What Does It Mean to Be CAPS Certified?

Fritzi Gros-Daillon
Apr 1
3 min read

Updated: Nov 4

When you hear the phrase “aging in place,” what comes to mind?

For many professionals—builders, designers, occupational therapists, and remodelers—it represents one of the fastest-growing opportunities in housing and home design.

But to truly lead in this space, one credential continues to stand above the rest: CAPS, the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

So, 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.

Becoming CAPS certified means you’ve completed a nationally recognized training program focused on designing, modifying, and communicating with clients about safe, livable homes—especially for older adults who want to remain independent.

But it’s not just about grab bars and ramps.

CAPS training covers a wide spectrum of real-world design and communication skills, including:

Home design for accessibility (beyond mobility alone)
Risk-reduction and safety best practices
Client communication and ethical sales techniques
Hands-on floor plan analysis and layout evaluation
Navigating health challenges with dignity through thoughtful design

At Household Guardians, we believe that’s just the beginning.CAPS isn’t simply about changing structures—it’s about changing how professionals think about safety, design, and independence.

Who Should Get CAPS Certified?

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

Contractors and Builders looking to serve the booming senior housing and renovation market
Interior Designers who want to combine safety with aesthetics
Occupational and Physical Therapists seeking to expand into environmental modifications
Home Modification Professionals building credibility in the aging-in-place space
Realtors and SRES Professionals guiding older clients through relocation or renovation decisions

CAPS helps you speak the language of safety, mobility, and function—allowing you to connect deeply with clients and build long-term trust.

What Makes CAPS Different from Other Certifications

There are several great certifications in the home-safety and aging industry (including the Senior Home Safety Specialist™, which we also respect and recommend). But CAPS goes deeper.

Here’s what sets it apart:

Backed by NAHB, an industry authority recognized nationwide
Comprehensive focus on design, layout, and planning
Training on client collaboration and project management
Guidance on building a profitable business model around aging-in-place services

Where some programs focus on awareness and safety basics, CAPS provides a complete framework for creating, marketing, and managing successful aging-in-place projects.

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

Builders, therapists, and designers with CAPS credentials gain instant credibility.

What You Gain from Getting CAPS Certified with Household Guardians

When you train with Household Guardians, you’re learning directly from Fritzi Gros-Daillon, 2019 NAHB Educator of the Year and Director of Education for Age Safe America.

Our courses are live and interactive—no pre-recorded lectures—so you can ask questions, collaborate, and immediately apply what you learn.

Here’s what our students say:

“Fritzi is a consummate educator. She made the class fun and engaging, considering the mountain of information presented in such a short period.” - Remodeler & CAPS Graduate

“This was a great investment for my business. Fritzi made all of us think, share, and learn from one another.” - Builder & CAPS Graduate

You’ll walk away with:

A national certification recognized across industries
Practical, real-world application skills
Access to design solutions and floor plan reviews
Confidence in marketing your new expertise

Next Steps: Ready to Join the CAPS Community?

Whether you’re growing your remodeling business, expanding your clinical practice, or simply want to stand out in your field — CAPS can help you do that.

👉 Explore the CAPS training program and reserve your seat

Have questions? Email fritzi@householdguardians.com

To be CAPS certified is to be more than knowledgeable — it’s to be part of a movement redefining how homes support independence, safety, and dignity.

If you’re ready to lead in the future of home design and modification, CAPS is your next step.