ASID or the American Society of Interior Designers was founded in 1975. It is a professional association that supports interior designers and strives to advance the interior design profession through educational programs, seminars, conferences, research, business tools, knowledge sharing, advocacy, networking, community building and outreach. ASID only offers memberships to qualified members of the interior design trade. Individuals qualify for membership based on a criteria of education, experience, and examination. Members must complete a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) every two years in order to maintain their membership. Click here to find ASID interior designers.

NCIDQ Certification or National Council for Interior Design Qualification Certification is defined by CIDQ as the industry’s recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design principles and a designer’s commitment to the profession. Professional interior designers who possess the NCIDQ Certification have distinguished themselves by demonstrating a specific set of core competencies, supported by verified work experience and a college degree.

To earn certification, qualified interior designers who have met the criteria, can apply to take the NCIDQ Examination. After CIDQ or the Council for Interior Design Qualification approves their eligibility, candidates register for each of the three sections of the exam and must pass each section within a specified time-frame.

The NCIDQ exam or National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination is a three-part exam for interior designers that cover the core competencies of interior design: building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice and project coordination. The exam is continually updated to ensure it aligns with the most current professional knowledge necessary to design spaces that are innovative, functional and safe. Learn more here.

NKBA or The National Kitchen & Bath Association was founded in 1963. It is a professional association that promotes professionalism in the kitchen and bath industry specifically. The NKBA strives to advance the kitchen and bath design profession through educational programs, webinars, seminars, industry shows, research, business tools, guidelines, knowledge sharing, advocacy, networking, community building, and outreach.

NKBA offers memberships to qualified members of the kitchen and bath industry including designers, distributors, retailers, remodelers, manufacturers, fabricators, cabinet and appliance installers and other professionals. Individual members can become NKBA-certified designers if they pass examination after meeting the educational and experience requirements. Certified designers must also meet annual continuing education requirements (CEUs).

CKBD or Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer is a certified professional, knowledgeable in product selection, space planning, materials, and finishes. They passed examination after having met the educational and experience requirements and they meet a minimum number of CEUs annually.