Intro to NCIDQ

What is the purpose of NCIDQ?

NCIDQ's core purpose is to protect the health, life safety and welfare of the public by setting standards of competence in the practice of interior design.

What does NCIDQ do?

NCIDQ administers programs that set the bar for professional competency in the interior design profession.

Our best-known program is the NCIDQ Examination, a professional competency exam for interior design. The NCIDQ Exam is recognized by all U.S. states and Canadian provinces that regulate the profession. Exam candidates who meet NCIDQ's eligibility requirements and pass all exam sections are awarded the NCIDQ Certificate.

NCIDQ's other programs, including the Interior Design Experience Program for entry-level designers and continuing education for practicing professionals, also support our core purpose.

How does licensing/registration of interior designers benefit the general public?

Interior design has evolved into a separate and distinct discipline requiring expertise and skills different from other building and design professions. Interior designers are key participants in the total building design process. Regulation of practitioners providing interior design services protects the public health, life safety and welfare.

Who are NCIDQ's members?

NCIDQ's members are state and provincial boards that regulate the profession of interior design.

Membership is not available to individuals. Individual interior designers who have met NCIDQ's eligibility requirements and passed all exam sections are NCIDQ Certificate holders.

Is NCIDQ part of ASID, IIDA or IDC?

No. NCIDQ is an independent, not-for-profit organization. While the professional associations exist to serve the needs of interior design practitioners, NCIDQ exists to protect the public by setting the bar for professional competency.

How many people have passed the NCIDQ Examination?

More than 25,000 interior designers have passed the NCIDQ Exam to date.

When was NCIDQ established?

NCIDQ was created in the early 1970s. The first exam was administered in 1974. See our history timeline for more information.

Can NCIDQ Certificate holders stamp drawings like architects and engineers?

The NCIDQ credential is the mark of a professional interior designer, but is not used as a stamp on drawings. Stamps are issued by goverment regulatory agencies, so you should check with your jurisdiction's regulatory agency to find out if they issue stamps to interior designers.

Why should you hire NCIDQ Certificate holders for your interior design projects?

Consumers, business owners and design firm principals who hire interior designers should make sure they have the same level of competence expected from architectural, engineering and other building professionals. When you hire an interior designer who has the NCIDQ Certificate, you can be certain that you're working with an individual who has been specifically educated, trained and examined to provide the services you need within a professional and legal framework.

I'm interested in interior design as a potential career. Do you offer career information?

Visit Careers in Interior Design for information on the interior design career path.

I am looking for a good interior design program. Can you recommend programs in my area?

NCIDQ does not make specific school recommendations or endorsements, but we encourage you to visit the Council for Interior Design Accreditation for a list of accredited interior design programs.

What's the difference between interior design and decoration?

Interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a structure. Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. Decoration, although a valuable and important element of an interior, is not solely concerned with human interaction or behavior, whereas interior design is all about human behavior. Interior designers may provide interior decorating services, but decorators are not qualified to provide interior design services.

One primary difference between the two professions is that interior designers are responsible for the elements that affect the public’s health, safety and welfare. For example, an interior designer might evaluate wall finishes for appropriateness of type based on durability, acoustic properties, cleanability, flame retardancy, allergens, toxicity and off-gassing properties. An interior decorator would only select color, style and textures of finishes.