Residential Kitchen and Bath Design Specialist Certificate

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CIP 500408 (KTBA)

Kitchen and Bath Design is an exciting and profitable specialty within the interior design industry, and ACC’s Interior Design Program offers a focused opportunity with the Residential Kitchen and Bath Design Certificate. This program provides essential training for students to enter the kitchen and bath industry, offering courses that specialize in residential design. Completed in just four semesters, whether online or in person, this certificate equips students with the skills to excel in both areas.

Accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the program ensures a high-quality education that prepares graduates for a competitive job market.

The Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate prepares students for a variety of roles within the residential interior design industry. The program provides a strong foundation in residential design principles, including space planning, finishes, materials, and furnishings, while also offering specialized training in kitchen and bath design—two of the most technical and in-demand areas in the field.

Students learn to design safe, functional, and visually compelling residential environments using industry-standard software and current building and accessibility codes. Coursework emphasizes creative problem-solving, essential for working in design studios, cabinetry and appliance showrooms, and residential remodeling firms.

Whether completed online or in person, this certificate can be completed in as few as four semesters and equips students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in residential and kitchen and bath design.

Concurrent Program Options

Students may choose to pursue multiple credentials concurrently. Many complete the Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Certificate and/or the CAD–Interior Design Certificate while earning the Interior Design AAS degree, since the courses are closely aligned. This approach supports specialization in residential, technical drafting, or kitchen and bath design, and can accelerate entry into the workforce.

Professional Credentialing

Graduates of the Residential Kitchen and Bath Certificate (and the Interior Design AAS degree) are eligible to pursue the Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) credential through the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). The certification process includes a comprehensive examination and a professional design portfolio submission demonstrating applied knowledge in kitchen and bath design.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Arapahoe Community College
Students must attend an Interior Design Program Orientation prior to registration. Dates for orientations are listed on the ACC website.
Complete ACCUPLACER assessment with the following minimum scores:
- 95 on Sentence Skills
- OR ACT or SAT scores within the last two years
- OR have earned a previous college degree
- OR have completed any necessary remedial courses, if required, with a grade of “C” or higher before taking Interior Design courses

Students wishing to transfer in Interior Design or General Education credits to fulfill certificate requirements must have official transcripts sent to the ACC Admissions and Records Office. If you have questions after Admissions and Records has evaluated your transcripts, please call 303.797.5958 to schedule an appointment with the IND Department Chair.

Program Requirements

Major Courses (38 credit hours)

IND 1101 - Introduction to Interior Design 3 Credits
CAD 1105 - AutoCAD for Interiors 4 Credits
IND 1105 - Technical Drafting for Interiors 3 Credits
IND 2203 - Space Planning 3 Credits
IND 2204 - Estimating Interior Materials 3 Credits
CAD 1110 - SketchUp 3 Credits
IND 2208 - Residential Design 4 Credits
IND 2501 - Kitchen and Bath Design 4 Credits
IND 2300 - Interior Construction 4 Credits
IND 2502 - Advanced Kitchen & Bath Design 4 Credits
IND 2080 - Internship 3 Credits

Total: 38 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

All courses required for this certificate must earn a grade of “C” or better to meet completion requirements.
Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.