Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR)

Ideal for remodeling business owners and managers whose company primarily focuses on delivering kitchen and bath renovations.

NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers (CKBR®) are recognized as accomplished professionals with the knowledge and experience to manage and deliver kitchen and bath remodeling projects. These certified experts demonstrate proficiency in both business management and technical skills areas specific to kitchen and bath remodeling, distinguishing them as well-rounded leaders capable of overseeing all aspects of a kitchen and bath remodeling business.

The Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR) certification addresses the fundamentals of managing a kitchen and bath remodeling business:

  • Efficient business operations – Implementing business operations and procedures necessary for risk management, operational effectiveness, and increased profitability.
  • Financial management – Understanding and tracking key financial indicators critical to business success.
  • Marketing operations – Developing an effective marketing plan and managing key performance indicators to evaluate return on investment.
  • Regulatory knowledge – Navigating building codes and working with regulatory agencies.
  • Job site assessment – Evaluating job sites, identifying hidden conditions, and addressing potential challenges proactively.
  • Trade expertise – Understanding the capabilities of various trades involved in kitchen and bath remodeling and ensuring that all work meets professional standards of quality and safety.
  • Layout considerations - Possessing a strong working knowledge of kitchen and bath layout best practices.

Online Preparatory Course

Need help preparing for your CKBR certification exam? Don't go it alone.

NARI offers a convenient, online, instructor-led certification preparatory course to help you advance your skill set and prepare for your certification exam alongside your peers from across the country.

Prep Course Start Dates Where Duration
February 5 Online via Zoom Twelve weeks
    Meets once per week
    Two-hour sessions (5pm - 7pm Central Time)

Eligibility and Certification Process

Check if you're eligible

Before applying for CKBR certification, assure you meet the following certification requirements:

  • Currently employed by or own a firm engaged in the remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Minimum of five (5) years continuous experience in the remodeling industry.
  • Have completed a minimum of four kitchens and/or bathrooms per year.
  • Minimum of 16 hours of continuing education or attendance of a CKBR certification preparatory course. 

Decide how to prepare for your exam

Before applying for certification, decide which of the following exam preparation paths fits your schedule and learning style:

  • CKBR Online Certification Preparatory Course – Comprehensive, instructor-led, 12-week online class (95%+ of candidates select this option)
    • You will be able to enroll in the CKBR online preparatory course as part of your certification application.
    • You must enroll in certification in order to enroll in the preparatory course.
  • In-Person Local NARI Chapter Courses – Preparatory classes may be offered in person by select NARI chapters (check with your local NARI chapter for availability)
  • Self-Study – Use the program study materials provided upon enrollment to prepare for the exam.

Apply for certification

  • Submit an online certification application demonstrating compliance with the prerequisites of the CKBR certification.
  • You will be able to enroll in a preparatory course via the certification application.
  • Certification and preparatory course fees are due at the time of application.

All applications are carefully reviewed by NARI Certification staff to confirm eligibility.

Take your certification exam

After you have enrolled in certification and attended the preparatory course or self-studied, you must complete and pass a 200 question, 4-hour, multiple choice, online exam proctored by a live online proctor to ensure examination integrity. 

You can review the exam schedule and more detailed examination information here.

You have two years from the time you enroll in certification to take and pass your exam. 

You get three tries at passing your certification exam. Your first try is included in your initial certification fee but a $50 retest fee applies if you need to retake your exam. 

If you are unable to pass your exam within two years of your initial enrollment in the certification and within three tries, you will have to re-enroll in the certification program and pay the certification fee again, if you wish to continue to pursue the certification.

 

Don't forget to renew your certification

Certification is an ongoing commitment. You must renew your certification annually prior to its expiration date.

CKBR Renewal Requirements

  • 10 hours of continuing education (10 CEUs) earned within the 12 months preceding your certification expiration date.
  • Completion of the online CKBR renewal application
  • Payment of your CKBR certification renewal fee

Check out NARI's On-Demand Educational Library for continuing education at your fingertips.

CKBR Certification Renewal Fee

NARI Member Renewal Fee: $94

Non-Member Renewal Fee: $188

Benefits of CKBR Certification

Managing a kitchen and bath remodeling business or project requires a solid foundation in core business principles and specialized technical skills to ensure operational efficiency and long-term profitability.

  • Enhance business performance – Strengthen your business management skills to improve profitability, increase project efficiency, and streamline operations.
  • Deliver exceptional client value – Establish yourself as a trusted, go-to professional for clients seeking high-quality kitchen and bath remodeling expertise.
  • Demonstrate professionalism and integrity – Validate your commitment to excellence, ethical practice, and customer satisfaction.
  • Stand out in the marketplace – Differentiate yourself and your business and increase visibility.
  • Invest in your professional growth – Build a comprehensive skill set that supports your success.

Certification Fees

Employees of NARI member companies receive significant discounts on NARI certification fees, prep course fees, and annual certification renewal fees.

  Certification Fee Online Prep Course Fee Annual Renewal Fee
NARI Member $500 $349 $94
Non-Member $700 $499 $188
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