NKBA Certifications
The NKBA certification process was established in 1964, and remains a mark of excellence in the kitchen and bath industry. The following outlines the NKBA certifications available and what kitchen and bath designers and other professionals must achieve to earn them:
Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) An AKBD is a certified kitchen and bath professional, able to choose products, materials and finishes and plan spaces.
Requirements: Two or more years experience, at least one in the kitchen and bath industry with another in a related field. 30+ hours of NKBA education or NKBA-approved college coursework.
Certified Kitchen Designer/Certified Bath Designer (CKD/CBD)
CKDs and CBDs specialize in the design, planning, and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms. They have advanced technical and personal communication skills.
Requirements: At least seven years experience, with a minimum three years full-time kitchen and bath design, with four more years in that field or one related. 60+ hours of NKBA education or NKBA-approved college coursework. Must have previously passed the AKBD certification exam.
Certified Kitchen Educator/Certified Bath Educator (CKE/CBE)
CKEs and CBEs who teach residential kitchen and bath design at the college level. They understand the unique qualifications such areas require and can successfully transfer that knowledge to interior design students.
Requirements: No hands-on design experience required. Seven years experience teaching design full-time, or three years teaching combined with four years formal training. 60+ hours of NKBA education or NKBA-approved college coursework. Must have passed the AKBD certification exam before applying for the CKD exam for CKE certification or the CBD exam for CBE certification.
Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) A CMKBD is a recognized master in kitchen and bath design, with at least 17 years in the industry.
Requirements: Both CKD and CBD certifications required, with another ten years experience on top of the seven previously required to earn CKB and CBD designations. Five of these years must have been spent doing full-time bath and kitchen design. 100+ hours of NKBA education or NKBA-approved college coursework.
Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Educator (CMKBE) A CMKBE has the same high level of expertise as a CMKBD, with the additional experience of teaching kitchen and bath design at the college level.
Requirements: Both CKE and CBE certifications are required, as well as another ten years of teaching experience. Five of these years could come from full-time bath and kitchen design or teaching. 100+ hours of NKBA education or NKBA-approved college coursework. Certified Kitchen and Bath Professional (CKBP)
This is the only certification offered by the NKBA for non-designers. A CKBP is the dealer, distributor, fabricator, installer, remodeler, manufacturer, sales representative, et cetera, with a high level of knowledge and experience to successfully work with certified designers.
Requirements: At least five years in the kitchen and bath industry, focusing on non-design areas of residential construction, general business, materials and product knowledge, and/or project management. 40+ hours of NKBA education or NKBA-approved college coursework.
Other Credentials/Appellations Awarded to NKBA Members
• American Institute of Architects (AIA) • American Society of Interior Designers (ASID & Allied ASID) • Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) by National Homebuilders Association (NAHB)
• Construction Document Technologist by Construction Specifications Institute (CDT)
• Certified Interior Designer (CID) by California Council of Interior Design Certification (CCIDC)
• Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR) by National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI)
• Certified Remodeler (CR) (NARI) • Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) (NARI)
Whether you’re an experienced industry professional looking to enhance your design skills, student striving to break into the industry or a professional who wants to build their professional credentials through NKBA certification. NKBA’s innovative new approach to Learning & Professional Development is perfect for you. Go to
https://store.nkba.org/collections/courses-webinars for information regarding courses offered.
OnLine Courses
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