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National Designation Month
from March 2022 Building Insight
by BIAW
NAHB streamlines professional designations
by Janelle GuthrieCommunications Director
CAPS. CGP. CGR. GMB. GMR. These are more than just letters. They are all NAHB designations earned by President Joseph Irons of Irons Brothers Construction. Irons and his wife, Melissa, have also achieved the BIAW Certified Builder designation. As have many others across Washington.
What are designations?
The National Association of Home Builders currently offers professional designations in 13 areas—but changes are coming. Designations range from Certified Green Professional (CGP) to Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) to Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP). Earning an NAHB designation is hard work with rigorous coursework continually updated.
The BIAW Certified Builder designation requires builders and remodelers to complete an application process to be selected.
Why get a designation
Designations set builders, remodelers and associates apart by demonstrating their commitment to continuing education and knowledge of the latest technology, building methods and business practices. Both NAHB and BIAW offer resources to help those with designations not only promote their businesses locally but also educate consumers on the importance of using a professional who has taken the time and effort to get his or her professional designation.
Changes to NAHB designations
Starting Dec. 31, 2022, NAHB will continue to support all existing education designations but will close most of them to new participants. New participants after Dec. 31 will only be able to pursue the CAPS and HCCP designations. If members haven’t finished earning their designation by Dec. 31, 2022, NAHB will allow time to complete the requirements. Those who have earned designations and keep up with their continuing education and renewal process still have and will continue to keep their designations.
NAHB also streamlined the renewal process. Since January 2022, designees are now able to renew all designations for one annual renewal fee:Members: $65 Non-members: $95
Designees will also have new continuing education requirements.
Opportunities continue to grow
Education courses and content offerings associated continue to grow and change with the industry. Local homebuilding associations, BIAW and NAHB continue to offer great educational programming both in-person and on-demand to help members and their employees stay current in the industry.
Learn more about designations at: NAHB.org/education-and-events/ education/designations.
