The AKBD academic exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that tests both kitchen and bathroom competencies. The exam must be completed within a 3-hour time frame. The examination itself is divided into 4 major content categories as outlined in NKBA's Role Delineation Study. These content categories are: Planning & Design, Construction/ Mechanical Systems, Business Management, and Products/Materials. Approximately 40% of the exam questions are related to Planning and Design, 22% related to Construction/Mechanical Systems, 18% to Business Management and 20% to Products/Materials.

The CKBI exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test kitchen and bathroom installation skills. The exam must be completed within a 3-hour time frame. This exam tests on a broad range of installation topics found in the NKBA publications Kitchen & Bath Installation Manual Volume I and Kitchen & Bath Installation Manual Volume II.

The CKD and CBD design/practical exams are hand drafted design scenarios which must be completed within a six (6) hour time frame. These exams test practical skills in space planning, placement of fixtures, fitting knowledge, and basic presentation skills. The candidate is required to produce four (4) project documents: a floor plan, construction/mechanical plan, elevation plan, and complete an NKBA specifications form. Scoring is divided into the following content categories: Graphic and presentation standards = 24%; Design Solution (Planning and Safety Floor Plan) = 33%; Elevation Plan = 7%; Mechanical/ Construction Plan = 13%; Specifications = 23%. The CKD and CBD design exams also serve as the credential exam for CKE and CBE certifications.

The academic examinations are scored by CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. The CKD and CBD design/practical exams are scored by a panel of NKBA certified jurors in conjunction with CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. Each exam is scored independently by two different jurors. Juror reliability is continually monitored by the NKBA and CASTLE Worldwide, Inc.

Upon completion of the certification exams, candidates receive a sealed copy of their test scores from CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. (usually within 12 weeks). The NKBA also receives a printed copy of each candidate's score. If a candidate does not successfully pass either the academic or design exam, they are mailed an exam registration form so that they may re-apply for the next exam. A new application is not required for exam retakes, unless the candidate has a lapse in testing greater than two years; in that event, a new application and $75 application fee would be required. Registration forms for exam retakes must be submitted to the NKBA at least 6 weeks before the following exam date.

Preparing for the exams:

Study groups

Each NKBA chapter has an executive officer called the Vice President of Education/ Societies. One of the responsibilities of this officer is to organize and conduct study groups for the CKD/CBD examinations. These study groups have proven to be beneficial in keeping candidates motivated to complete the correspondence courses and improving the pass rate of examinees. Study group formats vary from three to 10 months because they are conducted individually by each NKBA chapter. To find out if your chapter is or will be conducting a CKD or CBD Study Group, contact your local chapter Vice President Education/ Societies. If you do not know who holds the Vice President Education/Societies position in your chapter call or write NKBA.

Preparatory Courses

NKBA offers Certification Prep Courses for aspiring AKBDs, CKDs and CBDs. Recommended for individuals preparing for the certification exams, this program offers participants a time-effective way to review the four domains of competencies and skills required of a certified designer, reviews the NKBA Graphic and Presentation Standards as well as the Kitchen/Bath Guidelines. The Prep Courses offer practice Academic and Design exams, and are available in 3 or 5 day segments.

Practice Exam

NKBA's testing service, CASTLE Worldewide, Inc. offers an on-line, 50-question AKBD Practice Exam. This cost of the practice exam is $35.00 and must be paid directly to CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. To access the practice exam, please click here and select National Kitchen & Bath Association from the list of available practice exams.

Distance learning

You can prepare for the AKBD, CKD or CBD examinations at home, on your own time and at your own pace with any of NKBA's 6 online courses, which are held in partnership with Century College. Course topics include Kitchen/Bath Design (regular and advanced), Business Management, Lighting, and Drafting to name a few. Visit the Online Education of www.nkba.org for more information.

Paper-Based Exams (AKBD) are no longer available after March 15, 2008.

Upcoming Exam Dates

CKD/CBD Design Portion- April 9, 2008 – K/BIS, Chicago
(Applications due by February 1, 2008)

AKBD–September 20–October 4, 2008
(Applications due June 27, 2008)
See CASTLE Worldwide Exam Locations

CKD/CBD Design Portion-September 20, 2008
(Applications due June 27, 2008)

Denver
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Washington DC
New York
Tampa
Toronto
Denver
Atlanta
Chicago
Seattle
Minneapolis

Computerized Exams

Beginning in March 2008, the NKBA is transitioning the AKBD examination to a computer-based format. After March 15, 2008, the exam will no longer be offered in the traditional paper and pencil based format. In September 2008, the transition will be complete and the AKBD exam will ONLY be provided as a computer-based exam. The exam still consists of 200 questions and is subject to a three (3) hour time limit.

Results for the computer-based March examinations will be available to the NKBA by April 11, 2008 (paper-based exam results may take up to take 12 weeks) and will be sent to the candidates via the US Postal Service. Please do not call for results as the NKBA will not relay results over the phone.

All exams are administered at over 150 CASTLE Worldwide examination centers throughout North America. To search for locations, click on the link below and select your state from the drop down menu and dates of the test window.