Navigating the NCIDQ Certification Pathway with Confidence
Explore a thorough guide outlining the NCIDQ certification steps, including education, experience, and exam preparation needed to achieve professional success.
Explore essential guidance on education, experience, and exam preparation designed to inspire and inform aspiring interior designers.
Explore the NCIDQ Certification Journey
We take out the guess work. Explore comprehensive guidance to navigate the NCIDQ certification process successfully
Why NCIDQ Certified
Should I get certified? Is it worth the effort?
Education & Work Requirements
Explore the options. Find the best fit for your personal journey
A different Path
Gain insights into the experience required to qualify through ARP
Application Process
Understand what to submit, the deadlines and the process of finding a sponsor
Preparing to take the Exams
Access essential tips and resources to confidently prepare for the NCIDQ exams.
Exams Explained
Insights about each exam. What do they cover and best
strategies for taking them
How do I begin the NCIDQ certification process?
Here are clear, concise answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the NCDIQ Certification and the process and how to navigate it smoothly
What are the educational prerequisites for NCIDQ eligibility?
Candidates must hold a degree in interior design or a related field from either a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited or a non-CIDA accredited institution to qualify.
Do I have any options if my formal education is outside of the United States or Canada?
Yes! If you have a degree, a diploma, or a certificate in interior design, or you hold a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, you may qualify. The easiest way to find out if you are eligible is to submit your higher Education transcripts to either World Education Services or Education Credential Evaluators for evaluation to determine if your education meets the CIDQ minimum requirements of 60 semester credits of interior design coursework.
I didn’t formally study Interior Design, but I have taken classes when available. Is there a path for me?
Yes. The Alternative Review Process (ARP) is for those who do not hold a formal degree or are not able to document minimum educational requirements. This is a more complex route and candidates need to check with their local jurisdiction for requisites. However, it is possible with the proper documentation to be qualified to obtain the NCIDQ certification. Get started by checking out this link. For additional information please visit the CDIQ.org page on ARP
How much work experience is required before taking the exam?
It varies. If you are in your last year of college or working on your master’s degree in interior design, you do not need to document a minimum number of hours. If you have completed your education from a CIDA accredited school, a minimum of 3,520 hours of verified interior design work experience is typically required. Additional hours will be needed if applying through one of the other paths to the NCIDQ Certification. We spell it out here. For additional information, please visit CIDQ.org to determine the hours needed based on your individual path to certification
I just got Certified. Now what?
Congratulations!! You did it! Your hard work paid off.
Here are a few of the highlights of what the certificate means and what you need to do to remain active.
- Start using the NCIDQ appellation immediately! you earned it!
- NCIDQ Certificate must be renewed annually through CIDQ
- Stay active in your jurisdiction. Find out if you are required to Register, get certified or licensed.
- Complete Continuing Education Credits. These are needed yearly or based on the requirements of your local jurisdiction
- Inspire other designers to obtain their NCIDQ Certification
- Always follow the CIDQ Code of Ethics
