The NKBA Specialty Badge Program
Distinguish Your Expertise
Demonstrate your knowledge in a range of industry disciplines by earning professional credentials.
Badge Promotion
NKBA | KBIS Winter Badge Promotion: Buy NKBA Specialty Badges for a promotional rate of $99 (a $100 savings!)
From now through December 31, 2024 NKBA members can take advantage of an exclusive NKBA | KBIS Fall promotional discount on our NKBA Specialty Badges! Participants will receive the promotional discounted price of $99.00 — a savings of $100!
Turn knowledge into opportunity and exposure
Specialty Badges are the NKBA’s latest concept in professional development. This new micro-credentialing program is a form of personalized learning that recognizes and displays the acquired knowledge of our members across all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. It affords our members the ability to stay current with the latest information in this ever-changing industry.
Specialty Areas
Drive personal and professional success by expanding your knowledge base.
Remodeling Specialist
Offering a focused overview of current kitchen and bathroom remodeling industry standards and features, the Remodeling Badge highlights basic building structures, systems, finishes, types, and styles.
Emphasis is placed on the importance of building codes, regulations, permits, and inspections, and when and why they’re used. This study material also details the sequence of events of a remodeling project, from client interaction and budgeting to design plans, site management, and effective communication.
Cabinetry Specialist
Solidify your expertise in current kitchen and bathroom cabinet industry standards and nomenclature with the Cabinetry Badge.
This study material covers various materials, finishing products, storage systems, and joinery options, as well as door styles, hardware, and manufacturing processes. It also emphasizes basic terminology and methods of sizing that are considered universal throughout the cabinetry industry.
Sales & Marketing Specialist
Develop an understanding of current kitchen and bathroom sales and marketing industry standards and best practices with the Sales & Marketing Badge.
This study material touches on targeting potential clients, obtaining a customer for life, the different stages of the sales process, and basic marketing strategies and campaigns. Technology and social media platforms used to establish a brand in today’s market are reviewed as well.
Floor Plans & Specifications Specialist
Learn the industry standards, usage, and variations of current kitchen and bathroom floor plans and specifications with the Floor Plans & Specifications Badge. This study material highlights standardized symbols, elements, and the necessary components found on floor plan drawings, and how computer applications are used to create them.
Emphasis is also placed on how and when to use different measuring tools in order to generate an accurate plan.
Universal Design Specialist
Offering a focused overview of current kitchen and bathroom industry standards and features, the Universal Design Badge highlights the study of human dimension, and the design of products and spaces based on human factors.
Emphasis is placed on basic terminology, common misconceptions, and the importance of incorporating universal design into all projects by assessing the client to determine specific needs. It includes NKBA planning guidelines, building policies, access codes and standards, and the availability of universal design resources. This study material also provides the cost differential and distinction between structural and mechanical systems regarding existing versus new construction.
Appliance Specialist
The appliance badge highlights the evolution of appliances with emphasis placed on product selection, categories, models, sizes, configurations and installation methods for both indoor and outdoor spaces. An overview of product mechanics, cooking technologies and proper ventilation proper is discussed. Price comparison, budget consideration, as well as client interaction and evaluation are reviewed. References to the NKBA’s 4th Edition K&B Planning Guidelines, building policies, access codes and standards are provided when necessary.
Color Specialist
Offering a focused overview of current kitchen and bathroom color industry standards and features, the Color Specialist Badge highlights specific information including the theory of color, color systems and schemes, the foundation of color and various color meanings.
This study material highlights perceptual characteristics of natural and artificial light in relation to color and incorporates aspects of human psychology and physiology. Design concepts including design principles and elements, design styles and themes and the overall design process are also reviewed.
Sustainability Specialist
Develop an understanding of current kitchen and bathroom industry standards and best practices with the Sustainability Badge.
This study material highlights information to create a healthy home including energy, water and waste efficiency, recycling, upcycling and resource management. Basic terminology and sustainable products used for kitchen and bathroom projects are also reviewed.
Lighting Specialist
Learn about current kitchen and bathroom lighting industry standards and features regarding different light sources; the types of lighting available; various lamps, fixtures and controls with the Lighting Badge.
This study material covers how lighting affects spaces, surfaces and ultimately, the human experience and provides basic terminology. It highlights perceptual characteristics of light in relation to color and provides design concepts and elements found on a lighting plan. Lighting codes and requirements, source placement and lumen output are also reviewed.
Steps to Success
The Specialty Badge Program allows you to establish your knowledge and become specialized in a specific area of the kitchen or bath field.
Valued
Grow your network by distinguishing yourself as well-versed and confident in a specific subject matter area.
Active
Promote your commitment to continued professional development in the ever-changing kitchen and bath industry.
Distinct
Take your NKBA membership to the next level and showcase your proficiency with distinctive specialty badge images on your profile and other platforms.
The Badge Experience
Self-paced study materials available on-demand, online. Study the materials and take your exam anytime, anywhere.
Badges remain valid for two years. Maintain your badged status by attending four NKBA industry-related events or retaking the exam within that time period.
Earn as many badges for your professional growth as you wish! Demonstrating proficiency in multiple areas boosts your credibility.
