The Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD) is a program that recognizes kitchen and bath professionals who are Ambassadors for the industry and notable for their design experience, achievements and positive impact on the community.

To become a CMKBD, Certified Kitchen & Bath Designers (CKBD) must demonstrate and complete ALL six (6) eligibility, education, professional experience, work experience, master portfolio and master profile requirements as outlined below:

For those CKBDs who previously applied to become a CMKBD please email certification@nkba.org for further instructions.

Eligibility Criteria

To obtain CMKBD certification, candidates must demonstrate professional experience in all four (4) assessment areas: Association Activities, Volunteerism Activities, Sponsorship Activities and ProfessionalismActivities.

CKBD Certificate Holders applying to become a CMKBD must be an NKBA member in good standing, have maintained a CKBD Certification for a MINIMUM of six (6) consecutive years and completed 60 hours of continuing education units (6.0 CEUs) in the past six (6) years.

Education Criteria

Candidates must document a minimum of 100 NKBA education hours or NKBA-approved college coursework in their application, meaning CKBD certificate holders must provide an additional forty (40) hours of education in addition to earning the 60 hours for maintaining their CKBD for six years. 

Work and Professional Experience Criteria

Candidates must document a minimum of five (5) years (8,800 hours) of full-time kitchen & bath design work experience beyond CKBD requirements. 

To obtain CMKBD certification, candidates must demonstrate professional experience in all four (4) assessment areas: Association Activities, Volunteerism Activities, Sponsorship Activities and Awareness Activities.

Master Portfolio Review and Profile

Candidates must submit a portfolio review of six (6) projects that are a blend of kitchens, baths, support spaces, showrooms, trade-show booths and/or community service projects. 

In addition to the portfolio review, candidates must complete a 5-10 minute video showcasing their professional accomplishments or have placed in an NKBA design contest at either the National or Chapter level.

For more detailed information on the requirements listed above please review the CMKBD Kitchen & Bath Certification Guidebook

How to Apply for CMKBD

What’s included with purchase:

  • Application fee and Master Portfolio Review (non-refundable $550 fee) 
  • One (1) full year access to the NKBA’s Learning Management System (LearnDash)
  • Instructions and guidance to complete and upload requirements listed above and in the CMKBD Kitchen & Bath Certification Guidebook within one (1) year from purchase date.   

For additional information, email certification@nkba.org.