CAPS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAPS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the term 'visitability' refer to in accessible housing standards? → A basic level of accessibility that allows people with disabilities to visit a home
2. A CAPS professional witnesses a colleague engaging in fraudulent billing practices. What is the ethical response? → Report the conduct through appropriate professional or legal channels
3. For aging-in-place kitchen modifications serving a seated wheelchair user, what is the recommended accessible work surface or counter height? → 28–34 inches
4. Which scenario would require a aging-in-place specialist professional to escalate a details and solutions concern? → Creating feedback mechanisms that encourage continuous improvement
5. When working with a client who has a guardian or legal representative, a CAPS professional should: → Coordinate with both the client (to the extent possible) and the legal representative
6. What is the recommended clear floor space beside a toilet to allow for a parallel transfer by a wheelchair user? → 60 inches
7. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a post-project follow-up communication with an aging-in-place client? → To verify satisfaction, confirm usability, and address any concerns
8. Which factor is most important when marketing Aging-in-Place services? → Demonstrating expertise and credibility
9. Which standard governs the minimum width of doorways in accessible residential design under most U.S. building codes? → 32 inches clear width
10. In the CAPS framework, which team member is MOST responsible for identifying fall risks related to a client's balance, strength, and gait? → The occupational therapist conducting a functional assessment
11. Which of the following is a key performance indicator for evaluating professional ethics & standards effectiveness? → Prioritizing based on risk assessment and potential impact
12. A contractor installs a lever-style door handle at 44 inches above the floor. Is this compliant with accessibility standards? → No, handles must be between 34 and 38 inches above the floor
13. Which of the following is NOT one of the seven principles of Universal Design? → Minimal Aesthetic Design
14. When documenting the findings of a CAPS home assessment, the report should include: → A prioritized list of recommended modifications with rationale and estimated costs
15. Which type of smart technology improves safety for Aging-in-Place homes? → Smart home monitoring systems
16. A CAPS specialist is presenting a modification plan to a client with mild hearing loss. Which communication strategy is most effective? → Provide written summaries and speak clearly while facing the client
17. Which organization publishes the A117.1 standard that is most commonly referenced for accessible and usable buildings and facilities? → ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
18. Which communication approach helps build trust with Aging-in-Place clients? → Active listening and empathy
19. Why are lever-style door handles recommended for Aging-in-Place design? → They require less grip strength and are easier to use
20. In the context of aging-in-place specialist, which principle most directly governs construction & technology practices? → Applying evidence-based methodologies with peer-reviewed support
21. For a client who has experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which risk mitigation priority should a CAPS professional address FIRST? → Eliminating fall hazards and improving bathroom safety
22. When a client's family insists on attending every project meeting, the CAPS specialist should: → Welcome family involvement while always directing key questions to the homeowner
23. Which of the following best describes 'residual risk' in a CAPS home modification project? → The level of risk that remains after all planned mitigation measures have been implemented
24. What is the most important reason to include photos and sketches in a client communication report for an aging-in-place project? → To help clients visualize proposed modifications and give informed consent
25. Which scenario represents a boundary violation in CAPS client communication? → Sharing a client's health information with a subcontractor without consent
26. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to evaluate a person's ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs)? → Katz Index of Independence in ADLs
27. What is the primary objective of communication & stakeholder engagement within the CAPS professional framework? → Analyzing data systematically using validated assessment tools
28. What is the primary goal of Aging-in-Place design? → Ensure safety and accessibility for older adults
29. When assessing flooring for an aging-in-place client, which characteristic poses the greatest fall risk? → Highly polished or slippery hard-surface flooring
30. A CAPS professional is advising a client who uses a rollator walker. Which bathroom door modification most effectively reduces entrapment and fall risk? → Converting the inward-swinging door to an outward-swinging or pocket door