The NCIDQ Certificate

I just passed the exam. What happens now?

Once you pass all parts of the NCIDQ Examination, you will be issued an individual Certificate number and a wall certificate suitable for display. You will also receive periodic NCIDQ news updates and notices of continuing education and volunteer opportunities. Your first Certificate Renewal notice will be sent to you one year after your last exam date.

Note: Candidates who apply directly to a state/provincial board for exam eligibility may be approved to take the exam but are not approved to receive the NCIDQ Certificate. If this applies to you and you would like to earn the Certificate, you must demonstrate that you meet NCIDQ's eligibility requirements by submitting a complete NCIDQ application after you pass the examination.

How do I display my NCIDQ credential on my stationery, Web site, etc.?

Use the designation "NCIDQ^® Certificate No." along with your individual Certificate number on business stationery, marketing materials and your Web site. Example: Jane Q. Public, NCIDQ^® Certificate No. 123456.

Can I use "NCIDQ" as an appellation like I do for ASID, IIDA, etc. (Jane Q. Public, ASID)?

No. We do not endorse "NCIDQ" and "NCIDQ-certified" as appellations. You should use the designation described above.

If I pass the exam, can I call myself an "Interior Designer"?

If your state or province regulates the title "Interior Designer," you must first become licensed or registered before you can use the title. Contact your state or provincial agency for an application.

What is Certificate Renewal?

The annual Certificate Renewal fee of $40 maintains Active status for individual Certificate holders. Active Certificate holders receive exclusive benefits and services, including publication discounts, newsletters, online access to their NCIDQ information, and unlimited verification of their Certificate to regulatory agencies and professional associations.

Do I need to earn continuing education credits to renew my NCIDQ Certificate?

Currently, you do NOT need continuing education (CE) credits to renew your NCIDQ Certificate. However, you may be required by your state or provincial regulatory agency to complete CE during each licensure period. IIDA also requires CE for renewal of professional-level membership.

I work in an unregulated jurisdiction, and I have no future plans to work in a regulated jurisdiction. Why should I keep my Certificate active?

Certificate renewal is voluntary, but you will receive many benefits by keeping your Certificate active. In addition, you will help ensure the strong future of your profession by supporting the work of NCIDQ.

I passed the exam and I pay the annual Certificate Renewal fee. Am I a "member" of NCIDQ?

You are an Active NCIDQ Certificate holder. NCIDQ's members are state and provincial boards that regulate the profession of interior design.

Can you provide a list of NCIDQ Certificate holders in my area?

NCIDQ has launched QSearch, a free, public registry that provides a listing of active NCIDQ Certificate holders. This registry was established to further its mission of public protection by allowing the public to know which interior designers have earned the NCIDQ Certificate. The QSearch registry lists active Certificate holders who wish to be searchable by the public. A consumer can use the QSearch to locate and/or employ an active Certificate holder in his or her area.

View the QSearch registry here.