Everything You Need to Know About Interior Design Certification
How do you become certified as an interior designer? We explore the options
A career in interior design typically starts with a foundation of education and experience. Requirements to practice vary from state to state, but earning an interior design certification of some kind can be involved. Becoming certified, whether it’s passing a certification exam or becoming an expert in a particular aspect of the field, generally signals to employers, clients and others that someone has proved his or her skill and knowledge of industry standards.
“NCIDQ certification helps to bring more credibility to an interior designer’s role on project teams,” certified designer Laura Franzluebbers says. “Clients see the benefit of having an NCIDQ-certified designer on projects and, at times, list it as a requirement. Being NCIDQ certified separates you from the rest of the field.”
Other certifications come from particular states’ required exams. Design pros looking to be certified in California, for instance, must take the IDEX exam administered by the California Council for Interior Design Certification.
Other certifications come from particular states’ required exams. Design pros looking to be certified in California, for instance, must take the IDEX exam administered by the California Council for Interior Design Certification.
How Do You Become Certified?
Before aspiring designers can sit for the NCIDQ or another certification exam, they’re required to have certain combinations of education and full-time work experience.
NCIDQ eligibility. Graduates from degree programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation have a higher first-time pass rate on the NCIDQ, according to CIDA Executive Director Holly Mattson. But CIDA accreditation is not specifically required to be eligible to take the NCIDQ so long as the program has been accredited by another nationally recognized accrediting body.
Graduates who’ve earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree and completed two years of full-time design work are typically eligible to take the NCIDQ, though requirements vary for different local jurisdictions. Graduates who’ve earned an associate degree, certificate or diploma need at least three years of full-time design experience. Up to 1,760 hours of that design experience can be completed prior to graduation.
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Before aspiring designers can sit for the NCIDQ or another certification exam, they’re required to have certain combinations of education and full-time work experience.
NCIDQ eligibility. Graduates from degree programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation have a higher first-time pass rate on the NCIDQ, according to CIDA Executive Director Holly Mattson. But CIDA accreditation is not specifically required to be eligible to take the NCIDQ so long as the program has been accredited by another nationally recognized accrediting body.
Graduates who’ve earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree and completed two years of full-time design work are typically eligible to take the NCIDQ, though requirements vary for different local jurisdictions. Graduates who’ve earned an associate degree, certificate or diploma need at least three years of full-time design experience. Up to 1,760 hours of that design experience can be completed prior to graduation.
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The exam. The exam itself is divided into three sections. The Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX) measures knowledge and competency in areas such as design communication, construction drawings and specifications, human behavior and the design environment, building systems, furniture, finishes, equipment and lighting.
The Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX) focuses on subjects such as professional practice, project coordination, contract administration, codes and standards.
The Practicum Exam (PRAC) is a digital exercise that lays out three design case studies for test-takers to analyze.
“If a candidate passes all three sections of the NCIDQ exam, it shows they have achieved a level of competency, meeting industry standards established to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, as well as aesthetics,” says Cornelia Springer, CIDQ’s exam director. “To be successful on the NCIDQ exam, candidates should possess a versatile background in different practice areas. This will give them a much broader framework from which to reference as they prepare for and take the exam.”
Springer also encourages candidates to make use of NCIDQ online practice tests and local study groups (American Society of Interior Designers chapters and other organizations often host these gatherings) to prepare.
Exam and application fees currently are $1,325 for candidates planning to take all three sections in the same eligibility window.
The Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX) focuses on subjects such as professional practice, project coordination, contract administration, codes and standards.
The Practicum Exam (PRAC) is a digital exercise that lays out three design case studies for test-takers to analyze.
“If a candidate passes all three sections of the NCIDQ exam, it shows they have achieved a level of competency, meeting industry standards established to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, as well as aesthetics,” says Cornelia Springer, CIDQ’s exam director. “To be successful on the NCIDQ exam, candidates should possess a versatile background in different practice areas. This will give them a much broader framework from which to reference as they prepare for and take the exam.”
Springer also encourages candidates to make use of NCIDQ online practice tests and local study groups (American Society of Interior Designers chapters and other organizations often host these gatherings) to prepare.
Exam and application fees currently are $1,325 for candidates planning to take all three sections in the same eligibility window.
Can You Be an Interior Designer Without a License?
Yes, you can usually do interior design work without a license, but it gets complicated. As there are no federal guidelines for interior designers getting certified, different states approach the process and requirements in different ways.
Texas, for instance, is one of several states to have a title act, meaning professionals who want to use the title “registered interior designer” have specific requirements they must meet, such as passing the NCIDQ and participating in a set number of continuing education hours.
Yes, you can usually do interior design work without a license, but it gets complicated. As there are no federal guidelines for interior designers getting certified, different states approach the process and requirements in different ways.
Texas, for instance, is one of several states to have a title act, meaning professionals who want to use the title “registered interior designer” have specific requirements they must meet, such as passing the NCIDQ and participating in a set number of continuing education hours.
Other states require designers working on projects that involve building codes be licensed by the state. In some cases, a license allows a designer to sign off on project permits. Additionally, if a designer plans to work in multiple states, he or she may need multiple certifications. More information about individual state interior design laws is available on the International Interior Design Association’s advocacy page.
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How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Interior Designer?
Factoring in the years of education and full-time work required to take the NCIDQ, most certified interior designers have at least five or six years’ experience. Other types of design certifications can require much shorter or longer paths.
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Factoring in the years of education and full-time work required to take the NCIDQ, most certified interior designers have at least five or six years’ experience. Other types of design certifications can require much shorter or longer paths.
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What Are the Different Interior Design Certification Types?
Beyond NCIDQ, a number of trade associations offer specialized certification programs.
Texas-based interior decorator Ann Bridgman, owner of Just the Thing Decorating, Staging and Windows, says she chose to earn a Redesign and Staging Specialist certification to learn more about the design process.
“I believe it’s important to seek the knowledge you lack. I believe most of interior design is learned through experience. I attend CEUs, conferences and training as frequently as possible,” Bridgman says.
While she says the program helped her think more deeply about her business, she doesn’t think certifications are necessary to work in the design field and has found most designers don’t arrive to the job with them.
“It gave me some confidence I was lacking,” she says. “That being said, one person in 27 years of doing business has asked me about it!”
Here are just a few other popular specialty certification options:
National Kitchen and Bath Association Certification. Kitchen and bathroom design specialists can earn credentials meant to establish quick trust among clients through the NKBA’s tiered certification system.
Associate Kitchen and Bath Designers are certified professionals well-versed in kitchen and bath space planning, materials, finishes, product selection and more. Certified Kitchen Designers specialize in residential kitchens, with a particular focus on building codes, mechanical systems, writing specifications and drawing plans that electricians, plumbers and other contractors can easily follow. Similarly, Certified Bath Designers have a deep understanding of residential bathroom design and installation. Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers specialize in both residential kitchens and bathrooms, while Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designers are professionals who meet a set of rigorous requirements, including having at least seven years in the industry.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). As Baby Boomers continue to age, home professionals with expertise in accessible features will become more and more in demand. A CAPS designation, offered by the National Association of Home Builders, recognizes home professionals who have special training in home modifications for the aging-in-place population.
WELL AP. More homeowners are seeing the value in a home that encourages a healthy body, mind and lifestyle. Accordingly, a WELL Accredited Professional is trained to advocate for human-centric design and align projects with health goals, among other wellness-centric priorities. The credential is an offering of the International Well Building Institute, which describes itself as providing “the leading global rating system and the first to be focused exclusively on the ways that buildings, and everything in them, can improve our comfort, drive better choices and generally enhance, not compromise, our health and wellness.”
Beyond NCIDQ, a number of trade associations offer specialized certification programs.
Texas-based interior decorator Ann Bridgman, owner of Just the Thing Decorating, Staging and Windows, says she chose to earn a Redesign and Staging Specialist certification to learn more about the design process.
“I believe it’s important to seek the knowledge you lack. I believe most of interior design is learned through experience. I attend CEUs, conferences and training as frequently as possible,” Bridgman says.
While she says the program helped her think more deeply about her business, she doesn’t think certifications are necessary to work in the design field and has found most designers don’t arrive to the job with them.
“It gave me some confidence I was lacking,” she says. “That being said, one person in 27 years of doing business has asked me about it!”
Here are just a few other popular specialty certification options:
National Kitchen and Bath Association Certification. Kitchen and bathroom design specialists can earn credentials meant to establish quick trust among clients through the NKBA’s tiered certification system.
Associate Kitchen and Bath Designers are certified professionals well-versed in kitchen and bath space planning, materials, finishes, product selection and more. Certified Kitchen Designers specialize in residential kitchens, with a particular focus on building codes, mechanical systems, writing specifications and drawing plans that electricians, plumbers and other contractors can easily follow. Similarly, Certified Bath Designers have a deep understanding of residential bathroom design and installation. Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers specialize in both residential kitchens and bathrooms, while Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designers are professionals who meet a set of rigorous requirements, including having at least seven years in the industry.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). As Baby Boomers continue to age, home professionals with expertise in accessible features will become more and more in demand. A CAPS designation, offered by the National Association of Home Builders, recognizes home professionals who have special training in home modifications for the aging-in-place population.
WELL AP. More homeowners are seeing the value in a home that encourages a healthy body, mind and lifestyle. Accordingly, a WELL Accredited Professional is trained to advocate for human-centric design and align projects with health goals, among other wellness-centric priorities. The credential is an offering of the International Well Building Institute, which describes itself as providing “the leading global rating system and the first to be focused exclusively on the ways that buildings, and everything in them, can improve our comfort, drive better choices and generally enhance, not compromise, our health and wellness.”
LEED Accredited Professional. The U.S. Green Building Council facilitates LEED professional credentials to highlight pros with proficiency in sustainable design and green building. The certifications are available in several specialties, including the foundational Green Associate and the more specialized titles like LEED AP Building Design + Construction or LEED AP Interior Design + Construction.
Universal Design Certified Professionals. Remodelers with an interest in universal design and remodeling can earn a UDCP title from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
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Universal Design Certified Professionals. Remodelers with an interest in universal design and remodeling can earn a UDCP title from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
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Being a certified or registered interior designer means different things in different states and in different areas of the field. Generally, the title designates a professional who’s completed certain requirements to demonstrate design understanding and abilities.
The Council for Interior Design Qualification administers the most common certification exam in the U.S. and Canada: the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). The three-part exam tests candidates’ knowledge of design practices in a variety of scenarios.