CKBP
Q: Who is the CKBP exam intended for?
A: This certification was created as a certification path for the non-design segments, and we trust that the professionals who seek this path will use it as a way of establishing expertise and credibility as trade partners to certified designers. If you’re a member of a non-design segment, such as dealers, distributors, fabricators, installers, remodelers, manufacturers, and sales representatives – this certification is for you. The NKBA represents all industry segments, and our members have repeatedly asked that we provide a path to certification for professionals across all industry segments. The CKBP offers all members the opportunity to earn certification, enhance their careers and market themselves to be proficient in competencies related to their business.
Q: How does the CKBP exam differ from the AKBD, CKD, and CBD exams?
A: The CKBP is not a design oriented certification, but a universal certification; one that is beneficial and achievable by all segments, and validates the holder’s knowledge, experience, dedication and professionalism in the kitchen and bath industry as a whole.
The CKBP exam questions are based on the subject matter contained in the NKBA Professional Resource Library. The breakdown is as follows: 30% Residential Construction, 26% General Business Knowledge, 25% Material & Product Knowledge, and 19% Project Management. In contrast, the AKBD exam is 40% Design, 22% Construction, 20% Material and Product Knowledge, 18% Business Knowledge.
The CKBP requires 5 years of industry experience; whereas the AKBD requires 2 years.
Q: How do I register?
A: You may find and print your certification application here.
Q: Do I have 40 NKBA Education hours? How do I find out? Will my previous hours qualify?
A: Education hours are recognized for past certifications. NKBA Professional Development offers courses that are instructor-led through in-person classes, webinars, web-based sessions, e-learning, pre-recorded, and online learning. A comprehensive list of courses can be found at NKBA.org. If you have taken any such courses, please list them on your application. We will also review candidates’ college transcripts for qualified course work including business, communications, etc.
Q: How do I get 40 hours? What courses are recommended?
A: A recommend course path is available on NKBA.org. These courses will be categorized by subject, assist you in earning your 40 NKBA hours, and provide the learner with the tools necessary in the demanding kitchen and bath industry. We also recognize 6 hours for completing Business Management for Building Professionals or Customer Service given by the NAHB.
Q: How do I prepare?
A: We recommend reviewing the NKBA Professional Resource Library, NKBA Prep Flashcards, and completing the recommended NKBA courses. In order to prepare for the CKBP exam, we strongly suggest candidates read and study the following:
Kitchen & Bath Business Management, 2006, chapters 1-11
Kitchen & Bath Products, 2006, chapters 1-9
Kitchen & Bath Project Management, 2006, chapters 1-6
Kitchen & Bath Systems, 2006, chapters 1-10
Residential Construction, 2006, chapters 1-12
Bath Planning, 2006, chapters 1, 6-11, appendix
Kitchen Planning, 2006, chapters 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 12
Design Principals, 2006, chapters 3, 5
Kitchen & Bath Drawing, 2006, chapters 1, 3, 7
NKBA Standards of Conduct
Q: When and where is the exam?
A: Each candidate sets an examination date that suits their schedule. The test is available at over 300 test locations across the US and Canada.
Q: What is the format of the exam?
A: This will be a computer-based exam given at an authorized testing facility. The initial exam will consist of 300 questions, 150 of which will be scored, and 150 of which will be experimental and used to create future exams.
Q: What is the cost of the exam?
A: The application fee is $159. The exam registration fee is $240.
Q: What are the yearly certification fees?
A: A $100 annual certification maintenance fee covers all certifications.
Q: Will this replace other certifications?
A: No.
Q: Will there be grandfathering for certified members (AKBD, CKD/CBD, CMKBD)?
A: No. But years experience and education hours required for your current certification will go towards qualifying for the CKBP.
Q: Do I need to maintain CEUs?
A: Yes. We require all certified members to earn 10 CEU hours every two years. CEUs are continuing education units. A comprehensive list can be found at NKBA.org.
Q: What is the reason for this certification?
A: This certification was developed using feedback from a survey sent to all NKBA members in 2010, from which we received nearly 1,400 responses.
Q: Can the CKBP substitute for the AKBD when sitting for the CKD/CBD?
A: No. The CKBP is not a design oriented certification. The AKBD is the academic portion of the CKD/CBD certification.
Q: Should I sit for the AKBD or CKBP?
A: If your business is primarily kitchen and bath design, we encourage you to sit for the AKBD exam in preparation for your CKD or CBD exam. If your business is outside the design industry segment, we strongly suggest that you consider the CKBP.
Q: Once I view my results and I have passed, am I certified?
A: No. All individuals applying for NKBA certification must hold an active membership with the NKBA, or be employed by an NKBA member firm. You must wait for official confirmation from the NKBA accompanied by an invoice for your certification fee. Once this is paid, you may begin using the appellation.