What Is the CAPS Designation?

CAPS stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialist, a professional designation offered jointly by AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) since 2002. It’s designed to equip professionals with the knowledge to help people live more safely and comfortably in their homes as they age, manage progressive conditions, or recover from injuries. The goal is to create accessible, livable environments for people of all abilities.

How Do I Earn the CAPS Certification?

To earn the CAPS designation, you must complete three required courses:

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

These are full-day courses and, while they can be taken separately, it’s recommended to complete them in sequence for optimal learning.

Are There Any Prerequisites?

No prerequisites are required—no industry experience, education, licensing, or certification is needed. Anyone with the desire to help people age in place can enroll.

Who Typically Takes CAPS Courses?

CAPS students come from diverse backgrounds, including:

  • Construction & Trades: General contractors, remodelers, electricians, HVAC techs, carpenters, flooring, cabinetry
  • Healthcare: Occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, social workers, case managers, speech and language pathologists, paramedics
  • Design & Real Estate: Interior designers, architects, kitchen & bath specialists, real estate agents, ergonomists
  • Public Services & Other Fields: Nonprofits, aging services, financial planners, caregivers, home inspectors, governmental officials

Many have personal connections to aging or injury-related challenges and want to make a difference personally and professionally.

What Is the CAPS Application Process Like?

After completing the three courses, apply online for certification. Fees include:

  • $145 or $245 for non-members (paper certificate vs. framed certificate with pin)
  • $95 or $145 for NAHB members

You’ll need your NAHB Education ID, which is provided after your first course. There’s no extensive application or background check – just a brief online form. Only contractors must show proof of licensing and insurance.

How Do I Renew My CAPS Designation?

Renew annually through NAHB:

  • Cost: $95 (non-members) or $65 (members)
  • Requirement: 4 hours of continuing education (CE) per year (no documentation submission required)
  • Renew via your NAHB account’s Payments-Invoices page.

Is There a Time Limit to Complete the CAPS Program?

While there’s no official deadline, completing all three courses quickly is advised so you can begin using your designation. Taking them consecutively helps reinforce learning and maximize synergy between topics.

Is the CAPS Designation Recognized?

Yes! The CAPS credential is recognized by:

  • Consumers and businesses seeking aging in place solutions
  • Professionals and organizations
  • Insurance, government, and non-profit organizations
  • Real estate and aging advocacy groups.

Can I Take the CAPS Courses Online?

Yes, Steve Hoffacker offers live, interactive online classes via Zoom—not pre-recorded webinars. These sessions are engaging and mirror the classroom experience.

Online is the only way they are offered.

What If I Can’t Take All Courses at Once?

While it’s ideal to take them consecutively, you can split them over different days or weeks. CAPS III should be taken last as it builds on the first two.

Are Weekend CAPS Classes Available?

No. CAPS courses are not offered on weekends due to scheduled IT maintenance by NAHB. Classes are held on weekdays only.

Can Classes Be Canceled?

Steve Hoffacker never cancels classes, even for single registrants. You can choose to move to a more populated class for increased interaction, but your selected date will remain valid.

Is There a Discount for Registering for All Three Courses?

Yes:

  • $900 total for all three (vs. $1,005 individually)
  • $875 total for NAHB members

Group, professional, or organization discounts are already factored into the pricing.

What If I Don’t Have a Construction Background?

That’s okay! Many CAPS professionals come from non-construction fields. Your unique expertise —whether healthcare, design, planning, caregiving, or another field — complements the work of those in construction.

Does NAHB Offer CAPS Courses Directly?

No. NAHB licenses courses to independent instructors like Steve Hoffacker, who is the most experienced CAPS educator in the world.

Why Take CAPS with Steve Hoffacker?

  • Availability – averages almost one set of classes each week throughout the year
  • Never cancels classes
  • Published author of books on universal design and aging in place
  • Recognized by NAHB as 2015 CAPS Educator of the Year and 2020 NAHB Educator of the Year
  • Offers networking opportunities and ongoing support to past students
  • Maintains Aging In Place YouTube channel
  • Offers several additional specialized original Aging In Place courses throughout the year