NKBA Certification Distinctions
The premiere hallmark for kitchen and bath professionals, NKBA Certification is based on in-depth testing and extensive industry experience. NKBA Certified Designers must also meet annual continuing education requirements.
The NKBA certifies kitchen and bath design professional in various stages of expertise:
AKBD® – An Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer is a certified professional with a minimum of 2 years of kitchen/bath industry experience – they are knowledgeable in product selection, space planning, materials and finishes. An AKBD must meet specific educational requirements, as well as pass a comprehensive academic exam.
CKD® – Certified Kitchen Designers have a minimum of 7 years experience designing residential kitchen spaces. They are highly skilled in design, space planning and product selection and have extensive knowledge of building codes, flooring materials, appliances and mechanical systems. They write specifications and draw plans that are easily interpreted by plumbers, electricians and installers. A CKD must meet specific educational requirements and pass a comprehensive academic and practical exam.
CBD® - Certified Bathroom Designers also have a minimum of 7 years experience designing residential bathroom spaces – they are highly skilled in design, space planning and product selection, and have extensive knowledge of building codes, fixtures, flooring materials, and mechanical/plumbing systems. They write specifications and draw plans that are easily interpreted by plumbers, electricians and installers. A CBD must meet specific educational requirements, as well as pass a comprehensive academic and practical exam.
CMKBD® – A Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer is a designer who has obtained both CKD and CBD certification, has over 10 years of kitchen /bath industry experience, and has been nationally recognized through design competitions, industry awards, printed publications, or television spots. A CMKBD must also meet specific educational requirements.