I don’t have a formal Interior Design Education or my career path began outside of North America (US & Canada). What’s Next?
Discover the Alternative Review Path and the process for transcript reviews, both of which support interior designers take the necessary steps to become certified through these unique certification routes.
Alternative Review Path (ARP)
A concise overview of the ARP requirements and benefits. For additional information it’s best to contact CIDQ directly to discuss your unique situation. There are three categories and two depend on your local jurisdiction.
Eligibility Criteria
This is not an easier way to become certified, however, it offers future candidates without a formal education a way to document and have their education recognized by CIDQ.
What are my work requirements?
Applicants must have a minimum of 8,800 hours (approximately 5 years) of experience in interior design
You must show documentation that you are competent in the following core areas:
- Health, Safety and Welfare
- Human Behavior
- Design Process
- Space & Form
- Construction Documentation
- FF&E
- Bidding
- Construction Administration
- Environmental Systems & Controls
- Interior Construction & Building Systems
- Professional & Business Practices
What does the process look like?
During this process you will need to provide Education and Work information. This is what the steps looks like
- Submit a regular application ($225) to CIDQ
- Document all of the post secondary education related to interior design by filling out the Education Review Form with the additional ARP fee ($595)
- After receiving an evaluation from the reviewing committee, submit your Dossier Review Form. This is your work information. If additional information is requested during the initial review of your education credentials you must submit and finalize this step prior to submitting the Dossier.
- Once the Dossier review is finalized, the committee will inform you of the decision. If approved, it allows you to move forward with the NCIDQ exams.
What is a Dossier?
Think of the ARP Dossier as a structured professional portfolio. You’ll begin by submitting detailed documentation of your project work—these should reflect a range of your experience and involvement in interior design practice. For each project, you’ll be asked to clearly identify which areas of CIDQ’s core competencies are represented.
Additional Questions on the ARP option?
CIDQ has an entire section dedicated to explaining this in details. You can also find the forms that apply to your individual requirements.
My post-secondary education and work is from outside of North America.
No problem! This is quite common and you are not alone. CIDQ has a path for you as well.
However, here we try to answer the most frequently asked questions.
For additional information, please visit CIDQ.org
Where do I begin the qualification process?
You need to start by having your transcripts translated and evaluated by an one of the CIDQ endorsed evaluators. If your education is eligible, you will be able to find your eligibility paths.
Who can I use to translate and evaluate my transcripts?
There are two listed on the CIDQ website. These are World Education Services or Education Credential Evaluators. You will need to contact them directly and select the correct option. You will need to select an option that includes course titles with corresponding U.S. credit equivalency. This is to ensure your education meets CIDQ requirements of 60 semester credits of interior design coursework.
My work experience is mostly abroad. How can I have that evaluated?
If you are currently working in the US or Canada, you may find a sponsor that meets the CIDQ requirements. If you don’t have one, or most of your portfolio and work experience is from outside of North America, CIDQ has Ambassadors who are ready and willing to sponsor you, so you may contact them. Your sponsor will request a portfolio and in most cases, setup an interview with you
If I am a licensed architect abroad, may I sponsor myself when applying to be NCIDQ Certified?
No. Your sponsor must be a State (Provincial) Registered Architect in the U.S. or Canada who provides interior design services. You may also be sponsored by a NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer.
What do I need to do prior to finding a sponsor?
- Setup an account with CIDQ
- Start the Application and pay the fee.
- Submit the transcripts evaluated
- Wait for confirmation that your transcripts have been received and accepted
- Request a sponsor if you do not have anyone who meet the CIDQ Criteria (as stated above).
If I’m still studying abroad, can I just apply and take the IDFX exam?
- No. International candidates (outside the US and Canada) who do not go to a CIDA accredited program are not eligible for the IDFX only pathway (Route 2- Part 1). You will need to wait until you meet requirements for the Route 1 pathway