CEAC or CAPS: Which Credential is Right for Me?
The Aging in Place industry has a plethora of education for home modification providers, installers, and contractors as well as two different credentials, the Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). What is the difference between these certifications?
Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC)
What is CEAC?
The Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) credentialing program is administered by VGM Live at Home. As the field of home accessibility and home modifications was rapidly growing, VGM Live at Home saw a need for formal education, validation, and credibility in the industry and chose to create this program.
Environmental Access is the process of adapting the workplace, residence and/or general environment to promote independence, safety, and functional ability for physically challenged and aging individuals. The CEAC is a recognized certification for professionals creating accessibility or working in the environmental access field. The CEAC program focuses more on the client’s environment, how to conduct a home safety assessment, and product assessment.
What is it for?
The CEAC program is for any home modification provider, installer, or contractor. The certification is primarily held by Home Accessibility providers and contractors who focus on Home Modifications and the Aging in Place market but is starting to attract some construction professionals. All VGM Live at Home members are required to participate in this program. The program consists of a 6-unit self-study educational program, unit reviews, and a comprehensive final exam. Upon successfully completing the entire program, you will hold the distinction of a Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC).
Becoming CEAC certified will give you foundational knowledge that will help you be able to best evaluate the customers’ needs to match their abilities and help you recommend the appropriate product solutions and modifications. The CEAC course will prepare Live at Home members to learn how to take an overall look at the consumer and their abilities, budget, safety hazards, and home environment and recommend appropriate solutions.
What topics are included in the CEAC?
The education included in the CEAC program includes background information on the Home Accessibility industry, payor sources, legal and ethical responsibilities, and how to conduct a proper home safety assessment. VGM Live at Home now also offers several other complimentary programs and courses, including the Master CEAC and the Aids to Daily Living Specialist (ADLS) Credentialing Program. The CEAC Mastery Program revolves more around the products that can be installed and used in the home to make it more accessible. It guides home access professionals to the best practices in environmental concepts, ethics, appropriate product selection, installation and repair, ADA, and documentation in each product category.
For more information on these programs, visit vgmliveathome.com or contact VGM Live at Home at 877-404-2442.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
What is CAPS?
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 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 CAPS curriculum is broken down into three parts:
CAPS coursework focuses more on the universal design and structure of the home. Coursework is in-person and interactive with courses hosted across the United States. Once the coursework is completed, there is an online application to apply for the CAPS designation.
Who is it for?
The CAPS certification is held primarily by remodeling contractors, but it is now starting to attract healthcare professionals, architects, and designers.
For more information on CAPS, visit the NAHB website.
What's the difference?
The CEAC and CAPS programs complement each other as they touch on different sides of the industry; the CEAC comes from a home medical equipment perspective and the CAPs comes from a home builder or remodeler point of view to create a whole picture. The credentials are different, but the end goal is the same, to be able to better serve the aging in place population.
|
CEAC |
CAPS |
| Cost |
$$ |
$$$$ |
| Discounts |
Discounts for LAH and VGM members |
Discounts for NAHB members |
| Topics Covered |
Technical Product Education and Application |
Marketing, Communication, Business Management |
| Coursework Type |
Online |
In-Person and Online |
| Test Type |
Online |
No specific test, online application |
| Who is it for? |
Home Modification Providers, Contractors |
remodeling Contractors |
| Certification owned by: |
VGM Live at Home |
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) |