The NKBA is proud to announce the following improvements to our design certification program.

The NKBA recognizes the importance of staying current to meet the needs of the student member population, while addressing the concerns of our certified and non-certified professional members regarding the complexity of the certification process. Members of the Certification Task Force, Certification Test Board Committee, and Exam Development Subcommittee have worked together to determine the best methods  for streamlining the process for NKBA design certifications, by allowing students and  non-certified members better access to the NKBA Certification exams.

For all NKBA Certified Members:

  • Following the recommendation of the Certification Task Force, the NKBA Board of Directors approved an increase of CEU hours required per two-year cycle. Increasing from the current 12 CEU hours, all NKBA certified members are now required to earn 20 CEU hours per two-year cycle. This change will be effective beginning with the next CEU cycle on July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2018. 
  • By requiring  more rigorous CEU program requirements, the NKBA CEU program will be regarded as the gold standard in continuing education in the industry, and  greatly increase the value of NKBA certifications. 
  • For current CKD/CBDs looking to become Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers:
  • The Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) requirements have been updated to better reflect a master level candidate.  The CMKBD qualifications will encourage promotion of consumer and industry awareness, industry leadership, and the professional advancement of new designers.
For members who want to become Certified Kitchen & Bath Designers:

  • Beginning July 1, 2016, the NKBA will offer a new certification exam that identifies a certified kitchen and bath design expert through a single exam.  Candidates for the new Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) must first pass the AKBD exam, meet education and experience requirements, and submit a drafting sample for evaluation during the application process. Candidates will no longer need to sit for both the CKD and CBD exams.  Candidates will have access to the CKBD exam year-round, just like the AKBD, at over 300 computerized testing facilities in the United States and Canada.
  • Members who have earned their CKD and CBD appellations will still hold the same certification they currently hold. The individual CKD and CBD exams will not be offered after the Spring 2016 exam window (3/14/16 – 4/13/16).
  • Members who hold the CKD appellation will be able to sit for the bath-only portion of the CKBD exam, and members who hold the CBD appellation will be able to sit for the kitchen-only portion of the CKBD exam. This version of the exam will only be available from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018.
For non-certified members and students who want to become Associate Kitchen & Bath Designers:

  • Students at NKBA accredited college programs may now sit for the Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) exam prior to graduation.  Students must complete a minimum of 85% of their Kitchen and Bath coursework to be eligible. 
  • Non-Certified members must still meet the same 2-year experience and 30 education hour requirements for earning the AKBD certification.
These changes to the NKBA certification program are a result of current certified member surveys, as well as member requests for exams that are more accessible to potential candidates. All changes will go into effect on July 1, 2016. The NKBA will continue to adhere to its high standards and quality of our certifications.