A NAHB Designation 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 teachers and widely respected education opportunities in the business. Start getting a designation now so you'll be ahead of the competition in the future.
Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)
Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP)
Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP)
Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP)
Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)
Registered in Apartment Management (RAM)
Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS)
Certified Graduate Associate (CGA)
Graduate Master Builder (GMB)
Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM)
Certified Leasing Professional (CLP)
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, 120-question multiple-choice assessment measures your knowledge in the four core areas of building business and project management. The BAR is available at over 600 computer-based testing centers across the country through our distributing partner LaserGrade.
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)
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Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (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 Remodeler 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 CGR. You will receive official notice of your results and course requirements by mail.
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Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) designation is the first designation available through The Institute of Residential Marketing. CSP was designed for specialists in new home sales to enhance their professional image, increase their marketability in the home building industry and sell more homes! To receive the CSP designation you must complete the Certified New Home Sales Professional course and pass a test.
Benefits of the CSP Designation
- Improved sales and marketing skills
- Increased marketability in the industry
- Enhanced professional image
Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP)
Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP) is the mid-level designation for IRM students who have completed the marketing intensive IRM courses I through IV.
Curriculum and Other Requirements
- Have at least three years of new home sales and marketing experience
- Complete the four IRM courses (see below)
- Pass accompanying tests
- Earn 50 elective credits
- Complete IRM Professional Profile for CMP candidates (Six Steps to Professional Excellence)
- Be sponsored by a MIRM or SMC/HBA President
Required Courses
- Understanding Housing Markets and Consumers (IRM I)
- Marketing Strategies, Plans, and Budgets (IRM II)
- Lifestyle Merchandising, Advertising, and Promotion Strategies (IRM III)
- The Challenge of New Home Sales Management (IRM IV)
Associated Fees
- Application Fee
- $40.00 NSMC member
- $80.00 non-NSMC member
- Course Fees determined by the HBA and range between $300.00 and $400.00
- National Course Fees
- $345.00 member
- $395.00 non-member
- Annual Renewal Fee
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Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)
The Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is a specialized designation for developers, property managers, asset managers, and others working in the affordable housing industry.
Curriculum and Other Requirements
- Minimum of two years experience in the low-income housing tax credit industry by graduation
- Ten hours of low-income housing tax credit training
- Adherence to the HCCP Code of Ethics
- Pass the HCCP Examination
Steps to Obtain Your HCCP Credential
- Contact HCCP Program Administrator or an organization offering the exam
- Register for training that offers the exam
- Pass the exam
- Submit your completed HCCP Professional Profile and the application fee of $175.00 to the HCCP Program Administrator
- Passing candidates have up to two years to meet the necessary experience and training requirements and to submit the application
- Receive your HCCP Certificate and lapel pin, and start using your professional designation for all your professional activities
- Each year following your certification, take four hours of continuing education and submit your CE verification forms and annual renewal fee (currently $175.00) to maintain your HCCP credential in good standing
HCCP Exam Preparation
The exam is designed for current practitioners. It covers development, compliance, and management issues and is quite comprehensive. The exam is an SAT-style multiple-choice exam with a “best answer” format. You must score at least 70% to pass. Training taken prior to the exam is an excellent way to prepare, although it is not necessarily sufficient to guarantee a passing grade on the exam. Experience, coupled with review that is inherent in a training course, should help you prepare. For a list of testable subject areas, contact the HCCP Program Administrator at 800-368-5242 x8154.
Code of Professional Ethics
Each candidate for the HCCP designation must sign and agree to the HCCP Code of Ethics as part of the Application. The Code of Ethics sets a high standard of conduct for the industry.
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Registered in Apartment Management (RAM)
Registered in Apartment Management (RAM) is a comprehensive educational and designation program offered to property management professionals by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The longest running and most well-respected program of its kind, RAM is the credential of distinction for managers of apartments (both market rate and affordable), condominiums, and cooperative housing.
Curriculum and Other Requirements
The recommended path to obtaining the RAM designation is attending a 40-hour entry-level course offered by approved RAM Instructors, who provide a comprehensive overview of multifamily housing management. The course covers all the essential aspects of property operations, including administrative and financial management, marketing, resident services, maintenance, fair housing, and security. Upon completion of the course, RAM candidates must complete a professional profile and pass the RAM examination. You can obtain the RAM designation through self-study; however, the course is the best preparation for the exam. The course also counts for 125 points on the professional profile. Once the designation is earned, continuing education courses are required each year to maintain certification. All RAM's in good standing become eligible to pursue their Advanced RAM designation.
RAM Course
The comprehensive RAM curriculum offers topics in all aspects of property operation including:
- Development
- Management
- Marketing
- Customer Service
- Leasing and Resident Retention
- Financial Management
- Maintenance
- Risk Management
- Fair Housing
- Military
- Government Assisted and Insured Housing Programs
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Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS)
What builder, contractor or remodeler hasn’t wished for personnel with the requisite skills to be savvy, on-the-spot field superintendents? The Home Builders Institute (HBI) – the workforce development arm of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) – has taken this challenge to task in developing 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:
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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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 (three)
- Introduction to Business Management
- Customer Service
- Sales & Marketing or Sales & Marketing for Remodelers
Electives (three)
- Building Codes & Standards
- Building Technology: Systems and Interior Finishes
- Building Technology: Structures and Exterior Finishes
- Business Accounting & Job Cost
- Construction Contracts & Law
- Construction Industry & The ADA
- Design/Build
- Energy Efficient Construction
- Estimating
- Finance Banking
- Indoor Air Quality
- Insurance Reconstruction
- Land Development, Site Planning and Zoning
- Off-Site Project Management
- On-Site Project Management
Associated Fees
- Application Fees:
- $50.00 members
- $75.00 non-members
- Course fees are determined by the HBA
- National Fees:
- $175.00 members
- $225.00 non-members
- Annual Renewal Fees:
- $50.00 members
- $75.00 non-members
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.
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Graduate Master Builder (GMB)
The ultimate symbol of the building professional, the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) designation is for experienced veterans only. GMB courses are more advanced with in-depth instruction geared for experienced building professionals.
Curriculum & 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.
Associated Fees
- Application Fees
- $50.00 members
- $100.00 non-members
- Course fees are determined by the HBA
- National Course Fees:
- $175.00 members
- $225.00 non-members
- Graduation Fees
- $145.00 members
- $245.00 non-members
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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 Remodelors™ 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 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. Candidates who already possess an industry certification with a business component are exempt from taking the third day (see below for additional information).
- Working With and Marketing to Older Adults: background on the older adult population; communication techniques;common remodeling expenditures and projects; accessing the aging-in-place remodeling market
- Home Modifications: codes and standards; common barriers and solutions; product ideas and resources
- Introduction to Business Management: strategies and techniques for building a competitive, sustainable remodeling business; case studies and interactive exercises (holders of certain certifications are exempt from this course*)
*CGR, CGB, CGA, CR, CKD, CBD, ASID, AIA - Other exemptions determined on a case-by-case basis
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.
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Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP)
This new designation acknowledges the continuing educational achievements of graduates of the CSP program
The Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) has just established a new designation, Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP), to acknowledge additional educational achievements of graduates of the CSP program.
Master CSP candidates must have the CSP designation and 50 additional credit hours. Required courses are:
- House Construction as a Selling Tool (20 credit hours)
- Essential Closing Strategies (10 credit hours)
The additional 20-credit requirement may be met by taking elective courses from a list created from courses by NAHB as well as IRM.
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Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM)
The Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM) designation is the most prestigious designation offered by the Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM). The MIRM is the top-level of achievement for professionals in new home marketing.
Benefits of the MIRM Designation
- Increased marketability in the industry
- Enhanced professional image
- Enhanced sales and marketing skills
- Increased networking opportunities
- Subscription to bi-monthly, award-winning Sales & Marketing Ideas Magazine
- Listing in the Institute of Residential Marketing Directory
- Honored at the MIRM Breakfast during the International Builders' Show (IBS)
- Eligible to take MIRM ProEd continuing education classes
HOW DO I BECOME A MIRM?
Curriculum and Other Requirements
- Have at least three years of new home sales and marketing experience
- Complete the four IRM courses (see below)
- Pass accompanying tests
- Earn 50 elective credits
- Complete the IRM Professional Profile for MIRM candidates (Six Steps to Professional Excellence)
- Be sponsored by a MIRM or SMC/HBA President
- Write a case study that follows the IRM case study outline
Required Courses
- Understanding Housing Markets and Consumers (IRM I)
- Marketing Strategies, Plans, and Budgets (IRM II)
- Lifestyle Merchandising, Advertising, and Promotion Strategies (IRM III)
- The Challenge of New Home Sales Management (IRM IV)
Associated Fees
- Application Fee
- $100.00 NSMC member
- $150.00 non-NSMC member
- Course fees determined by the HBA and range between $300.00 and $400.00
- National Course Fees
- $345.00 member
- $395.00 non-member
- Annual Renewal Fee
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
- 8 CE credits every 3 years
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Certified Leasing Professional (CLP)
The Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) Program curriculum includes an overview of multifamily leasing and sales skills. Sales, communication skills, merchandising, customer satisfaction, fair housing, and ethics are all topics that a skilled leasing professional should be well versed in. The CLP course reviews and tests for competency in these and other key issues are vital to quality property leasing. The CLP course is the prerequisite to taking the CLP certification examination. CLP Schools are sponsored by the local HBAs and through corporate sponsorships. Course fees vary by region and event sponsor. There is a $25.00 annual renewal fee required and a continuing education component required every two years.
Benefits of Certification
- Recognition of a high degree of professional competence
- Affiliation with NAHB, the largest and strongest trade association in the building industry
- Subscriptions to: Professional Management (the RAM newsletter), Washington Hotline, and Market Outline
- Certificate identifying you as a professional in residential management
- Lapel pin
- Annual Certification directory
- Higher earning potential
- Networking opportunities
Associated Fees
- Course fees are determined by the HBA
- Examination Fee
- Application/Profile Fee
- Annual Renewal Fee
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