What Is CAPS Certification? Why It Matters for Aging-in-Place Projects

CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist — a professional designation offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with AARP. It signals that a contractor has completed formal training in the technical, business, and customer-service skills needed for aging-in-place modifications.

What the CAPS Program Covers

To earn CAPS designation, candidates must complete three courses:

1. Design/Build Solutions for Aging in Place — Universal design principles, specific modifications by disability type, product selection
2. Marketing and Communication Strategies — Working with older adults and their families, referral networks, presenting solutions
3. Details and Solutions for Aging in Place (or an approved elective) — Deep dive into bathroom, kitchen, and entry modifications

Candidates must also complete 8 hours of community service related to aging-in-place and agree to NAHB's code of ethics. Renewal requires continuing education every 3 years.

Why CAPS Matters to Homeowners

• Specialized knowledge: A CAPS contractor understands functional limitations, not just building codes.
• Safer outcomes: Modifications installed incorrectly can create new hazards. CAPS training covers load requirements, ADA standards, and proper anchoring.
• Better communication: The program emphasizes working respectfully with older adults and family members.
• Accountability: CAPS designees are subject to NAHB's code of ethics and can have their designation revoked for misconduct.

CAPS vs. Other Certifications

The best aging-in-place projects often combine a CAPS contractor for the construction work with an OT assessment to identify specific functional needs before plans are drawn.

Finding CAPS Contractors in DMV

You can search the official NAHB CAPS locator at nahb.org, or use our contractor directory — contractors with CAPS certification are noted in their profiles.

When interviewing a CAPS-certified contractor, ask to see their CAPS certificate and ask for references from aging-in-place projects specifically. CAPS certification confirms training — references confirm execution.