Become an AKBD

Are you graduating soon? Consider earning a certification as an Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer.

The Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer Examination (AKBD) is a:

• Computer-based academic exam
• 200 multiple-choice questions
• Completed in a three hour time period
• On-demand (Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at a certified testing center
• Four major content categories: Planning & Design, Construction/Mechanical Systems, Business Management, and Products/Materials

The NKBA requires AKBD candidates to document:

Two Years of Industry Experience

• One (1) year of experience in the kitchen and bath industry (NKBA Accredited Program graduates who submit a Graduation Verification Form documenting graduation and internship will receive one year of experience)
• One (1) year of related experience or formal education (NKBA Accredited Program graduates formal education can be counted towards one [1] year)

Two Professional Affidavits

30 hours of NKBA Education or equivalent

• NKBA Accredited Program graduates will receive 30 NKBA Education hours and the necessary two (2) years industry experience to be considered eligible to take the AKBD exam, if they have:
  • Graduated from a certificate/diploma/degree program that is accredited by the National Kitchen & Bath Association
  • Completed a 160-hour internship in the kitchen/bath industry (some schools require additional hours)
  • Submitted a completed and signed Graduation Verification Form to the NKBA

Students that complete and submit the NKBA Accredited College Program Graduation Verification Form will receive a Certificate of Achievement, and a coupon to waive the $159 exam application fee.

Students wishing to apply for AKBD certification can visit Certification to download an AKBD Application and submit the following:

• AKBD application
• Exam registration form
• Two (2) professional affidavits (one may be an educator at the college)
• Copy of the Graduation Verification Form and/or coupon in lieu of the work experience verification form(s)
• College transcripts (NKBA may award more than the 30 hours)
• Candidate testimony
• Exam fees (coupon or $159 plus the $200 exam fee)

For more information on the AKBD exam for NKBA Accredited Program students, please contact NKBA Customer Service at 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).