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Professionals in other fields have initials/acronyms behind their names and people take note of them. A home is most likely the largest investment a family makes and of course they want to work with someone who has taken the extra steps to stay on top of the industry. Why not join the elite in the home building industry and earn a professional designation?
A designation from the University of Housing or Home Builders Institute of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says a lot about you. Professional designations offer excellent opportunities to improve your skills, advance your career, and be recognized for your commitment to professional growth. NAHB has the most targeted curriculum, accomplished instructors and widely respected education opportunities in the business. Start getting a designation now so you'll be ahead of the competition in the future. Two years ago, only four members of CRBA held one of these designations and today, there are 21 members who hold 34 of them. To find out who they are, CLICK HERE.
BAR – Your first step to becoming a Certified Graduate Builder
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Are you ready to join the elite ranks of the nation’s top building industry professionals? The Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designation is your sign to clients and colleagues that you are a member of this respected group of professionals. The Builder Assessment Review (BAR) is your first step towards obtaining this prestigious designation. This comprehensive assessment will measure your expertise in the four key areas of the building industry: Building Technology, Business and Finance, Project Management, and Sales and Marketing. Your results will show you the areas where your knowledge is strongest, where it is weakest, and will determine the courses required for you to obtain your CGB. Now, for the first time, you have a chance to test out of those areas where your knowledge and experience is greatest. This will allow you to earn your CGB designation faster than ever before. The BAR has been set high. Do you have what it takes to be a CGB? Let’s find out… If you are up to the challenge, you too can join the most prestigious club in the building industry.
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Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)
Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) is an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business and project management skills as the key to a professional building operation.
The CGB designation requires that graduates meet prescribed standards of practice, possess a minimum of two years building industry experience, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete comprehensive education curriculum, and pledge to uphold the program's code of ethics.
Becoming a CGB Will...
- Arm you with the resources to manage your business more profitably
- Increase your professional credibility
- Enhance your competitive edge
- Expand your customer base
- Broaden networking opportunities within the industry and your local community
How Do I Get Started?
Once you have completed the CGB candidate application, your next step is to take the Builder Assessment Review (BAR). This three-hour-multi-choice assessment has 120-questions that measure your knowledge in the four core areas of building business and project management.
Benefits of the CGB Designation
- Referrals to customers in your area via NAHB's web site
- Consumer brochures that explain the advantages of working with a CGB
- The right to use the CGB designation on all letterhead, business cards, and professional materials
- The CGB Bulletin (newsletter) three times per year detailing program developments and course schedule listings
- Invitation to attend the annual CGB Graduation Reception at the International Builders' Show
- Graduation kit with an official framed graduation certificate; CGB lapel pin; CGB logo sheet; gold promotional seals for drawings, plans, and contracts; press releases for distribution to media sources in your market area; Code of Ethics; and, official graduate corporate seal (optional)
Graduate Master Builder (GMB)
The ultimate symbol of the building professional, the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) designation is for experienced veterans only. Before beginning the GMB designation process, you must have the CGB designation, the CGR designation, or the CGA designation with five years of building experience, or ten years of building experience and have completed three CGB/CGR/CGA courses. GMB courses aremore advanced with in-depth instruction geared for experienced building professionals.
Curriculum and Other Requirements
To be eligible for the GMB designation, candidates must have previously attained the CGA, CGB, or CGR designation and have five years of building industry experience, or candidates must have completed three CGA, CGB, or CGR courses and have ten years building industry experience.
Required courses (five of six)*
- Land Acquisition and Development Finance
- Risk Management and Insurance for Building Professionals
- Negotiating Skills
- Diversification: New Profits for Builders
- Financial Management
- Quality Construction
*Candidates may substitute two CGB approved courses for any one GMB approved course provided those courses were not used to obtain their original CGA,CGB, or CGR designation.
PREP – Your first step to becoming a Certified Graduate Remodeler™
The PREP is the required first step in the process of becoming a Certified Graduate Remodeler tm (CGR). It is a 3-hour 130 multiple- choice question assessment that measures a candidate’s knowledge in five core areas of remodeling business management: - Marketing and Sales - Business Administration - Design, Estimating and Job Costing - Contracts, Liability and Risk Management - Project Management Candidates do not pass or fail the PREP. Results determine the course of study for CGR candidates and will count as one CGR course. PREP is offered at CRBA throughout the year at your convenience. The registration fee is $195 however there is a small fee if you must cancel, so please plan accordingly. A two-week notice is required so that your assessment may be ordered. The PREP is also offered at national and regional venues, such as the Remodelers’ Show and the International Builders’ Show.
Certified Graduate Remodeler(CGR)
Certified Graduate Remodeler™ (CGR) is an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation.
The CGR designation requires that graduates meet prescribed standards of business practice, possess a minimum of five years remodeling industry experience, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete a comprehensive education curriculum, and pledge to uphold the program's code of ethics.
Why Earn the CGR Designation?
Each year Americans spend more than $200 billion improving their homes. With an estimated 200,000 residential remodeling firms nationwide, plus another 600,000 self-employed workers doing remodeling and home repair, how are you going to catch the consumer's eye? The CGR designation was created to help identify those individuals who exemplify professionalism in the remodeling industry. As a CGR, you become a member of an exclusive national program, gain recognition as an industry leader, and call attention to yourself in a crowded marketplace.
Benefits of the CGR Designation
- Referrals to customers in your area via NAHB's website
- Consumer brochures that explain the advantages of working with a CGR
- The right to use the CGR designation on all letterhead, business cards, etc.
- The CGReport (newsletter) three times per year detailing program developments and course schedule listings
- Invitation to attend the annual CGR Reception at the Remodeling Show
- Graduation kit with an official framed graduation certificate, CGR lapel pin, CGR logo slick sheet, gold promotional seals for drawings, plans and contracts, press releases for distribution to media sources in your market area, Code of Ethics suitable for framing, and official graduate corporate seal (optional)
- Invitation to attend International Builders' Show graduation reception
Overview of the CGR Program
The first step to earning the CGR designation is to take the PREP (Professional Remodelers Experience Profile). This three-hour, 130-question, multiple-choice assessment measures your knowledge and experience in the five core areas of remodeling business management. The five core areas are:
- Marketing & Sales
- Business Administration
- Design Estimating & Job Cost
- Contracts, Liability & Risk Management
- Project Management
Your PREP results determine which courses are required in order to become a Certified Graduate Remodeler. You will receive official notice of your results and course requirements by mail.
Certified Green Professional (CGP)
How do I Become a CGP? Curriculum and Other Requirements Required courses are a two-day Green Building for Building Professionals and a one-day Business Management for Building Professionals. A candidate who holds another designation may not need to take the Business Management for Building Professionals. Also, a candidate for CGP must have a minimum of two years of building industry experience and sign to adhere to the CGP Code of Ethics Associated.
The 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 RemodelorsTM 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.
Why Earn the CAPS Designation?
The CAPS program will expand your understanding of the aging-in-place market, provide the necessary technical knowledge and resources, and give you the tools to gain access to that market.
Benefits of the CAPS Designation
- Recognition for completing the only national designation program dedicated to improving the knowledge of remodelers who want to serve the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling market
- Marketing and customer service tools to gain access to the burgeoning aging-in-place market
- Technical knowledge to solve the remodeling needs of the aging-in-place population
- Greater understanding of the aging-in-place population
- Official CAPS certificate and lapel pin identifying your accomplishment
Graduates will receive a certificate and press release approximately six to eight weeks after submitting the graduate application. The Remodelors Council, a department of NAHB, markets CAPS professionals through NAHB's Web site and publications.
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. To become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, candidates must complete the CAPS I and CAPS II classes described below and the Business Management for Building Professionals class. Candidates who already possess an industry certification with a business component are exempt from taking the third class.
CAPS I is Marketing & Communications Strategies for Aging & Accessibility
Millions of Americans are living longer and more active lives. And with their changing lifestyles, older Americans are also looking to revitalize their home environments. Identifying these opportunities and developing the skills to interact with 50+ customers can help you grow your business dramatically. Learn best practices in communicating and interacting with this exciting and evolving population, and take advantage of one of the fastest growing market segments in remodeling and related industries.
As a graduate of this course, you will be able to:
· Explain the three segments within the Aging-in-Place market that present business opportunities for building professionals.
· Implement a process for promoting new opportunities for products and services in the Aging-in-Place market.
CAPS II Design/Build Solutions for Aging & Accessibility (Formerly Home Modifications)
The rapid growth of the older adult population of the U.S. is a huge opportunity for remodelers. As this consumer group expands, more are interested in remodeling their home to fit their new lifestyle and abilities. This Certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) course will help you understand the guidelines and requirements of accessibility, the importance of doing an assessment with input from occupational and physical therapists as well as qualified health care professionals, and the significance of good design in making modifications that can transform a house into a safe, attractive, and comfortable home for life.
As a graduate of this course, you will:
· Describe the home ownership market as it relates to the three segments of the Aging-in-Place market
· Consider contractual and legal concerns for building professionals providing design solutions to the Aging-in-Place client
· Perform a needs assessment to identify and prioritize the needs, wants, and wishes of the Aging-in-Place client &
recommend specific design solutions.
· Estimate and schedule the Aging in Place project
· Identify considerations for executing the job while the client is in residence
Upon completion of the CAPS coursework, participants receive a graduation application. Participants must complete and submit the graduation application to the NAHB University of Housing before they can use the “CAPS” designation.
Certified Graduate Associate (CGA)
Learn about the home building business from the best source possible: builders and remodelers with years of field experience. Earned through classroom instruction, the CGA designation affirms your level of industry knowledge and your commitment to your professionalism in the building industry.
Required Courses (four)
- Basics of Building
- Business Management for Building Professionals
- Customer Service
- Sales & Marketing or Sales & Marketing for Remodelers
Electives (two)
- Building Codes & Standards
- Building Technology: Systems and Interior Finishes
- Building Technology: Structures and Exterior Finishes
- Business Accounting & Job Cost
- Construction Contracts and Law
- Construction Industry & the American Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Design/Build
- Energy Efficient Construction
- Estimating
- Finance Banking
- Indoor Air Quality
- Insurance Reconstruction
- Land Development, Site Planning and Zoning
- Project Management (On & Off Site)
- Recognizing the Big-Four Safety Hazards for the Home Building Industry
- Scheduling
Continuing Education Requirements:
Complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years. At least six hours must come from an NAHB University of Housing course.
Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS)
This curriculum will now be offered as a self-study course. What builder or remodeler hasn’t wished for personnel with the skills to be field superintendents? The Home Builders Institute (HBI) – the workforce development arm of NAHB – has developed the Residential Construction Superintendent designation.
The Residential Construction Superintendent designation series is geared toward budding field superintendents and can benefit current site personnel wishing to excel in this position. The designation's eight courses cover issues and subjects identified by National Association of Homebuilder members as critical to a field supervisory job.
The Curriculum
HBI’s Residential Construction Superintendent designation covers the following core competencies
1. General Project Management 2. Planning and Scheduling 3. Budget Management & Cost Control
4. Customer Service & Homeowner Relations 5. Safey and Security 6. Codes and Quality Control
7. Hiring, Training and Supervision 8. Office and Subcontractor Relations
Designation Process
The Residential Construction Superintendent designation courses have been developed in four-hour modules to allow for maximum flexibility to HBAs administering the designation as well and candidates enrolled in the program. A designation – “Residential Construction Superintendent” (RCS) – will be issued to candidates who have successfully completed the full set of eight courses.
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