We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Training

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Interior Design Accreditation?

By Lindsay Zortman
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 8,927
Share

Interior designers can earn certification or accreditation to show they are proficient in their craft. The two main accreditation entities in the United States are the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and the Interior Design Society (IDS). Getting an interior design accreditation requires passing a certification test with questions pertaining 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 by having their accreditation.

The NCIDQ exam is the only nationally recognized interior design accreditation in the United States. Applicants need to finish six years of education and experience to be eligible to take the NCIDQ exam. Of their combined education and work experience, interior designers need to have two years of formal interior design education. Seven content areas are covered in the NCIDQ, including Building Systems, Codes, Construction Standards, Professional Practice, Project Coordination, Contract Administration, and Design Application.

Professional interior design accreditation from NCIDQ is a requirement in 26 of the U.S. states, and Canadian provinces are also using this licensure. Another benefit of holding this interior design accreditation is that certified designers are allowed to apply for membership in the American Society of Interior Designers once they have passed their exam. Homeowners, business owners and the general public are more likely to have an experienced, well-trained designer if they hire someone with the NCIDQ accreditation.

The Council for Qualification of Residential Interior Designers (CQRID) exam is offered by the IDS to designers specializing in residential interiors. The IDS offers its CQRID test to applicants with a combined six years of experience. IDS allows applicants to combine their educational degree and work experience in several combinations, as long as they add up to six years of experience. Even applicants with only a high school diploma may apply if they have eight years of full-time work experience.

Complete application packages need to be turned into the Interior Design Society at least 45 days prior to testing, and only four exam dates are offered each year. A benefit of interior design accreditation with the 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 multiple choice test with 180 questions, and Part 2 is a set of design problems. Combining the CQRID and the NCIDQ accreditations into one is a possibility and can distinguish designers above their competition.

Share
Practical Adult Insights is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.practicaladultinsights.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-interior-design-accreditation.htm
Copy this link
Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Practical Adult Insights, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.