Introducing a Streamlined Path to the Highest Credential
For 25 years, achieving Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) status has remained the highest credential in the kitchen and bath industry–recognizing elite experience, technical mastery, and professional achievement.
The CMKBD certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in design practice, advanced technical knowledge, and long-term commitment to professional growth.
In response to member feedback, we’ve streamlined the CMKBD requirements to place a greater emphasis on the continuing education a certified designer is already achieving. We’ve also opened a pathway for Certified Kitchen Designers (CKDs) to pursue CMKBD directly without the need to achieve CKBD first.
CMKBD candidates must hold an active CKBD or CKD* certification for a minimum of six continuous years, during which all continuing education requirements must be met without lapse or disruption. Reference letters are a crucial component of the application, as they provide essential validation of the designer’s professional experience, project execution, and industry impact.
CKDs represent a group of designers who are highly experienced and committed to continuing education. They have also remained committed to NKBA and give back to the community in a number of ways.
Shad Johnsen (CKD), co-founder of Hingeworks and active member in the Southwest Desert Chapter, has been a significant advocate for NKBA and this new path to CMKBD.
“As a legacy CKD in the industry, I see the opportunity to take my decades of experience and apply it towards credible consideration to advancing my certification. I love the association and the educational portion of it is what attracted me in the first place.
There is a significant need for skilled talent across the board in this industry– so many are retiring or aging out in other ways. For many who have become discouraged or disappointed about the opportunity to become certified due to some criteria, this could open up doors for them to reengage. I think it’s a significant step to attracting more talent and improving the knowledge and skill base. I would love to be involved in contributing in any way that helps this to continue.”
