Frequently Asked Questions

photo compliments of Shenandoah Cabinetry

What is NKBA?: NKBA is an acronym for the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Founded in 1963, the Mission of the National Kitchen and Bath Association 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. NKBA has accredited the Lord Fairfax Community College Kitchen and Bath Certificate Program which means that it meets their criteria for educating the designers of tomorrow.
I'm very creative and everyone loves the way I decorated my house. Is the kitchen and bath design program for me?: It may be, but kitchen and bathroom design has a technical side to it, too: appliances must fit into cabinetry, cabinetry must fit correctly into a given space and knowledge of electrical, plumbing and other mechanical systems is important. Be prepared to learn about the technical side of design as well as the creative aspects.
What do I need to do to prepare to take the LFCC Certificate Program in Kitchen and Bath Design?: Students must apply to the College online at http://apply.vccs.edu. It is important to have basic computer skills. Students are required to use computer-aided design and to research materials online. Students who have not completed a computer course would benefit from a course in MS Office Professional including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Internet, and basic file management. Basic math, reading and writing skills are important, and applicants must take the College placement test e-Compass and meet pre-requisite skills before beginning the program. Students may contact the Testing Center at LFCC for hours to test at 540-868-7140. In addition to this, all textbooks and materials should be purchased well before classes start. Finally, you will want to prepare your family and friends for the extensive time you will spend studying, working on design projects and in your internship.
Where do I find the materials list and where can I purchase the items?: A Supply List is located on the LFCC Kitchen and Bath Design Certificate Web site and can be purchased at Ebert's Drafting Supply in Winchester, Virginia, or the NKBA's Web site – NKBA.org.
Can I buy my books and supplies at the LFCC bookstore?: No. Most of the textbooks must be ordered through NKBA by calling 800- 843-6522 or visiting their Web site NKBA.org. You will want to first register as a student member and then place the order for your books and other supplies. Other books may require different sourcing, so be sure to check the Supply List.
Am I responsible to find my own internship?
I am not good at selling; I just want to design kitchens and baths. Can I find a place in the industry?: Many jobs in the kitchen and bath field do require selling as part of their job requirements. Others may not. To be best prepared to take advantage of all career opportunities, consider taking a class that specializes in selling skills. LFCC recommends MKT 228.
Why are the classes made up of five eight-hour days?
Once I graduate, where do I look for a job?
I have been in another career all my life. Finding a position in design has always been my dream. As an older student will I fit in?: The majority of the students in the LFCC Kitchen and Bath Design Program are career-changers. You will fit right in!
I understand that there are various certifications in the industry. What are they and what are the requirements?: There are three primary levels of certification. They are the Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD), the Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and the Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD). In order to sit for the certification tests the applicant must have the necessary experience, provide affidavits and have a number of hours of NKBA education. For more information, go to www.nkba.org/education_certification.aspx.