National Association of the Remodeling Industry: Universal Design Certified Remodeler (UDCR)
www.nari.org/certify, 847.298.9200, [email protected]
DESCRIPTION:
Establish the body of knowledge for professional universal design remodelers and assess the level of knowledge in a valid and reliable manner.
Encourage professional growth in universal design and serve the public by encouraging quality universal design practices.
PROCEDURE:
Complete UDCR application with fees, and sign attestation to uphold NARI’s code of ethics.
Successful applicants may schedule the exam once within 24 months of submitting application.
The exam is conducted annually at trade shows and participating NARI chapters.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION:
You must be employed by or own a company that is either engaged in commercial or residential universal design or remodeling, or a firm that is supporting the universal design and remodeling industries;
Have a minimum of five years continuous full-time experience in the remodeling industry;
Have completed eight hours of education addressing universal design or universal remodeling principles within the last five years or be enrolled in NARI’s Universal Remodeling course.
MEMBERSHIP:
There is no membership requirement to apply for the UDCR exam. Both NARI members and non-members will be evaluated equally on the application and subsequent examination.
EXAM COST:
NARI members: $299 ($249 without study materials), $100 of which is nonrefundable if the applicant fails to meet the eligibility requirements.
If the applicant fails the exam, retesting within two years will cost $50; beyond two years requires resubmitting the application.
Non-members: $399 ($349 without study materials).
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
Annual renewal requires eight hours of universal design remodeling/building-related continuing education, participation in chapter/community service projects, and paying the required fees.
MARKETING/ADDED BENEFITS:
Certified individuals are recognized on the NARI website.
National Association of Home Builders: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
www.nahb.org/CAPSinfo, 800.368.5242, [email protected]
DESCRIPTION:
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 aging-in-place.
PROCEDURE:
Complete and submit documents to obtain contractor status. Also submit proof of liability insurance, proof of workers’ compensation coverage, and a valid business license (if state-required).
Complete CAPS courses listed below.
Upon course completion, participants must submit graduation application, including a signed copy of the National Association of Home Builders’ code of ethics pledge.
Graduates will receive a certificate and press release approximately six to eight weeks after submitting the graduation application.
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THESE CAPS COURSES:
Marketing and Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I)
Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II)
Business Management for Building Professionals, or hold one of these designations: CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, GMR, CR, CKD, CBD, ASID, AIA, GRI. Individuals who have earned an MBA from an accredited university within 10 years of submitting their CAPS graduation application are also exempt.
MEMBERSHIP:
You do not need to be an NAHB or NAHB Remodelers member to earn and maintain CAPS certification.
COST:
Course fee: $195 NAHB members; $245 non-members
Graduation fee: members $145; non-members $245
Renewal fee: NAHB member $50; non-members $75
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
Twelve hours every three years. A minimum of six hours must be earned through academic coursework and an additional minimum six hours through industry education and/or community service activities.
Renewal fee: NAHB member $50; non-member $75
MARKETING/ADDED BENEFITS:
NAHB Remodelers markets CAPS professionals through NAHB’s website and publications.
This is a longer version of an article that appeared in the December 2009 issue of REMODELING.
