Stand Out ~ Be More Competitive
Restructured for 2023 !
The NKBA has transformed our longstanding, highly regarded, Certification Programs. The NKBA is dedicated to providing our members and the kitchen & bath community with the highest quality of education and professional certifications.
The Association has created a curriculum track attainable by all NKBA members, regardless of education and work experience. All the necessary tools each candidate requires to successfully complete the program will be contained on a new Learning Platform. This platform will contain self-directed E-Learning study modules and lessons, practice exams, tutorials, additional resources and much more.
Become familiar with the ALL NEW
3 Pathways to Certification
and their Corresponding:
Eligibility Requirements
Exam Dates + Deadlines
Program Timeline + Cost
NKBA Certifications
With NKBA certification you can not only distinguish yourself
within the kitchen + bath industry,
but you will also have earned the in-depth skills and training
to give you a competitive edge and a leading voice.
A Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) specializes in the design, planning and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms. CKBD designers must demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to design and document residential kitchen and bath solutions. In addition, they must possess the advanced communication skills required to succeed as a kitchen and bath design professional.
The Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) is the pinnacle of our industry’s certification and recognizes extraordinary kitchen and bath experience and achievements. CMKBD candidates must possess a CKBD certification for a minimum six (6) years, have earned 6.0 CEUs (60 hours) and meet specific education and industry work experience.
NKBA Specialty Badges
Demonstrate your knowledge
in a range of industry disciplines
by earning professional credentials.
Specialty Badges are the NKBA’s latest concept in professional development. This new micro-credentialing program is a form of personalized learning that recognizes and displays the acquired knowledge of our members across all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. It affords our members the ability to stay current with the latest information in this ever-changing industry.
History of Certifications
Beginning in 2023, the NKBA will offer only CKBD and CMKBD certifications.
However, there are additional NKBA certifications and appellations that industry professionals have earned through our association over the years that distinguish them in their profession.
These include:
Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) is a certified professional with a minimum of two years of kitchen and bath experience, and has successfully completed the AKBD exam. An AKBD is knowledgeable in safety, building codes, space planning, and product selection.
Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) specializes in the design, planning and execution of residential kitchens. Furthermore, a CKD has extensive knowledge of building codes, appliances and mechanical systems. Certified Kitchen Designers write specifications and draw plans that are easily interpreted by plumbers, electricians, and installers.
Certified Bath Designer (CBD) specializes in the design, planning and execution of residential bathrooms. Furthermore, a CBD has extensive knowledge of building codes, appliances and mechanical systems. Certified Bath Designers write specifications and draw plans that are easily interpreted by plumbers, electricians, and installers.
Certified Kitchen and Bath Installer (CKBI) is a certified professional with a minimum of five years of experience in kitchen and bathroom installation. A CKBI is a recognized expert in kitchen and bath installation skills, safety awareness, customer relations and business management.
