The NCIDQ Examination and Certificate

Completion of the NCIDQ Examination recognizes that an individual has met minimum competency standards to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public in the practice of interior design. NCIDQ's role includes the establishment of standards for the certificate which includes minimum qualifications for education and experience and the administration of a minimum competency examination.

Passage of the exam is a requirement for licensure in all NCIDQ member jurisdictions. The exam also serves as a qualifier for professional membership within interior design organizations and, for non-affiliates, represents a voluntary individual accomplishment.

Candidates receive an individual NCIDQ Certificate number when they successfully complete the examination cycle, except for Texas candidates who are required to apply for the examination through their state board. In order for Texas candidates to receive their NCIDQ Certificate number, they must apply to NCIDQ once they passed all exam sections. The Certificate identifies the qualified practitioner, ensures recognition of expertise and assists development and self-improvement through the individual's understanding of a body of knowledge and a set of professional standards.

Download a PDF of the most frequently asked questions about the NCIDQ Examination.

Certificate Renewal

As a part of NCIDQ's ongoing effort to provide administrative support to facilitate legal recognition for interior design practitioners, the Council's Board of Directors instituted Certificate Renewal in 1990. The annual Certificate Renewal fee provides the following benefits to Certificate holders:

• Savings. Save 10% on NCIDQ continuing education monographs and receive one free printed CE transcript per year.
• Mobility. Request free, official verifications of your education, experience and examination to any jurisdiction.
• Online Access. Log into NCIDQ's Web site to change your address, view and print your CE transcript, renew your Certificate online and request other NCIDQ services.
• News Updates. Stay informed about your profession with NCIDQ's free QLetter newsletter, e-mailed to you monthly.
• Volunteer Opportunities. Ensure the strong future of your profession by participating as an NCIDQ volunteer. You may have the opportunity to share your expertise, network with professionals from across the U.S. and Canada and earn free CEUs.
• Research and Model Language. Contribute to NCIDQ's research efforts to maintain the quality of the NCIDQ Examination and develop model legislative language to protect public health, life safety and welfare.

In order to ensure the continued acceptance of the NCIDQ Examination in existing and proposed licensing statutes, the NCIDQ Examination must continue to evaluate minimum competencies for the profession. However, as minimum competencies in any profession may change or evolve with the development of the profession and with the demands of the public, the exam and other standards must be continually reviewed and modified accordingly.