HACKETTSTOWN, NJ – The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced the launch of a new non-design certification: the Certified Kitchen & Bath Professional (CKBP).

The CKBP was developed to enable kitchen and bath professionals in all non-design segments of the industry to demonstrate their experience, education, and expertise. This universal certification was created in response to repeated requests from NKBA members for a certification path that would support builder/remodelers, distributors, fabricators, manufacturers’ representatives, and all other qualified professionals in our industry. This certification was developed through the efforts of two Certification Task Forces, two third-party consulting agencies, the NKBA staff, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, in addition to well over 1,000 NKBA members who participated in two surveys.

The CKBP is ideal for professionals who would like to demonstrate their level of knowledge, skill, dedication, and professionalism in the kitchen and bath industry. This certification complements the design certifications currently offered by the NKBA: Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD), Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD), and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD).

“I want to stress the value of certification on all levels and to professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. The CKBP was created for professionals to show their expertise and credibility as trade partners to kitchen and bath designers,” said 2011 NKBA President David Alderman, CMKBD. “The NKBA will continue working to gain awareness in the consumer market, and to convey the benefit of working with NKBA-certified designers. This certification completes the professional team—a certification for members of industry segments such as decorative plumbing and hardware, cabinet shops, installers, manufacturers, and retailers. The NKBA is excited to offer a new certification that ultimately benefits all segments in the industry.”

In order to sit for this multiple-choice exam, the applicant must have at least five years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry and 40 hours of NKBA approved education. Previous NKBA certifications will be credited toward NKBA educational hours.

The CKBP curriculum is broken down in the following areas: Residential Construction – 30%, General Business Knowledge - 26%, Materials and Products Knowledge - 25%, and Project Management - 19%.

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 more than 45 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.

SOURCE: National Kitchen and Bath Assn.