Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist

Overview

Developed by the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program targets renovators interested in addressing the needs of the aging population.

CAPS teaches the techical, business management and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential renovation industry -- home modifications for the aging-in-place. This program was developed by NAHB to provide comprehensivve, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to renovate their homes for aging-in-place.

Requirements For Certification

The CAPS designation is awarded to the individual who successfully completes the three modules in the program. The three modules are:

• Business Management for Building Professionals
• Working with and Marketing to Older Adults
• Home Modifications

Module 1: Business Management

Students learn the management skills that give indistry leaders the edge. The course gives students a solid foundation in those best business practices so valuable to smaller businesses: planning, organizing, staffing/directing and controlling.

Module 2: Working with and Marketing to Older Adults

Students learn how their firm can identify and serve the needs of an aging population. This course gives renovators techniques to use when marketing to the older population. They learn to recognize the housing needs of older adults and how to communicate the best renovation options to them. The course provides background on the older adult population, communication techniques, common renovation expenditures and products, and accessing the aging-in-place renovation market.

Module 3: Home Modifications

Most older adults would prefer to remain in their own homes for the rest of their lives. Renovators can help their customers achieve that goal. Physical limitations often force older people out of their homes when sensible renovations could preserve a cherished way of life. The course teaches relevant codes and standards, depicts common barriers, introduces product ideas and resources, and demonstrates how to redesign living areas for safety and comfort.

Maintaining Your Certification

Due to the constantly changing nature of the industry, and to encourage an on-going commitment to continuing education, the designations are granted for a one-year period only. CAPS desginates are required to renew their certification annually. A renewal fee must be paid and are required to complete six credits of continuing education every three years.

For complete CAPS program details, click here (you will be re-directed to the NAHB website).

GVHBA is the only Canadian home builders' association that delivers the CAPS certification modules at this time. Please note this program is not offered everyone -- scheduling is based on student demand.  GVHBA is looking into scheduling CAPS for 2012, likely for the fall, but no date is set yet.

Click here to be taken to our Calendar of Events page and get more information on upcoming local certification courses.

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