To qualify for the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) certificate program, a builder must have attained the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) or Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation; or have successfully completed three courses and have at least ten years of building business experience.

GMB graduates complete an intensive series of five, six-hour courses on business management techniques, and the newest trends and technology in the building industry.

Certified Graduate Builders (CGB) earn the building industry’s premier professional designation by successfully completing an intensive series of six-hour courses. The CGB curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including business management, emerging technologies and market trends. After earning CGB credentials, program graduates are required to maintain their designation through completion of twelve hours of training every three years.

The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation recognizes those remodelers who demonstrate exceptional business integrity, technical competence and a solid track record of customer satisfaction. To earn the CGR designation, a remodeler must complete a series of industry-specific education courses, provide letters of recommendation, proof of licensing and insurance and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. CGR stands for professionalism, experience and a commitment to quality.

The Remodelers™ Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and the AARP created the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program. The CAPS designation program teaches the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry—home modifications for the aging-in-place.

CAPS was developed to help home remodeling professionals meet the needs of the 77 million Baby Boomers that will reach retirement age in the first years of the 21st century. The CAPS designation identifies remodelers that have been trained to help retirees and older adults remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of income or ability level, and continue to live in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.

In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to aging-in-place home modifications, including: background on the older adult population; communication techniques; common aging-in-place remodeling projects; marketing to the aging-in-place market; common barriers and solutions; codes and standards; product ideas and resources; and business management.

CAPS program graduates are required to maintain their designation by attending continuing education programs and/or participating in community service projects. CAPS classes are offered through local and state home building associations and at national trade shows including NAHB’s International Builder’s Show and the Remodelers’ Show.

In three days of course work, the Certified Green Professional (CGP) curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to green building and business practices. The CGP curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction, and how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance and good indoor air quality. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency.

CGP program graduates are required to maintain their designation by completing 12 hours of continuing education every 3 years a portion of which pertain to green building activities.

NARI Certified Remodelers (CR) are professional remodelers who provide a full range of remodeling services. To become a CR, candidates must possess skill and knowledge in a broad range of business management and technical skill areas.

To qualify for the CR designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be employed by or own a firm that derives at least 90% of its sales volume through remodeling work
• Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
• Completed 16 hours of continuing education
• Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
• Successfully complete a one-day written examination addressing 20 knowledge areas related to general remodeling practices and business
• Submit all required application materials and fees

NARI Universal Design Certified Remodelers (UDCR) are recognized as experienced remodelers with skills and knowledge in all aspects of universal design and remodeling.

• Be primarily engaged in remodeling
• Have a minimum of five years continuous experience in the remodeling industry
• Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Completed 8 hours of continuing education
• Successfully completed a comprehensive application that details their background and experience
• Successfully complete a written examination addressing knowledge areas related to universal design fundamentals, client needs assessments, project design, construction techniques, electrical systems, plumbing systems and exterior universal design considerations
• Submit all required application materials and fees

The NARI Green Certified Professional Designation (GCP) is designed to recognize and identify remodelers who apply green or sustainable principles to their remodeling projects. To qualify for the GCP designation, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be employed by or own a firm engaged in conducting green remodeling projects
• Adhere to NARI’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Have a minimum of five years continuous full time experience in the remodeling industry
• 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 building science, indoor air quality, resource conservation, renewable energy, and 12 trade related areas of green program application
• Submit all required application materials and fees