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 an interactive exam 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:
• Existing Conditions (14%)
Includes analysis of Site & Building Conditions such as location, historical information, hazardous materials and Occupancy types
• Pre-Design (15%)
Includes establishing best practices of design, research techniques, Design Principles, Elements, Evidence-Based Design, Color Theory, & Visioning
• Programming & Site Analysis (16%)
Includes understanding Programmatic Diagrams, User Needs, ergonomics, occupancy types and loads, etc.
• Space Planning (19%)
Covers circulation, human factors, life safety, universal design and structural limitations as well as initial drawings & graphic standards
• Preliminary FF&E and Finishes (16%)
Focuses on identifying finish materials such as textiles, wall/floor/ceiling/window treatments, sustainability, sourcing & scoping
• Schematics (20%)
It focuses refining design intent, performing code review for life safety & universal design, as well as presentation methods, visualization techniques and tools
IDPX Breakdown
During the IDPX (Interior Design Professional Practice Exam) expect 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:
• Feasibility Studies (17%)
This section focuses on applicable codes and reference standards, identifying project stakeholders and how to manage the project team
• Scheduling and Budgeting (17%)
Tests understanding of how to manage the project schedule, the project budget and everything associated with it, including allowances, contingencies and fuding sources
• Contracts, Procurement & Permitting (28%)
Focuses on the procurement and bid (Tender) process, how to manage proposals and contracts, understanding the different types and process, project approvals and permitting process
• Construction Process (21%)
What does it take to building the building? approval process, construction meetings, roles and responsibilities, changes during construction and substitutions
• Site Observation & Close Out (17%)
This section focuses on site visits, construction means and methods, and project closeut including punch/deficiency lists, substantial completion and final completion. It also includes post-occupancy evaluations, end user satisfaction and project record management
IDIX Insights
The IDIX (formerly Prac Exam) is the final section of the NCIDQ Examination, designed to evaluate a designer’s ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The exam includes vignettes (scenarios with 3-5 questions) 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.
As with the other two exams, you will see multiple choice questions (MCQ), drag and place, fill in the blanks, and hotspots.
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:
• Codes & Life Safety (16%)
Focuses on life safety elements such as egress, and fire separation. Permit requirements, processes, timing and universal design.
• Integration and FF&E (19%)
Includes understanding of Structural systems such as load bearing, concrete, wood, etc. Plumbing, electrical & mechanical systems along with building construction types and installation methods
• Construction Documents (32%)
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
• Consultant Drawing Coordination (18%)
This section is speciic to consultant deliverables, drawings, specification and information related to power, data and AV integration as well as energy code
• Construction Specifications & Schedules (15%)
Focuses on developing construction specifications, mockups, specification formats, divisions and types as well as developing schedules for construction documents
NCIDQ Exams at a Glance
What else should I be aware of?
We address a few of the Spring 2026 Changes:
IDFX, IDPX & IDIX can be taken remotely
At this moment, (Spring 2026) it is expected that IDIX will be will be available remotely along with IDFX and IDPX
Blueprints are changing in the Spring of 2026
Along with new blueprints, the code document will be using the 2021 IBC
I took one or more exams under the old blueprint, do I need to retake the exams again now that the blueprint changed?
No. Anything you took prior to Spring 2026 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.