What is a Associate Builder? I need a expert to answer because It's a term only an expert builder would know?

An Associate Builder is a term usually used by Corporate Building companies that is an employee that has reached builder status but is not actually in charge of running the site or neighborhood that they are working in. In some states however, it IS a junior builder or an apprentice type of designation for a newer builder working with a licensed builder. To get an answer to your states specific designation of that terminology you can contact the General Contractor's Board usually located in the state capitol city. They can clear it up for you. But again, it is mostly just a job title not a licensing issue.

You may have to contact National Association of Home Builders yourself for a definitive answer. It is a pretty comprehensive title, but it is not the top one.