Certification Exams
The AKBD academic exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that tests both kitchen and bathroom competencies. The exam must be completed within a three (3) hour time frame. The examination itself is divided into four (4) major content categories as outlined in the NKBA's Role Delineation Study. These content categories are: Planning & Design, Construction/Mechanical Systems, Business Management, and Products/Materials. Approximately 40% of the exam questions are related to Planning and Design, 22% related to Construction/Mechanical Systems, 18% to Business Management and 20% to Products/Materials.
The CKBI exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test kitchen and bathroom installation skills. The exam must be completed within a three (3) hour time frame. This exam tests on a broad range of installation topics found in the NKBA publications Kitchen & Bath Installation Manual Volume I and Kitchen & Bath Installation Manual Volume II.
The CKD and CBD design/practical exams are hand drafted design scenarios which must be completed within a six (6) hour time frame. These exams test practical skills in space planning, placement of fixtures, fitting knowledge, and basic presentation skills. The candidate is required to produce four (4) project documents: a floor plan, construction/mechanical plan, elevation plan, and complete an NKBA specifications form. Scoring is divided into the following content categories: Graphic and Presentation Standards = 24%; Design Solution (Planning and Safety Floor Plan) = 33%; Elevation Plan = 7%; Mechanical/Construction Plan = 13%; Specifications = 23%. The CKD and CBD design exams also serve as the credential exam for CKE and CBE certifications.
The academic examinations are scored by CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. The CKD and CBD design/practical exams are scored by a panel of NKBA certified jurors in conjunction with CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. Each exam is scored independently by two different jurors. Juror reliability is continually monitored by the NKBA and CASTLE Worldwide, Inc.
Upon completion of the certification exams, candidates receive a sealed copy of their test scores from CASTLE Worldwide, Inc. (usually within twelve [12] weeks). The NKBA also receives a printed copy of each candidate's score. If a candidate does not successfully pass either the academic or design exam, they are mailed an exam registration form so that they may re-apply for the next exam. A new application is not required for exam retakes, unless the candidate has a lapse in testing greater than two years; in that event, a new application and $75 application fee would be required. Registration forms for exam retakes must be submitted to the NKBA at least six (6) weeks before the following exam date.
Upcoming Exam Dates
CKD/CBD Design Portion- April 29, 2009 – K/BIS, Atlanta
(Applications due by February 1, 2009)
AKBD–September 20–October 4, 2008 (Computer Based Only)
(Applications due June 27, 2008)
See CASTLE Worldwide Exam Locations
CKD/CBD Design Portion-September 20, 2008
(Applications due June 27, 2008)
CAD Sites
- Atlanta, GA
- Oak Park, IL
- Los Angeles, CA
Hand Drafting Sites
- Denver
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Washington DC
- New York
- Tampa
- Toronto
- Denver
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Seattle
- Minneapolis
Mar. 14-28, 2009 - AKBD Computer Based Exam
Applications due December 12, 2008
Mar. 14, 2009 - Hand Drafting and CAD Design Exam
Applications due December 12, 2008
Locations: Hand Drafting Only*
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Chicago, Illinois
- Denver, Colorado
- Los Angeles, California
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- New York, New York area
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Tampa, Florida
- Toronto, Ontario
- Washington, D. C. area
Locations: CAD Only*
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Oakbrook, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California