Designations: CGB

This month we will focus on the CGB designation for builders and, next month we will focus on the designations available for associates. Although this article is specific to the CGB, the process to obtain a Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) designation is very similar.

Are you ready to join the elite ranks of the nations top building industry professionals? The Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designation is your sign to clients and colleagues that you take education and building knowledge seriously, and you are willing to take the extra steps necessary to gain that knowledge.

We as builders should always be looking for ways to help us stand out from the crowd. Earning industry specific designations will enable you to stand out from your competition.

The Builder Assessment Review (BAR) is your first step to obtaining this prestigious designation. The comprehensive assessment will measure your expertise in the four key areas of the building industry: Building Technology, Business and Finance, Project Management, and Sales and Marketing. Your individual results will show you where your knowledge is strongest, and where it is the weakest, determining the courses required for you to obtain your CGB. Essentially the BAR exam allows you to test out of those areas where your knowledge and experience is the strongest.

I know a lot of you are thinking, I don’t need “those letters” after my name to show I have the knowledge and experience to build homes, after all I have been doing it for a long time. You don’t, but perspective clients do. The reality of the situation is people are hired, and promoted daily according to “ those letters”. Those letters not only show a degree of proficiency in a particular area but also a persons ability and willingness to learn new things, staying on top of our ever-changing industry. Building the same way you did 20 or even 10 years ago is not acceptable in today’s marketplace.

Today’s consumer is educated and wants to work with like educated building professionals. Some reports state that 70% to 80% of new home buyers start their search on the internet, if they are doing that, don’t you think they are also researching energy efficiency, alternative building products, green building products, indoor air quality, etc.? We need to say on top of our ever-changing products and industry.

The results of the BAR are not shared with anyone, they are mailed directly to your at an address you designate, although there is an option to send them to your local HBA, the benefit being direct notification of the schedule and classes you need to take.

The PREP is the first step to obtaining your CGR (certified graduate remodelor) and can be given at the same location.

If you are a builder or remodelor I urge you to call our office, Will Grundy County Home Builders and Associates at 815-773-9103 and register to take the BAR or the PREP. Call Now!

Submitted by John A. Knoelk, CGB CSP