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 Jan. 1, 2018 can complete either course work path listed below.

Required Courses

• 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 Dec. 31, 2017 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

• Complete and submit the online CAPS graduation application or the print version

• Submit a signed copy of the CAPS code of ethics pledge or agree to the terms electronically

• 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

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

National Fees:

• $279 member
• $419 non-member

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.

  • $145 member

  • $218 non-member

• Standard Option: kit available online only (includes downloadable designation certificate)

  • $75 member

  • $110 non-member

• Annual Renewal Fees: 

  • $55 member

  • $83 non-member

Continuing Education Requirements

Designation holders are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years from building industry-related educational activities. A maximum of two hours of continuing education can be earned by participating in community service projects, which can include any work done for the public good without compensation.

CE credits can also be earned through the purchase of a BuilderBooks publication or title (one hour of CE credit for every book, with a maximum of three hours every three years). BuilderBooks titles must be housing industry-related or related to the designation topic area.

Designees are not required to send in proof of CE earned at time of renewal. If they are chosen for a random audit, NAHB will contact them directly and ask for the proof of CE at that time.