Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Becoming a member of the NKBA is simple! Businesses or self-employed individuals deriving their revenue from providing products or services to the kitchen and bath industry qualify for industry membership. As an industry member, you receive a full voting membership and access to ALL member benefits. In addition, you can designate your industry segment and receive information and materials specifically related to your work.
Individuals who work for NKBA member companies are automatically non-voting members and receive most, but not all, member benefits. If these individuals wish to have full voting membership (and personal copies of all materials that are mailed to members), they may apply for individual voting membership at $50/year (employees of non-member firms may also become individual members for $100/year).
Fill out the NKBA membership application and you'll be on your way to getting lots of member-only benefits!
Want more information about membership? Call NKBA Customer Service at (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522) and request a free copy of our membership information package.
Q. What are member dues?
A: Dues for industry members are calculated based on gross revenue from kitchen and bath industry business and can range from $150 to $9,500 per year for members with gross annual revenues in excess of $200 million. Individuals who work for NKBA member firms are non-voting members without paying additional dues by virtue of their employer's membership; they qualify for discounts on products and services, access to the NKBA members-only website, and the opportunity to serve as an officer on the local or national level. Individual members who wish to have voting rights may become voting members for $50 per year if they work for an NKBA member company, or $100 per year if they work for a non-member company.
Q. What can I expect from my NKBA membership?
A: NKBA members enjoy a host of benefits: voting members are automatic members of their local NKBA chapter and receive regular NKBA mailings, including the Association's quarterly magazine, Profiles. They also receive discounts on NKBA training schools and seminars and products, such as drafting paper, textbooks, etc., and reduced rates for the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference. In addition, members have the opportunity to participate in NKBA marketing and public relations programs!
Call the NKBA at (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522) to find out more about NKBA benefits.
Q: Is there an NKBA chapter near me?
A: The NKBA has chapters and subchapters covering all of the U.S. and most of Canada. Click here to find your chapter.
Q: What industry and consumer publications do you offer?
A: The NKBA offers a complete Professional Resource Library for the trade, ranging from basic textbooks to advanced and specialized design books. In addition, the NKBA publishes a quarterly magazine specifically called Profiles, which is geared to the interests and concerns of our members. Voting members also receive Kitchen and Bath Ideas®, the official consumer publication of the NKBA, four times a year.
Call the NKBA at (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522) to find out more about the NKBA's industry publications. Professional Resource Library volumes are available to NKBA members at special discount rates!
Q: Do you have an annual conference?
A: Yes! The NKBA is the owner of the annual Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS), the largest trade show worldwide for the kitchen and bathroom industry. In 2008, K/BIS was held in Chicago, Illinois. The show floor brought more than 900 exhibitors together to showcase new ideas, products, and services.
The conference offers an invaluable opportunity to gain insight, learn practical solutions, and get expert advice, enriching attendees' professional development. Visit www.kbis.com for more information.
Q: How are members assigned to an NKBA chapter?
A: Members are assigned to an NKBA local chapter based on the postal/zip code of their preferred mailing address. Individuals have the option to be assigned to a chapter of their choice and should contact the NKBA at (800) THE-NKBA or email with this request.
Q: Can a member employee select a different chapter?
A: An employee of an NKBA member firm simply utilizes the company's membership, with no annual dues. They are still considered a member of the NKBA, but cannot select a different chapter, industry segment, or preferred mailing address. This can be corrected simply by recommending the employee maintain an individual employee membership at an annual cost of $50.
Q: Why do I receive two separate invoices?
A: If you are a self-employed individual and/or the primary contact and you hold an NKBA appellation, you will receive two invoices from the NKBA (membership is required to maintain an appellation). One is for company membership and the other is for an individual certification fee. The $100 certification maintenance fee is assessed to all certified individuals annually; you must remit this fee in addition to your annual membership dues. NOTE: If you do not remit your membership dues, you will forfeit your certification.
Q: I have changed employers. How do I get my new information to the NKBA?
A: Contact the NKBA with your new address or other record changes directly. Log-in at www.nkba.org to "Manage Your Profile" in the Members section, or call (800) THE-NKBA between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday EST. You can also email .
Q: What is the NKBA membership year?
A: The NKBA membership year is January to December. By October, members are notified regarding renewing memberships for the following year.
Q: What is the NKBA's personal use policy for individual employees of non-member firms?
A: Products and/or services purchased by NKBA individual employees of non-nember firms at the member price are intended for the member's personal use only (limited benefits available).
Q: How does the NKBA use the information collected?
A: The information collected (name and address) by the NKBA is used to verify magazine circulation. You can choose whether your name will be included in NKBA online listings and/or released to other industry related organizations.
Q: Is paying for my renewal online safe?
A: Yes. The NKBA conducts secure and private credit card transactions using VeriSign's Payflow payment services.
Q: Will I receive a separate receipt after renewing online?
A: No. Print your NKBA web renewal receipt. It provides a summary of the information that you submitted. Print this page and save it for your records. This is your official receipt for your annual membership renewal. You should refer to your member ID number in all correspondence relating to your renewal.
Q: When will I receive my membership card?
A: Your membership card will be sent out within three to four weeks. Once you complete your renewal, it will be transmitted immediately to the NKBA for processing.
Q: Is my renewal tax-deductible?
A: Two percent of NKBA member dues are allocable to lobbying activities and are not deductible for federal tax purposes, in accordance with IRS regulations. You may wish to consult a tax advisor.
Q: How can I contact someone if I need assistance?
A: Contact NKBA Customer Service (open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday EST):
Telephone: (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522)
Fax: (908) 852-1695
Email:
Online: www.nkba.org
Mail: The NKBA, 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Students
Q. I'm studying in the design field-can I become a member of the NKBA?
A: Absolutely! The NKBA realizes that students are the future of this industry and we welcome students as members. If you attend one of the NKBA's more than 50 approved programs, you pay only $15 a year and, if you attend another school, you pay $35 per year. Take advantage of our members-only website with job and internship referrals, discounts on publications, professional materials and seminars, and scholarship information. In addition, you can enter the prestigious NKBA Student Design Competition.
Q: I want to be a kitchen designer. How can I find a college that specializes in kitchen and bath design?
A: The NKBA accredits programs that offer students a specialty in kitchen and bath design. Visit College and University Accreditation to view the list of accredited colleges and universities. Students that graduate from these programs are prepared to work in the kitchen and bath industry and qualify to sit for the examination to earn the NKBA designation Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) upon graduation.
Education
Q: How can I find out where courses are being held?
Always go online first. Visit the NKBA Course Schedule, which will always give you the most accurate up-to-date course availability.
Also, look for emails from the NKBA with more information on courses in your area. In addition, NKBA chapter notices often include course flyers.
For more information, please contact NKBA Customer Service at (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522).
Q: How can I fit courses into my schedule?
A: The NKBA is very aware that your time is valuable. NKBA courses are streamlined into:
- In-Person- one day to 5 day courses at over 40 locations in North America
- Online
- Webinar sessions
- Web-based sessions- meeting over a period of time (3 weeks, 6 weeks, etc.)
- E-Learning
- Videotaped
- At Home study courses
Q: With online courses, do I have to be logged in at a certain time to participate?
A: No, you do not have to be logged in at a certain time. You will be assigned your lessons for the week and you are responsible to complete those lessons each week, any time of the day or night. The courses are set-up so that you can work at your own pace within the timelines the instructor has specified.
For the AKBD Review course only, there will be one or two live webinars (online seminars). You will be notified in advance of the date and time and are encouraged, but not required, to attend; webinars will be recorded and available for review at your convenience.
Q: How do I sign up for a class?
A: You can register for a class via any of the following methods:
- Online: www.nkba.org
- Phone: (800) THE-NKBA (843-6522)
- Fax: (908) 852-1695
- Mail: The NKBA, 687 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Q: What is a CEU?
A: CEUs are nationally recognized units earned for participating in a qualified continuing education program. Generally, one CEU is awarded for each 10 hours of class or educational participation.
Q: What course should I take to get started?
A: The NKBA recommends taking four core courses before branching out into other course selections. The four core courses are:
- Kitchen Starter (8 hours, one day program, 0.8 CEUs)
- Bath Starter (8 hours, one day program, 0.8 CEUs)
- Introduction to Hand Drafting (or hand-drafting experience- 8 hours, one day program, 0.8 CEUs)
- Kitchen & Bath Krafter (24 hours, 3 day course, 2.4 CEUs)
K/BIS
Q: Can I purchase Board of Directors' Gala tickets at the door?
A: No. Due to the structure of the event, all tickets must be purchased ahead of time.
Q: How do I obtain information on the NKBA's conference session speakers?
A: Visit www.kbis.com and look under conference. There you will find the latest information on who will be speaking at K/BIS.
Q: How do I obtain CEU credits for attending educational sessions at K/BIS?
A: Fill out a feedback form and drop off to an NKBA instructor or staff member immediately following the course. These forms can also be faxed to the NKBA at (908) 852-1695.