What does CAPS certification mean

When you hear the phrase “aging-in-place,” what comes to mind? For many professionals — builders, designers, occupational therapists, and remodelers — it represents a fast-growing opportunity. But to truly lead in this space, one certification continues to rise above the rest: CAPS, the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

But what does it really mean to be CAPS certified — and is it worth it?

Let’s break it down.

CAPS Is More Than a Credential. It’s a Commitment.

Being CAPS certified means you have gone through a nationally recognized training program that teaches how to design, modify, and communicate with clients about livable, safe homes — especially for older adults who want to remain independent.

But it’s not just about installing grab bars.

CAPS certification covers:

Home design for accessibility (beyond just mobility)
Risk reduction and safety best practices
Client communication and ethical sales approaches
Hands-on floor plan solutions and layout evaluations
Navigating health challenges with dignity in design

And at Household Guardians, we believe that’s just the beginning.

Who Should Get CAPS Certified?

If you work in any of the following fields, CAPS gives you a competitive edge:

Contractors and Builders looking to serve the booming senior housing market
Interior Designers interested in blending safety with aesthetics
Occupational and Physical Therapists wanting to add environmental modifications to their toolbox
Home Modification Professionals expanding into aging-in-place
Realtors and SRES professionals supporting older clients with relocation or renovation planning

CAPS helps you speak the language of safety, mobility, and functionality—and allows you to partner with clients in a way that builds long-term trust.

What Makes CAPS Different from Other Certifications?

There are many excellent certifications out there (like the Senior Home Safety Specialist™ certification, which we also respect and promote), but CAPS offers a deep dive into both design and communication.

Where other programs may focus more on checklists or safety basics, CAPS:

Is backed by NAHB, an industry-leading authority
Focuses heavily on design principles and layout
Teaches you how to work directly with clients on renovation plans
Helps you build a business model around aging-in-place services

CAPS doesn’t replace other certifications—it enhances them.

What You Gain from Getting CAPS Certified with Household Guardians

When you train with Household Guardians, you're learning from one of the top instructors in the country: Fritzi Gros-Daillon, 2019 NAHB Educator of the Year and Director of Education for Age Safe America.

Here’s what students say about the course:

“Fritzi is a consummate educator. She made the class fun and engaging considering the mountain of information presented in such a short period of time.”— Remodeler, 2024 CAPS III StudentCAPS course evals Jan-F…

“This was a great investment for my business... Fritzi made all of us think and listen to each other. Some great ideas were discussed.”— Builder/Remodeler, 2024 CAPS II StudentCAPS evaluation summary…

You’ll walk away with: