Get a Designation in 2010

CORRECTION: This article ran in the January issue of Education Update with incorrect information regarding the MIRM course in Greenville. The article originally stated a MIRM course would be held in Greenville on January 15 & 16, when actually, it should have been March. See below for correct information.

Did you know that you can get a Certified Master Builder designation and one of several NAHB designations right here in South Carolina in 2010? Whether you're a builder member or an associate member, continuing education courses that can be applied towards a designation can be taken right in your backyard...sort of.

Certified Master Builders of South Carolina
The HBASC created a designation program for builders to use to differentiate themselves from other builders in the Palmetto State. The Certified Master Builder designation is education-based, meaning you must accrue 20 hours of education as a candidate and 10 annual hours as a designation holder. All NAHB University of Housing courses are pre-approved as credit for the South Carolina designation program. Also, most NAHB-sponsored webinars count for one hour of continuing education towards the CMB designation. More information about this program can be found at www.masterbuildersc.com or by contacting Brandie at bfreeman@hbaofsc.com or 803-771-7408.

NAHB Designations
The National Association of Home Builders offers several designation programs for builder and associate members through the University of Housing. You can easily obtain a designation right here in South Carolina thanks to the collaboration of several local HBAs. Those local HBAs developed an education schedule that allows members to take education courses and to get a national designation (not to mention credit for Certified Master Builder) without the added expenses of airfare and hotel. Here's a rundown of some of the designation courses you can get this year:

Certified Green Professional
February 24, 25, 26 - Greenville
October 20, 21, 22 - Charleston

Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH)
April 14, 15, 16 - Charleston

Certified Aging in Place (CAPS)
May 24, 25 - Columbia

Member, Institute Residential Marketing (MIRM)
March 15, 16 - Greenville
June 24, 25 - Hilton Head
August 19, 20 - Myrtle Beach
September 20, 21 - Columbia

Of course, these are just a few NAHB designations being offered in 2010 in our state. Other courses that can be applied towards other designations can be taken as well. The complete education schedule, which is subject to change, can be found online at www.hbaofsc.com.