CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. The National Association of Home Builders describes it as an education credential covering the technical, business-management, customer-service, design, and project-planning skills used in aging-in-place home modifications.
CAPS can be a useful signal, but it belongs to an individual—not automatically to every employee, subcontractor, or project offered under a company name. It should be considered alongside the person's role, relevant project experience, Florida licensing, insurance, written scope, permits, and references.
What the CAPS credential covers
NAHB's current program consists of three courses addressing communication with aging-in-place clients, design concepts for livable homes, and practical details and solutions. The curriculum includes functional considerations, collaboration with allied professionals, product selection, occupied-home projects, budgeting, phased work, and common design or installation errors.
Credential holders can come from different professional backgrounds, including remodelers, builders, designers, occupational therapists, and consultants. Ask what the person actually does on your project: assessment, design, product selection, contracting, installation, or coordination.
- Ask for the credential holder's full name.
- Ask how that person will participate in your project.
- Request examples of work similar to the household's specific needs.
- Confirm whether an occupational therapist or another licensed professional is appropriate for complex functional needs.
What CAPS does not guarantee
CAPS is not a Florida contractor license, building permit, medical license, safety certification for a finished project, insurance policy, or guarantee of workmanship. A credential holder may understand aging-in-place concepts without being legally authorized to contract for every structural, plumbing, electrical, lift, or remodeling task.
Company websites sometimes say a team or business is CAPS certified without naming the individual holder. Treat that as a claim to clarify, not proof that every salesperson, designer, installer, or subcontractor holds the credential.
How to verify a CAPS claim
Ask the provider for the credential holder's name, current credential card or other NAHB documentation, and the date or renewal status. If the company does not identify a person, ask who on the proposed project team holds CAPS and confirm that person's role. NAHB publishes renewal and continuing-education information and provides a Learning Helpline for credential questions.
For regulated construction work in Florida, separately search the contractor or qualifier in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's official license portal. Match the legal business, individual qualifier, license category, status, and proposed scope. Also confirm insurance and local permits before signing a contract.
- Name of the individual CAPS holder
- Current credential documentation or confirmation from NAHB
- The holder's actual role in assessment, design, or construction
- Current Florida license and qualifier for regulated work
- Insurance, permit responsibility, and a detailed written scope
Official sources
Program rules, codes, and local processes can change. Review the current source and confirm details for the property and household before acting.
- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)National Association of Home Builders
- Verify a Florida licenseeFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation