Become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)
Learn how to create safer, more accessible homes—and meet the growing demand for aging-in-place professionals.
CAPS Certification
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP developed the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the growing number of consumers that will soon require these modifications.
The rigorous certification program recognizes individuals that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to quality products and improving standards within the remodeling industry.
About the Instructor
Chris Moore was the first person to earn the Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) Designation in Remodeling in the Roanoke Valley and was recognized as the 2020 Certified Aging in Place Designee of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders.
Moore, CAPS, CGR, founded Senior Remodeling Experts in Salem, Va., to provide quality building, remodeling, and consulting services to his customers. Moore is an expert on using universal design principles to build and remodel homes to help seniors age in place; he performs comprehensive home evaluations to measure his clients’ abilities against the features of their homes to recommend home modifications customized for each client’s unique situation.
He teaches the CAPS curriculum through NAHB and speaks to groups on aging in place, universal design, home modification, and home safety. He is the author of the book Age Out Loud and serves on the Advisory Council at Good Samaritan Hospice.
ASSOCIATIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
CAPS, or Certified Aging in Place Specialist, is a professional designation offered jointly by AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) since 2002. This certification equips professionals with the expertise to help individuals live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes as they age, recover from injuries, or manage progressive conditions.
CAPS-trained specialists focus on creating accessible, functional, and livable environments for people of all abilities. Through a deep understanding of aging needs, home safety, and universal design principles, they help homeowners make thoughtful modifications that support long-term independence and enhance overall quality of life.
To earn the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, professionals must complete three required full-day courses offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). These foundational courses cover communication, design, and practical solutions for creating safer, more accessible homes.
Required Courses
1. CAPS I – Marketing & Communicating with the Aging in Place Client
Focuses on understanding the aging-in-place market, client needs, and effective communication strategies.
2. CAPS II – Design Concepts for Livable Homes & Aging in Place
Covers universal design principles, accessibility standards, and strategies for creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.
3. CAPS III – Details & Solutions for Livable Homes & Aging in Place
Provides hands-on, practical applications through case studies, construction techniques, and real-world problem-solving.
Although these courses can be taken individually, completing them in sequence provides the best learning experience and deeper understanding of aging-in-place design and solutions.
No, the CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) program requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in helping individuals live safely and independently in their homes. You do not need prior experience in construction, design, healthcare, or accessibility services. There are no academic requirements, no licensing requirements, and no professional background needed to enroll.
Yes — the CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) courses are available online. NAHB offers all three required courses (CAPS I, CAPS II, and CAPS III) in a live, virtual classroom format, allowing you to learn from certified instructors without attending in person.
These online sessions are scheduled, interactive, and conducted in real time, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, participate in activities, and engage with classmates. Because the courses are live, they are not self-paced, and attendance during the scheduled times is required to receive credit.
Online learning makes it easy for students across the country — or around the world — to earn their CAPS designation without the need to travel.