Certifications may often seem to consumers like just some letters behind a name. The certifications earned by professionals in the remodeling and design fields actually represent many hours of classroom education, testing and field experience. Rose is proud of her certifications and wants you, her future customer, to understand what they represent:

Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR)

NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers (CKBRs) provide remodeling services specific to kitchens and bathrooms. To become a CKBR, candidates must possess skills and knowledge focused on the requirement of materials, layout, and installation of kitchens and bathrooms.

To qualify for the CKBR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:
* Be employed by or own a firm engaged in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms
* Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
* Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
* Have completed 4 kitchens and/or bathrooms per year
* Completed 16 hours of continuing education
* Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
* Successfully complete a one-day written examination on business, construction, and remodeling practices related to kitchen and bathrooms
* Submit all required application materials and fees

What is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)?
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service
skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. The NAHB Remodelors^TM Council, in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, developed this program to provide comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging-in-place.

What is aging-in-place?
In plain English, aging-in-place means remaining in one's home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one's maturing years, and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a "home" for a lifetime.

Overview of the CAPS Program
In a three-day program CAPS teaches the strategies and techniques for marketing, designing, and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments. This program goes beyond universal design; CAPS addresses the communication and technical needs to a specific market. CAPS adds value to that knowledge by providing insights into how to market to and work the demographic group. Candidates who already possess an industry certification with a business component are exempt from taking the third day.

* Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I): background on the older adult population; communication techniques;common remodeling expenditures and projects.
* Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II): codes and standards; common barriers and solutions; product ideas and resources.