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.
Helping People Live Safely, Independently, and Comfortably
Aging in Place Starts Here
Aging in place means having the ability to live in your own home safely, independently, and comfortably as you grow older. Today, more individuals are choosing to remain in their homes rather than move into assisted living or care facilities.
Age In Place Specialists exists to support this growing need—by training professionals who can create safer, more accessible, and more functional living environments. Whether you are a contractor, healthcare provider, designer, or someone passionate about helping others, this is where your journey begins.
Build Skills That Meet a Growing Demand
Become a Certified Aging-in-Place
Specialist (CAPS)
The demand for aging-in-place professionals continues to rise as more people choose to stay in their homes longer. The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program equips you with the essential skills needed to meet this demand—covering design, communication, and real-world solutions.
Developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with AARP, CAPS teaches the technical, business, and customer service skills required to succeed in this fast-growing industry.
This certification is more than a credential—it’s your opportunity to become a trusted expert who can improve lives through thoughtful home design and modification.
Learn from a Proven Industry Expert
Instructor: Chris Moore
Chris Moore brings over 40 years of hands-on experience in construction, remodeling, and aging-in-place solutions. As the first CAPS-certified contractor in the Roanoke Valley and a nationally recognized leader in the field, Chris has spent decades working directly with clients—designing and performing real projects that improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life.
He doesn’t just teach theory—he teaches what works in the real world. From home assessments to full project execution, Chris shares practical insights that help students confidently apply what they learn. As an approved CAPS instructor through NAHB, he delivers the official curriculum while adding real-life experience that sets this training apart.
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FAQ
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.