. For certifications from other organizations, please submit an active certification certificate with your application.
What it is worth:
15 credit hours per active certification.
Virtual or In Person Training Outside the NAHB Federation
We know there are many organizations offering valuable industry education, and we're happy to consider those learning opportunities for continuing education credit.
How to prove it:
Upload a certificate of attendance, In some cases, proof of registration may also be accepted.
What it is worth:
1 credit hour per hour of instruction.
Regional Builder Show Education Sessions
If you've attended education sessions at a regional industry show, those sessions may count too.
How to prove it:
If a certificate of attendance is not available, please provide proof of registration for the show along with the session date, session title, and instructor name, if available.
What it is worth:
1 credit hour per hour instruction.
Once your application is approved, you will automatically receive a digital badge recognizing your CMBP or CMRP credential. You can add your badge to your website, email signature, LinkedIn profile, and other professional platforms. The badge links to a page with more information about the credential.
A digital marketing toolkit will also be available online with assets to help promote your achievement in your local market and across your professional network.
To maintain active CMBP or CMRP status, credential holders must renew annually.
Annual Renewal Fees
| Category | Fee |
| NAHB Member | $99 |
| Non-member | $149 |
Credential holders must also:
- Complete six hours of continuing education each year. Qualifying continuing education includes:
- Be an active member of a Builder or Remodeler 20 Club (Fulfills annual requirement)
- Attend NAHB’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) (Fulfills annual requirement)
- Complete an NAHB Education course in-person, virtual, on demand or live online. (Fulfills annual requirement)
- Complete NAHB webinars or webinar replays
- Complete an industry-specific program provided by another professional organization
- Retain documentation to verify completion if requested