Interior designers can gain accreditation through the National Board of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) or the Society of Interior Design (IDS). The NCIDQ exam is the only nationally recognized accreditation in the US, covering seven content areas. The CQRID exam is offered by IDS for residential interior designers. Both accreditations instill consumer confidence and can be combined for added benefits.
Interior designers can gain certification or accreditation to show that they are proficient in their craft. The two main accrediting bodies in the United States are the National Board of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and the Society of Interior Design (IDS). To obtain an interior design accreditation, you must pass a certification test with questions related to interior design. Interior design accreditation benefits both designers and consumers. Consumers enjoy the added security of knowing their interior designer is accredited, and designers can earn more money through accreditation.
The NCIDQ exam is the only nationally recognized interior design accreditation in the United States. Candidates need to complete six years of education and experience to be eligible to take the NCIDQ exam. From their combined education and work experience, interior designers need to have two years of formal interior design education. Seven content areas are covered in NCIDQ, including Building Systems, Codes, Building Standards, Professional Practice, Project Coordination, Contract Administration, and Design Application.
Professional NCIDQ interior design accreditation is a requirement in 26 of the US states, and Canadian provinces are using this license as well. Another benefit of holding this interior design accreditation is that certified designers can apply to the American Society of Interior Design after passing the exam. Homeowners, business owners, and the general public are more likely to have an experienced, well-trained designer if they hire someone with NCIDQ accreditation.
The Residential Interior Designer Qualification Board (CQRID) exam is offered by IDS to designers specializing in residential interiors. IDS offers its CQRID test to candidates with a combined six years of experience. The IDS allows candidates to combine their educational degree and work experience in various combinations, as long as they add up to six years of experience. Even applicants with only a high school diploma can apply if they have eight years of full-time work experience.
Completed application packets need to be turned into the Interior Design Society at least 45 days before the test, and only four exam dates are offered each year. A benefit of interior design accreditation with CQRID is that it instills consumer confidence in the designer in a residential field. There are two parts to the CQRID exam. Part 1 is a 180-question multiple-choice test and Part 2 is a set of design problems. Combining the CQRID and NCIDQ accreditations into one is a possibility and can set designers above the competition.
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