The Bucks Mont Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is nearing the completion of the latest Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR) training program. The rigorous 10-week course culminates with a 4 hour closed book examination. Each participant who passes the 200 question exam will earn the right to add CKBR after their name signifying that they are among an elite class of remodeling professionals.
There are 7 participants currently enrolled in this program, including our own Katie Petruzzo and Samantha Pratt. Their class will soon take the exam at Harth Builders in Spring House, Pa. Results will be tabulated at NARI headquarters and participants will be notified by mail with their results shortly thereafter.
According to Cindy Foley, Education Coordinator with NARI’s national office in Illinois, there are only 19 remodelers in the Bucks-Mont area who currently hold this certification. In the entire state of Pennsylvania, there are 38 remodelers with current CKBR certification and only 270 across the United States. The CKBR certification requires annual renewal. In order to maintain this designation, remodelers must earn 10 hours of continuing education credits, and submit a renewal application and fee each year.
The certification program is available to both NARI members and non-members, but in order to qualify to participate in the training, interested parties must meet a host of requirements, among them having five years of continuous remodeling industry experience, and at least 16 hours of continuing education
While the course curriculum and exam were developed by NARI at the national level, the course is being facilitated by our own, David Keebler. Keebler, who holds multiple remodeling certifications of his own, is our Production Manager. In his free time, he volunteers on the Education Committee for the Bucks-Mont NARI Chapter. According to Keebler, the CKBR designation is a differentiator among remodeling professionals– and is a credential that is particularly important for homeowners. “Earning the CKBR certification is an investment of time and resources that yields real dividends” shared Keebler. “It sets remodelers apart from their competition in the market place as professionals who are committed to quality, and adhering to industry best practices.”
Participating in the program offers additional benefits for remodelers. Per Keebler, “Participants in [CKBR] classes tend to bond and form lasting relationships. After spending 25 hours discussing the topics and sharing experiences, you connect on a personal level with your classmates.” Joe Trave, Bucks-Mont NARI President agreed with Keebler, adding that “relationships that were established in the certification programs have resulted in business partnerships, project referrals, and even employment opportunities
for our members.”