The Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia has recognized that the decision to seek education must be seen as a business decision. The most effective way in which this can be achieved is through a certification program, at the end of which builders and renovators have something tangible they can use to promote their business, or through which they can affect savings. CHBA-BC has invested considerable time, energy and dollars in developing one of North America's first industry-driven self-certification programs.
Certification allows builders to demonstrate compliance with high standards established by a credible third-party. Certification provides the Association with a vehicle for disciplining unethical or incompetent builders and renovators as the certification can be stripped from the builder or renovator should there be sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
The certification program can also be used to ensure an ongoing commitment to continuing education by requiring all certified builders and renovators to enroll in suitable courses related to building and business practice.
A minimum number of hours of professional development must be completed every year to keep the designation current. "Credit" for professional development can be earned either through attending seminars offered in CHBA BC's continuing education calendar; attending provincial or national conference or business sessions; and/or participating in the association by way of chairing a major committee or serving on the Executive Committee.
The certification program consists of seven designations of which three are for individuals, three are for businesses and one is for both an individual and a business:
Individual
1. the Registered Housing Professional (RHP);
2. the Registered Renovation Professional (RRP);
3. the Registered Master Builder (RMB);
Business
1. the Certificated Renovator (CR);
2. the Certificated Residential Builder (CRB);
3. the Certified Master Builder (CMB);
Individual and Business
1. the Graduate Master Builder (GMB);
With the granting of these designations, the issue of ethics, experience, education, business practice and consumer protection can be effectively addressed.
You can learn more about our certification programs by clicking on the icons given on the left column.
