NCIDQ Exam Content Breakdown
There is more than meet the eyes when it comes to the NCIDQ exams structure and focus. Let’s breakdown IDFX, IDPX, and PRAC exams to help you prepare with confidence and clarity.
Let’s take a quick look first.
Explore the NCIDQ Exam Content
Let’s Dive into the details and compare all three exams
IDFX Overview
The IDFX (Interior Design Fundamentals Exam) is the first of three sections on the NCIDQ exam. It’s a multiple-choice test designed for early-career interior designers or students toward the end of their degree.
The IDFX is a foundational, timed, multiple-choice exam covering eight key topic areas central to interior design practice. It could be said it’s a ‘book’ exam.
It measures knowledge of design fundamentals, technical systems, documentation, life-safety, and communication—all aligned with the responsibility to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Preparation involves applying real-world project insight.
Here is what it’s all about:
• Programming & Site Analysis (10%)
Includes research techniques, Design Principles, Elements, site context, orientation, and sustainability
• Human Behavior & Environment (10%)
Covers ergonomics, proxemics, psychology, sensory factors, universal design, and special populations
• Design & Communication Techniques (15%)
Includes diagramming methods (bubble, parti, adjacency), models, renderings, charts, and presentation techniques
• Life Safety & Universal Design (20%)
Focuses on life-safety components such as Egress, Accessible design, AV Alarms, and much more.
• Interior Building Materials & Finishes (10%)
Focuses on life-safety properties (flammability, toxicity), textiles, wall/floor/ceiling/window treatments, lighting principles, furniture types
• Technical Specs for FF&E and Lighting (15%)
Covers reading and interpreting drawings like plans, sections, lighting, power, furniture, finish plans, etc.
• Construction Drawings & Schedules (20%)
It focuses on scale, dimensioning, drawing standards, symbols, and line weights
• Professional Development & Ethics (5%)
Code of Ethics, Consumer protections, Continuing Education and Social Responsibility
IDPX Breakdown
During the IDPX (Interior Design Professional Practice Exam) expect a multiple-choice exam with practical scenarios reflecting real-world project coordination, legal compliance, and technical integration.
The IDPX exam expects you to think like a project manager and designer with real-world, field experience. Many questions are scenario-based, asking how you would respond to challenges in project execution, code compliance, or client management.
Preparation should focus in understanding what happens ‘behind the scenes’ to keep the project running. While IDFX is ‘Book’ based, IDPX is practical business setting scenarios
Here is what it’s all about:
• Project Assessment & Sustainability (15%)
Covers conservation, Indoor air quality & other environmental and wellness attributes
• Project Process, Roles & Coordination (15%)
Tests understanding of the project management aspect of a project, including phased const. & commissioning
• Professional Business Practices (10%)
Focuses on legal aspects of setting up and running a business. Business structures, Management & Scope of Practice as well as estimating & liability
• Code Requirements, Laws, Standards (20%)
Zoning, permitting requirements and environmental regulations, conservation and reference standards
• Integration with Building Systems (15%)
Includes understanding of Structural systems such as load bearing, concrete, wood, etc. Plumbing, electrical & mechanical systems along with building construction types and installation methods
•Integration of Furniture, Fixtures & Equip (10%)
This section focuses on product components (systems furniture, acoustic panels) Budgeting & Estimating
• Contract Administration (15%)
This section tackles the duties of project managers and contractors. Transmittals, Change orders, Addenda, Purchase Orders, project accounting, meetings, shop drawings and submittals, construction mock-ups and punch lists (deficiency lists in Canada)
PRAC Insights
The PRAC (Practicum Exam) is the final section of the NCIDQ Examination, designed to evaluate a designer’s ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. Unlike the multiple-choice formats of IDFX and IDPX, the PRAC is a case-study-based exam.
It simulates real design problems that test your judgment and decision-making across various project types, such as commercial, residential, healthcare, or institutional environments.
The exam includes project scenarios that involve interpreting plans, evaluating design solutions, selecting materials or systems, and ensuring code compliance—all with an emphasis on protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
Candidates must demonstrate competence in space planning, life safety, egress design, lighting and electrical plans, systems integration, millwork detailing, finish selection, and contract documents.
All tasks are performed within an interactive software environment that mimics the design and construction documentation process.
Preparation involves familiarity with drawing conventions, building codes, ADA standards, and FF&E specifications. A strong understanding of both technical drawings and how to apply them in practical scenarios is essential for success.
Here is what it’s all about:
• Programming, Planning & Analysis (15%)
Includes diagramming methods (bubble, parti, adjacency), models, renderings, charts, and presentation techniques as well as life safety codes and standards, accessibility standards, special populations, construction types and occupancy types
• Code Requirements, Laws, Standards (30%)
Focuses on life safety elements such as egress, and fire separation. Permit requirements, processes, timing and universal design.
• Integration with Buildings systems (25%)
Includes understanding of Structural systems such as load bearing, concrete, wood, etc. Plumbing, electrical & mechanical systems along with building construction types and installation methods
• Contract Documents (30%)
Focuses on all the markings of a full set of drawings. From Floor, Demolition, Finish, Furniture and Reflected ceiling plans to Power, data, Schedules, millwork, & all other code-required information
NCIDQ Exams at a Glance
What else should I be aware of?
We address a few of the Spring 2026 Changes:
IDFX & IDPX can be taken remotely
At this moment, (Fall 2025) PRAC is not available to be Proctored but will be available remotely in the Spring 2026
Blueprints are changing in the Spring of 2026
Along with new blueprints, the code document will be using the 2021 IBC
If I take an exam under the current blueprint, do I need to retake when the new blueprint is out?
No. Anything you take now will continue to be valid for the duration of your exam timeline. However, any exams taking in the spring of 2026 and later will be based on the new blueprint.
Begin Your NCIDQ Journey Now
Join scores of students who have prepared with IDQSimplified and gotten certified.