Earn A CAPS Certification As An OT Student Home Modification

Earning a CAPS certification as an occupational therapy (OT) student is a significant achievement that can enhance one’s professional opportunities and expand their impact within the field.

Recognized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), this certification demonstrates a graduate’s ability to effectively address the unique needs of individuals in various settings.

Whether working in educational settings, mental health facilities, or home environments, OT professionals with a CAPS certification possess a comprehensive understanding of best practices in home modifications, home safety assessments, and the promotion of optimal functioning for individuals across the lifespan.

This national certification examination is particularly crucial as it complements state licenses and serves as a testament to the graduate’s competence in providing quality care to clients.

By completing the CAPS certification, OT students can ensure they meet the highest standards of the profession while aligning themselves with the evolving needs of an aging population. 

How Many Courses Do You Need To Earn A CAPS Certification?

To earn a CAPS certification, you must complete three courses:

• CAPS I: Marketing and Communicating with the Aging in Place Client
• CAPS II: Design Concepts for Livable Homes and Aging in Place
• CAPS III: Details and Solutions for Livable Homes and Aging in Place

Each course is 8 hours long, for a total of 24 hours of coursework. You can take the courses online or in person.

In addition to completing the coursework, you must also pass a comprehensive exam at the end of each course. You must score at least 70% on the exam to pass.

The CAPS certification is a valuable credential for anyone who works in the aging-in-place industry. It demonstrates your knowledge and skills in home modifications, marketing, and customer service.

Here are some of the benefits of earning a CAPS certification:

• Increased marketability: The CAPS certification is a recognized credential in the aging-in-place industry. It can help you stand out from the competition and get hired by a reputable company.
• Increased knowledge: The CAPS certification program covers a wide range of topics related to aging-in-place home modifications. This knowledge can help you provide better service to your clients and make more informed decisions about home modifications.
• Increased confidence: The CAPS certification process can help you gain confidence in your ability to work in the aging-in-place industry. This confidence can be helpful when working with clients and other professionals.

If you are interested in a career in the aging-in-place industry, the CAPS certification is a great way to get started. The certification program is comprehensive and will teach you the skills you need to be successful.

How Long Will It Take Me To Earn A CAPS Certification?

It depends on your schedule. You can choose to complete the coursework in as little as 3 consecutive days or take each course as your schedule allows. 

The CAPS certification is a valuable credential for occupational therapy professionals and other individuals who want to work in the aging-in-place field.

The certification demonstrates knowledge and skills in aging, home environment, business management, and interior design.

The CAPS certification can help professionals stand out from the competition and get hired by a reputable company.

Here are some additional details about the CAPS certification:

• Coursework: The CAPS specialization program typically includes coursework in aging, home environment, business management, and interior design.
• Application process: To apply for the CAPS certification, you must submit an application and pay a fee to the NAHB.

Will I Receive CEU Credits?

Yes. Each CAPS course equals to 6 CE credits. There are all considered live instruction courses. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) have reciprocity with each other, meaning that any NAHB course work completed is automatically approved by AOTA.

This will come in handy when you have to renew your OT license. 

If you are currently a student in an occupational therapy program, you are probably learning about home safety assessment, brain injury, cerebral palsy, mental illness, etc…and how occupational therapy services can help reduce disability and increase occupational performance and engagement. 

If you are a student in a certified occupational therapy assistant program or a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), you can also take the course work and apply for the CAPS designation with successful completion of this exam. Once you have your CAPS designation, you are not required to have the supervision of an occupational therapist to work as a CAPS consultant.

Certified aging in place specialists can own their own business and practice independently. 

A doctoral OT student can make the CAPS certification as a part of the doctoral Capstone experience and project.

A career in home health care offers the best experiential learning for a professional wanting to transition as an entrepreneur in the field of occupational therapy specializing in the aging process and with home modification.

Foreign national occupational therapists can also benefit from earning specialty certifications such as the CAPS designation.

Graduates of the program will receive an official transcript from the NAHB, the CAPS lapel pin, and be placed on the NAHB national directory of CAPS training program for potential clients to hire.

If you are an OT student wanting to learn more about aging in place and Universal Design, please visit my website. I am an occupational therapist and an approved instructor for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). I teach the CAPS certification and Universal Design.