MOORESVILLE, N.C. & HACKETTSTOWN, N.J.--Lowe's, the world’s second-largest home improvement retailer, and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) announced today a program to educate and train Lowe’s employees who specialize in interior kitchen and bath projects.

Because of this membership and training program, Lowe’s employees who work in the kitchen cabinets, countertops and fashion plumbing departments and as interior project specialists will have the opportunity to earn NKBA certifications, distinguishing themselves as industry authorities and enhancing their skills to turn customer inspiration into reality.

“The new relationship with the NKBA provides more opportunities for our kitchen and bath designers to build their skill sets and help customers turn the dreams for their homes into realities.”

Eligible Lowe’s employees will now have the opportunity to take NKBA courses and exams to earn the following certifications: Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD), Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD), and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD). The certifications are voluntary and not required to perform the employee’s current job function. To become certified, applicants must meet minimum levels of education and experience and pass comprehensive exams.

“Lowe’s employees showcase dedication, passion and skill every day serving customers,” said Scott Purvis, Lowe’s vice president of human resources for stores. “The new relationship with the NKBA provides more opportunities for our kitchen and bath designers to build their skill sets and help customers turn the dreams for their homes into realities.”

The NKBA has upheld education as a foundational element to the organization and will continue to update its curriculum to meet the needs of all members. NKBA Learning and Development will continue to work closely with Lowe’s in developing appropriate and beneficial learning opportunities, which will include those offered in a virtual classroom environment.

“As the largest trade association representing the kitchen and bath industry, we are proud to welcome Lowe’s to our membership and include Lowe’s kitchen and bath employees in our respected and vast network of professionals,” stated Alan W. Zielinski, CKD, 2012 NKBA President.

The NKBA also offers homeowners the ability to search for kitchen and bath designers (certified and noncertified), and its listings will now include Lowe’s stores in the United States and Canada. Lowe’s employees that receive the certifications will have updated name badges for customers to identify their certifications in-store. To find a local Lowe’s store, visit www.lowes.com/storelocator.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for nearly 50 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, and an extensive glossary of remodeling terms. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and order the free NKBA Kitchen Planner and NKBA Bath Planner. To learn more, visit the NKBA Press Room at NKBA.org/Press or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

About Lowe’s

With fiscal year 2010 sales of $48.8 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,725 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com. To plan and manage all things home, visit Lowes.com/MyLowes.