Examination Information

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), an independent, not-for-profit organization of state and provincial credentialing bodies, provides the public with the means to identify interior designers who have demonstrated the minimum level of competence needed to practice interior design. In fulfillment of this purpose, NCIDQ provides a professional examination in interior design. One hundred percent of the Examination covers those aspects of the practice of interior design that affect the public health, life safety and welfare. As part of its ongoing effort to ensure the relevance, validity and psychometric quality of the examination, NCIDQ conducted a Practice Analysis Study for the Profession of Interior Design (2003) and is presently working with an experienced testing consultant to develop and administer the examination.

Test Specifications

In conducting the Practice Analysis, NCIDQ determined that six performance domains characterize the work of interior design:

• Programming
• Schematic Design
• Design Development
• Contract Documents
• Contract Administration
• Professional Practice

The weighting structure of the examination is derived from each domain’s relative importance and criticality. The performance domains provide the logical and analytical basis for each part of the NCIDQ examination.

The revised NCIDQ program consists of two comprehensive multiple-choice sections and a practicum section. The first of the multiple-choice sections, consisting of 100 scored questions and 25 unscored experimental questions, is titled Principles and Practices of Interior Design. It addresses the domains of programming, schematic design and design development. The second multiple-choice section, consisting of 125 scored questions and 25 unscored experimental questions, is titled Contract Documents and Administration. It addresses the domains of contract documents, contract administration and professional practice. Many questions on both of these examinations incorporate drawings, pictures, symbols and textual formats typical in the interior design profession, requiring candidates to recall, apply and analyze information. Unscored questions are not identified on the examination; candidates should give their best effort on all test questions.

The NCIDQ examination also features a practicum section, Schematics and Design Development, that requires candidates to produce a design solution. Candidates receive a program based on a multifunctional facility including at least three of seven areas of specialization (residential, corporate/office, hospitality, retail, healthcare, institutional and educational). All candidates for a given test date receive the same problem. The problem requires candidates to (a) interpret the program into schematics; (b) produce plan drawings; and (c) develop appropriate specifications. Work products must address the principles of universal design. The examination is scored according to standardized guidelines by Qualified Council Jurors who have completed a comprehensive training program.

Domain Matrix for the NCIDQ Examination

Scores

Scores are mailed to candidates within 14 weeks of the test date. Scores are reported for all three sections on a range from 200 to 800, with the passing point anchored at 500. The passing standard for all NCIDQ examination sections is established using criterion-referenced procedures that are thoroughly researched and well accepted by the professional testing community. New forms of each portion of the revised examination program are equated to ensure that all versions are equivalent in content and difficulty. Each multiple-choice form includes 25 experimental questions that will not affect candidates’ scores, and each form of the practicum is pretested prior to its actual use. These psychometric procedures are designed to ensure the high quality of NCIDQ’s examination program.

Scores may be appealed only in cases where environmental circumstances or testing procedures seriously impacted the candidate's performance. Candidates must contact NCIDQ in writing within ten days of the exam date if they have serious concerns about environmental circumstances or testing procedures. After results are issued, tests are not rescored. Candidates whose environmental/procedural appeals are approved may be permitted to retake the section(s) they appealed at no additional cost.

Examination Materials

Examination materials are the property of NCIDQ. Materials are not returned to candidates. Materials are stored by NCIDQ for three years.

Examination Schedule

Domain Definitions

Programming

Programming is the process of setting forth, in written form, clients' and users' requirements for a given project. Specifically, the designer identifies and analyzes client and user needs and goals, evaluates existing premises, assesses project resources and limitations, identifies applicable life safety, accessibility and building code requirements, considers site issues, prepares the project schedule, develops a budget and analyzes design objectives and spatial requirements. The need for, and coordination of, consultants also is determined, as well as an investigation made of requirements for regulatory approval. The data developed usually culminates in a formal programming document.

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Schematic Design

This process explores and develops visual responses to the programmatic requirements in order to satisfy aesthetic, functional, behavioral, life safety, accessibility, building code and other regulatory/legal requirements and usually results in the development of a design or concept statement. Specifically, the process relies upon the techniques of bubble, relationship, affinity/adjacency and zoning diagrams. The results produce space plans, elevations, sections, furniture plans, color/finish palette and/or three-dimensional views.

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Design Development

The design development phase of a project requires a refined level of determination of all aspects of the design. All components affecting the project are evaluated and selected to respond to design intent and all jurisdictional authorities regarding life safety, accessibility and building codes. The communication and coordination of necessary specialists and consultants continues. Final design recommendations for space planning, furnishings, fixtures, millwork, interior surfaces, lighting, HVAC (heating ventilation air conditioning), plumbing, electrical and communications are made, and art, accessory and graphic/signage programs are developed.

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Contract Documents

Contract documents consist of working drawings, related schedules and interior construction specifications. They describe in both text and graphic form all the essentials of construction work including the articulation of all legal and regulatory requirements to be performed clearly, accurately, consistently and completely.

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Contract Administration

Contract administration is the preparation of bid documents for the purpose of awarding a construction contract and is primarily involved with the agency* and responsibility of administering the construction contract between the owner or client and the general contractor. As contract administrator, the designer ensures that the contractor's work conforms to the requirements of the contract documents, including periodic site inspections; reviews and recommends payments; maintaining progress records and presiding over the certification of substantial completions; final inspection and occupancy permits and payment; and releases and warranties. In addition to these related functions, the designer interprets the contract documents when disagreements occur. Upon completion of a project, the designer also conducts a post-occupancy evaluation aimed at measuring project performance to obtain data for maintaining a project database to use in securing future projects.
*Agent/agency-holds responsibility between the parties (client and contractors, for example)

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Professional Practice

The interior design professional provides services in a legal and ethical manner by adhering to established business practices and obtaining appropriate registrations, licenses and insurance to ensure the welfare of the client. The interior designer should establish an appropriate relationship with the client, develop a clear and fair contract, and operate within the defined scope of practice and the bounds of personal competence and experience.