NKBA offers several ways to improve your skill set, expand your business horizons, and build your street cred with clients and across the industry.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
NKBA membership brings many distinct advantages — a sense of community that extends across the industry; opportunities for networking through the wide-reaching chapter system; access to proprietary research and exclusive events; discounts on programs and at KBIS; and the chance to enhance professional development through online webinars, in-person CEU sessions, and preparing for expert credentials including certifications and badges.
Current certifications include Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD). Current specialty badges include Color; Appliances; Sustainability; Cabinetry; Remodeling; Lighting; Universal Design; Sales & Marketing; Floor Plans & Specifications.
NKBA certifications distinguish designer members with expert knowledge and experience in K&B design, guidelines, and NKBA Drawing and Presentation Standards. This competitive edge allows them to market themselves with a credential that instantly communicates their superior, verified skill set as a professional kitchen and bath designer.
As an all-industry association, NKBA welcomes professionals from all disciplines of kitchen and bath design, remodeling, sales, marketing, and skilled trades. To recognize the numerous disciplines that are integral to the entire process, NKBA instituted the Specialty Badge program in 2019, recognizing expertise in specific areas and available to all members. Later this year, NKBA will launch its 10th specialty badge.
“Certification and continuing education have been a core component to NKBA since our first credentials were introduced in 1968. Whether members are seeking certification through a longer program such as CKBD or specialized learning through a badge, NKBA offers our members many options and opportunities to grow their expertise,” NKBA Executive Vice President Deb Webb shared.
Requirements and testing for CKBD and Specialty Badges are developed by NKBA’s Learning Department in conjunction with Subject Matter Experts in each discipline, following the NKBA’s 4th Edition K&B Planning Guidelines, building policies, access codes, and standards.
All Certified members and Badge holders must maintain their credentials by earning Continuing Education Units via attending CEU-designated in-person events and virtual learning programs.These credentials represent a superior skill set, an elevated level of professionalism, a commitment to craft, and a desire to keep up with the latest materials, techniques, and technologies in the field. To learn more, please visit NKBA.org Certifications and Badges.
