FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
John O’Reilly
815-469-9100
john.oreilly@oreilly-depalma.com
Leanne Wood
519-756-2709
leanne@flyingcamel.com
NKBA Announces Certification + Design
CEU Opportunities, Including Webinars, Courses,
and Certified Instructor-Led Seminars
Adds hundreds of professional development opportunities
in support of strengthened certification requirements
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 4, 2016) — The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) today unveiled a series of updated professional development learning schedules and coursework designed to help members and nonmembers stay up-to-date on emerging technologies, design insights, and business strategies.
Many of the virtual courses are free of charge, making it easy and attainable for NKBA certified members to earn the continuing education unit (CEU) credits required to maintain their certification. In January, the Association announced that all certified NKBA members must earn 2.0 CEU (20) hours, up from 1.2 CEU (12) hours, per two-year cycle beginning with the next professional development cycle that runs from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018. The updated offerings include:
Industry Expert Webinar Series
Designed for NKBA members and nonmembers, a schedule of these 60-minute “Industry Expert Webinars” may be found at NKBA.org/courses. Webinars will count toward NKBA Certified Member CEU credit requirements, but not toward formal NKBA Education Hours. Most “Industry Expert Webinars” cost $29 for members/nonmembers.
Certified Instructor-Led Courses
Led by expert NKBA certified instructors, these courses provide opportunities for kitchen and bath professionals to prepare for NKBA certification in a supportive, interactive environment. Participants benefit from peer collaboration and individualized feedback to further reinforce their learning experience.
Voices from the Industry Information Sessions
The fifth consecutive Voices from the Industry (VFTI) Conference Program will be held at the next Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Jan. 10-12, 2017. The 2017 VFTI Series consists of more than 100 speakers who represent all industry segments and every level of kitchen and bath professional. A majority of the informative VFTI sessions qualify for NKBA CEU credit. Some sessions also meet continuing education credit requirements of other industry associations, including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
“We have significantly expanded our learning opportunities to align with the association’s increase in CEU requirements,” explained Bill Darcy, NKBA CEO. “In our fast changing world, we need to make sure our members can stay current on the skills they need to deliver an exceptional experience to the consumer.”
The NKBA Certification + Design professional coursework helps increase practitioners’ expertise and value to the consumer by staying up-to-date on the constantly changing, ever-growing kitchen and bath industry.
To view a full schedule of virtual instructor-led courses and webinars, visit the NKBA Certification + Design Calendar. The NKBA also offers courses that are available 24/7/365. More information may be found at NKBA.org/courses.
###
About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS®). With nearly 14,000 member companies representing tens of thousands of members in segments of the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA has educated and led the industry since its founding in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry worldwide. For more information, visit NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).
KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
For editorial assistance, including photography, contact John O’Reilly c/o O’Reilly DePalma: 815-469-9100 or john.oreilly@oreilly-depalma.com
