Credential descriptions
Our experience has found the contractors who take the time to be involved in their local building association and that earn credentials & awards typically take more pride and ownership in their work. This results in a higher probability of your project meeting or surpassing your expectations.
Credentials
A step beyond building association members are designation and credentials earned by building professionals. You can find a description of the credential and how that benefits you below. Just click on the credential to be taken to the listing.
NAHB – National Association of Home Builders
Certified Graduate Associate (CGA)
Description: Minimum of two years building experience and must complete two elective education courses
Benefit: Builder with professional training
Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)
Description: Minimum of two years building experience, must complete builder assessment review and have worked in a management or lead position
Benefit: Experienced builder with green building knowledge
Graduate Master Builder (GMB)
Description: Minimum five years of experience with CGR or CGA designation
Benefit: Veteran builder who has received in-depth instruction and possesses extensive building knowledge
Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
Description: Minimum of five years remodeling experience, completion of course work and signed code of ethics pledge
Benefit: Experienced remodel professional with green building knowledge
Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR)
Description: 15 years of remodeling experience, completion of five required courses and active CGR for nine years
Benefit: Veteran remodeler who has received in-depth instruction and possesses extensive building knowledge
Certified Green Professional (CGP)
Description: Minimum two years building experience, completed Green Building for Building Professionals course work and signed a professional code of ethics
Benefit: Understanding of energy efficiency, healthy indoor air and resource conservation
Master Certified Green Professional (Master CGP)
Description: Minimum five years building experience, completed Green building for Building Professionals course work, built at least three certified green dwellings and signed a professional code of ethics
Benefit: Advanced understanding of energy efficiency, healthy indoor air and resource conservation
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
Description: Specialize in the needs of aging home residents
Benefit: Build or remodel homes that maximize access and mobility
Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH)
Description: Specialize in communities for active 55+ adults
Benefit: Help find and evaluate active adult communities
Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)
Description: Specialized designation for developers, property managers and asset managers
Benefit: To help those in the affordable housing industry
Certified New Home Marketing (CMP)
Description: Complete 50 hours of home marketing curriculum and have at least three years experience in new home sales.
Benefit: Provide marketing strategy and tactics for new home sales
Master In Residential Marketing (MIRM)
Description: CMP education, experience and additional case study course work
Benefit: Top level new home marketing professional
Certified New Home Sales (CSP)
Description: Requires 24 hours of new home sales course work
Benefit: Specialist in new home sales
Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP)
Description: CSP course work and at least three years experience
Benefit: Top level new home sales professional
Construction Contractors Board (CCB) Designations
Certified Sustainable Home Professional (SHP)
Description: Extensive, six month program that establishes competencies in LEED, Earth Advantage, Energy Star and other established certification programs
Benefit: Professionals learn how to cost-effectively design, build and maintain more efficient and sustainable buildings. Back to top.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification
Lead Based Paint Renovator Certification
Description: EPA certified course that provides builders the knowledge required to provide renovation on homes constructed prior to 1978
Benefit: Safe home painting and remodeling
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Description: Online and in class course work
Benefit: Gives real estate agents the tools they need to run a successful business
Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)
Description: 16 hours of course work
Benefit: Professional with a unique understanding of buyers’ needs and how to best serve them
Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRBsm)
Description: Must complete advanced educational course and professional requirements
Benefits: Become a professional real estate firm manager
NAR’s Green Designation
Description: Three day green building science and sustainability curriculum
Benefit: Help those selling and buying a green home make informed decisions
Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
Description: Specialized aging-in-place training and regular updates
Benefit: Provide clients who are 50 years + make informed buying decisions
Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR)
Description: Specialized short sales training and regular updates
Benefit: Help buyers and sellers navigate the complex short selling process
Resort & Second Home Specialist (RSPS)
Description: Specialized second home training and regular updates
Benefit: Help buyers and sellers of investment, recreation and resort properties make informed decisions