The National Kitchen & Bath Association 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 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 Conference Program will be held at the next Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 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, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the American Institute of Architects.

“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.