NCIDQ 101: Everything You Need to Know About the NCIDQ

Let’s discuss the NCIDQ exam, one of the most important Interior Design Certifications, and go in depth about everything you want to know about the NCIDQ. 

After reading this post, you’ll know more about NCIDQ requirements including: an overview of the exam, exam dates, where to buy an NCIDQ practice exam, and new guidelines due to COVID-19.

While it can feel intimidating and overwhelming to start the NCIDQ exam process, it doesn't have to. I am here to help. So, keep reading and let's get started.

You've got nothing to lose but excuses.

What does NCIDQ stand for?

The NCIDQ stands for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, and is a three part exam developed and administered by the CIDQ: Council of Interior Design Qualification, which was founded in 1974.

What is the NCIDQ exam?

The NCIDQ exam is currently the only nationally recognized professional interior design certification in the United States and Canada. The NCIDQ exam tests the minimum entry-level competence in Interior Design and focuses on those specific aspects of interior design that affect the public’s access, health, life safety, and wellbeing. By the end of all three exams, you will be an Interior Design Expert in Life Safety & ADA codes, sustainability guidelines, FF&E selections/specifications, CD's, and Contract Administration by the end of this.

Which states require NCIDQ certification?

Currently, 27 states in the US require the NCIDQ certificate in licensing and regulating the Interior Design profession. Follow this link for more information about Interior Design Advocacy.

Is the NCIDQ Important for Interior Designers?

Yes! The NCIDQ Certification serves as the highest certification for Interior Designers. It's what sets you apart from uncertified Interior Designers and Interior Decorators.

By becoming a NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer, you are proving that you have the skills to design and execute interior environments that protect the safety, healthcare and well-being of its inhabitants. While all Interior Designers can (and need to) design environments that accomplish the goals above, having the NCIDQ certification sets you apart from other designers in the design field.

How much do NCIDQ Interior Designers make?

Now for the fun stuff: becoming a NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer will give you the potential to increase your salary and earn more money. On average, NCIDQ Certified Interior Designers make $86,000 - which is $16,000 more than uncertified Interior Designers. More information can be found on ASID’s website.

Most design firms will even offer bonuses for each certification you earn. What's more motivating than a little extra cash money in your pocket?

Additionally, most firms require professional certification in order to be promoted to an Associate, Senior Designer, etc. 

What I'm telling you, is that your hard work will pay off in more ways than you can imagine. Think of the NCIDQ as giving yourself the raise you deserve.

What is on the NCIDQ Exam?

The NCIDQ is comprised of three exams: the IDFX, IDPX, and the Practicum Exam. Each of the exams focus on the following seven content areas, as developed by the CIDQ:

• Building Systems

• Codes

• Construction Standards

• Contract Administration

• Design Application

• Professional Practice

• Project Coordination

Here is a link for further information from the CIDQ website.

What are the NCIDQ requirements?

NCIDQ Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX)

This is the first exam of the NCIDQ, and available to candidates who have completed their education, but may or may not have fulfilled their work experience requirements.

• NCIDQ IDFX Eligibility: Most commonly, an Interior Design degree from a CIDA or Non-CIDA Accredited school. Candidates with an Associates Degree in Interior Design, as well as our friends who have Architecture Degrees are also eligible. Click here for all of the details.

• NCIDQ IDFX Exam Format: Comprised of 125 multiple choice questions: 100 are scored, and 25 are unscored, experimental questions (these questions could potentially end up on the exam next year). If you read a question that is totally out in left-field, its most likely an experimental question, and won't be scored. Don't panic.

• NCIDQ IDFX Content Areas: Building Systems, Construction Standards, Design Application. More details can be found here.

• NCIDQ IDFX Exam duration: 3 hours

• NCIDQ IDFX Passing Score: The scores are weighted, and scored on a scale of 200-800. You need at least 500 to pass.

• NCIDQ Exam cost: $295 exam fee + up to $225 in application fees. Cost breakdowns can be found here.

• NCIDQ IDFX Scheduling Period: Spring (April) Exams: January 3 - March 31  |  Fall (October) Exams: July 1 - September 30. More information can be found here.

• NCIDQ IDFX  Exam Dates: This exam is only offered twice a year: April 1-30 and October 1- November 24.

NCIDQ Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX)

This is the second exam of the NCIDQ, and is available to candidates who have completed both their education and work experience requirements.

• NCIDQ IDPX Eligibility: The aforementioned education requirements (found here), and the following work experience requirements:

  • Interior Design degree from an Accredited/Non-Accredited School: 3,520 hours (approx. 3 years of work experience)

    • 1,760 of those hours can come from qualified work experience (internships) if your supervisor meets the following requirements listed here

  • Associates Degree (60 Hours) in Interior Design: 5,280 hours in qualified Interior Design experience

  • Associates Degree (40 Hours) in Interior Design: 7,040 hours in qualified Interior Design experience

  • NAAB or CACB Degree (Architecture Degree): 5,280 hours in qualified Interior Design experience

• NCIDQ IDPX Exam Format: Comprised of 175 multiple choice questions: 150 are scored, and 25 are unscored, experimental questions.

• NCIDQ IDPX Content Areas: Building Systems, Codes, Construction Standards, Professional Practice and Project Coordination. More details can be found here.

• NCIDQ IDPX Exam duration: 4 hours

• NCIDQ IDPX Passing Score: The scores are weighted, and scored on a scale of 200-800. You need at least 500 to pass.

• NCIDQ Exam Cost: $350 exam fee (you only need to pay the $220 application fee once). Cost breakdowns can be found here.

• NCIDQ IDPX Scheduling Period: Spring (April) Exams: January 3 - March 31  |  Fall (October) Exams: July 1 - September 30. More information can be found here.

• NCIDQ IDPX Exam Dates: This exam is only offered twice a year: April 1-30 and October 1- November 24.

The NCIDQ Practicum Exam

This is the final exam of the NCIDQ, and is available to candidates who have completed both their education and work experience requirements.

• NCIDQ Practicum Eligibility: The aforementioned education requirements (found here), and work experience requirements (found here & here).

• NCIDQ Practicum Exam Format: The exam is comprised of 120 questions. Each question will be worth 1 point, and partial credit will not be given.

• NCIDQ Practicum Exam duration: Candidates will be given 4 hours to complete the exam

• NCIDQ Cost: $450 exam fee + up to $225 in application fees. Cost breakdowns can be found here.

• NCIDQ Practicum Scheduling Period: Spring (April) Exams: January 3 - March 31  |  Fall (October) Exams: July 1 - September 30. More information can be found here.

• NCIDQ Practicum Exam Dates: The Practicum Exam will be offered for the entire months of April and October-November, at the same testing centers as IDFX and IDPX.

How is the NCIDQ Exam affected by COVID-19?

Due to COVID-19, the Fall 2020 Exam dates have been extended, and will be offered from October 1- November 24. 

Testing will still be conducted at Prometric testing centers globally. Due to COVID-19, they have further enhanced their global operating procedures, including enhanced training, cleaning, and test-center signage, using analyses from architecture and design consultants and health experts, including top infectious disease epidemiologists from Johns Hopkins University, and guidance from the CDC and WHO. 

Additionally, social distancing is practiced in all common areas, and all staff and test takers are required to wear a mask or face covering while at the center.

For Prometric’s most up-to-date global modified test center procedures, please visit https://www.prometric.com/covid-19-update/social-distancing-policies.

For more information, go to the CIDQ’s COVID-19 Response page.

What NCIDQ Study Materials do I need to pass?

All of the NCIDQ study materials recommended by the CIDQ (which is what I used to pass the NCIDQ exam), can be found in my NCIDQ Study Shop.

In partner ship with Kaplan, I’m excited to offer Creative Confidante readers 15% off their total purchase of NCIDQ study material by clicking this link.  I know the NCIDQ is expensive, so this will help make it a bit more affordable!

You can also read more about the NCIDQ study materials you’ll need in my blog post.

How do I apply for the NCIDQ Exam?

First, read through the apply page on NCIDQ’s website. Then, register for an account here. If you have any issues, email the CIDQ at inquries@ncidqexam.org. Depending on which exam you are applying to, follow the steps below:

NCIDQ Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX)

• Complete the online application form using your myNCIDQ Login.

• Submit the following documents through your myNCIDQ profile:

  • Candidate Consent & Application Form

  • Call up your school's Registrar and ask for an official copy of your transcript. Then, upload your official transcript

• Celebrate! You officially committed to the IDFX exam and are in it to win it.

NCIDQ Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX) & Practicum

• Complete the online application form using your myNCIDQ Login.

• Submit the following documents through your myNCIDQ profile:

  • Candidate Consent & Application Form

  • Call up your school's Registrar and ask for an official copy of your transcript. Then, upload your official transcript

• Work Experience Verification Form

• Direct Supervision Work Experience Verification Form

• (3) Letters of Reference

note: application acceptance by NCIDQ could take up to six weeks

How do I schedule my NCIDQ exam?

After notification from the NCIDQ that your application has been accepted and approved, you are eligible to register for the exam. This is a two step process: first you must apply for the NCIDQ exam, then you must register/schedule your NCIDQ exam. Don't forget to do this second step!

• Register for all three exams here

What is the eligibility period for taking the NCIDQ?

An applicant's eligibility period (the window of time to schedule, take and pass the examinations) starts automatically with the first NCIDQ exam administration following the application's approval. For example, the FIRST NCIDQ exam administration for applications approved in the winter (November - January) is the spring NCIDQ exam (April), and the FIRST NCIDQ exam administration for applications approved in the summer (May -  July) is the fall NCIDQ exam (October-November).  

• All Three NCIDQ Exams:  Must be passed within 10 exam administrations​

• IDFX ONLY:  Must be passed within 4 exam administrations

• IDPX & PRACTICUM (2nd stage for IDFX ONLY applicants): Must be passed within 10 exam administrations.

We did it! 

Whew! If you are reading this, you made it through my post which covers what I thought to be one of the most confusing parts of the entire NCIDQ: how to get started and apply.  Congrats! 

Your homework is to apply for the NCIDQ exam you are eligible to take, and get familiar with the NCIDQ website. There is a ton of useful information on their site, so make sure you know where it lives. As always, if you need help or have questions, let's chat! I am happy to help. Feel free to leave a comment below, or contact me through the contact page on my website.

Note: This post was published in November 2019, and updated in July 2020.

The Mile Long Trace Podcast with San Francisco Interior Designer - Julianne Rodriguez, Founder of Creative Confidante - Part 1

When Elizabeth Lockwood, founder of the Mile Long Trace Podcast, invited me to be on her podcast, I immediately said yes.

If you aren’t familiar with her podcast, you absolutely need to listen and subscribe. Elizabeth is an invaluable advocate, and resource for Interior Designers in any stage of their career journey, and her podcast, Mile Long Trace, is dedicated to doing just that - unpacking the process of design and supporting Commercial Interior Designers in their careers.

It also celebrates Interior Designers through a series of candid interviews to hear how they navigated their career path, which I love listening to. We all know there are so many different paths you can take on your career journey as an Interior Designer- from residential, to commercial, to working for a brand or even as an A&D rep, and I love listening and learning from other designers and how they navigated their careers.

In Part 1 of our episode, The Lowdown on the NCIDQ, we discuss all things Interior Design, including my journey as a Licensed Interior Designer, why I founded Creative Confidante, and the lowdown on the NCIDQ exam.

We cover why you should take the NCIDQ certification exam, important dates and deadlines for the exam, and why it is absolutely okay if you feel you are not the strongest test taker. Spoiler alert: I personally am a terrible test taker, but was still able to get through the NCIDQ and pass it.

What is most important, is not if you pass it on your first, second, third or even fourth try, but that you are investing in yourself and your career by committing to your NCIDQ journey. It will pay off dividends in the long run by elevating your personal career in Interior Design, and the Interior Design industry at large.

Subscribe, and listen below, and as always, please reach out to me if you have any questions at all. I’d be happy to chat with you.

How to Create an NCIDQ Study Plan

One of the most important ways to ensure success on the NCIDQ interior design exam, is to create a study plan and stick with it.

If you are not familiar with it, a study plan is an organized schedule that outlines study times and learning goals. With work, family, friends, and time to yourself, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about the thought of adding several hours a week to study for your exams. However, by creating a study plan, you will be able to create a roadmap of when you’ll have dedicated time to study, and what you need to study during that time.

It’s important to know that there is no “right” way to create a study plan. You’ll need to create a plan that realistically works for your schedule and learning style.

Do you study best in the mornings? Are you unable to study during the week, but can dedicate a majority of the weekend to studying? Think about what works best for you, and follow the guidelines below to create your own study plan.

1. Schedule your NCIDQ exam

This may seem obvious, but having your exam scheduled will give you a definitive deadline and the motivation you need to start studying. So, commit and schedule it here.

I’d recommend scheduling your exam towards the end of exam dates available and for a Monday morning or Saturday (if Monday is unavailable).

I made the mistake of scheduling my IDFX exam on a Friday morning, and lo and behold, had a 100% CD deadline the night before. It was terrible. Do yourself a favor, and schedule your test on a Monday morning- this will give you all day Saturday and Sunday to finish up your review, and ensure you are well rested and not stressed from work the night before.

You’ll likely need to take PTO for the few hours of your exam, but can head into work after - or even better - take the whole day off. You deserve it!

2. Work Backwards

Now that your exam is scheduled, the next step is to work backwards to determine when you need to start studying, how long you’ll have to work your way through NCIDQ study materials, the NCIDQ Reference Manual, and take practice exams.

The wonderful thing about the NCIDQ Reference Manual is that it gives you a study schedule for each exam and tells you exactly which chapters you will need to study - you can find this on page XXV of the introduction.

When I created study schedules for each of my exams, I wrote down my exam date and worked backwards, giving myself 1 week for buffer time, 1-2 weeks for practice exams, and 1-2 weeks for each topic (there are 5 topics for the IDFX and 6 for the IDPX).

I then looked at each of the chapters within each topic, and assigned them to a night. Knowing that I only needed to read one chapter a night was a lot easier for me than trying to cram 6 chapters in over a weekend.

Take a look at the IDFX study schedule my best friend (and wildly talented Designer & Artist), Savannah, and I made below on simple 5x7 flashcards. It was extremely gratifying to highlight each chapter and topic as I completed it, and helped me see my progress along my journey - especially on those nights when it didn’t feel like it. The wine was also equally helpful ;)

I previously mentioned that I gave myself 1 week of buffer time towards the end of my study schedule. This was a lifesaver for me, because there were a few weeks where I was working 60 hours a week and couldn’t study as much as I wanted to.

Let’s face it - if you’re working until 9pm writing FF&E specs, the last thing you want to do is come home and start studying. By giving myself an ample amount of time to study and extra wiggle room, I was able to pace myself and allow for nights off of studying to maintain my sanity, get enough sleep & have somewhat of a social life. Make sure you do this, too!

3. Assess your weekly calendar

Once I knew what I needed to study on a weekly basis, I then took a look at my weekly calendar, and identified when I could study. Knowing that I usually got home from work around 7, I scheduled study sessions in my google calendar from Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 7:30-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, usually from 12-4pm.

This gave me set hours that I knew I needed to sit down and get quality studying in, and also allowed for nights off. By not studying on Tuesdays and Fridays, I could maintain a balanced schedule of seeing friends or going to the gym. I also found that having two study breaks during the week made my study sessions even more productive, because my mind was refreshed and much more receptive to what I was learning.

4. Join a study group

When I took the IDFX and IDPX, I was the only one in my office at the time taking my exams, so I studied on my own. Thankfully, when I was studying for Practicum, I found three other people at work taking it as well, and we formed a study group.

This helped immensely! If you can find a group of folks studying for the test, I'd highly recommend forming a study group. 

We met once a week at lunch, and this really helped keep us accountable and on track. It was also great because when we went through the practice exams together, we were able to explain the concepts behind why the answer was correct to each other, which really helped reinforce the material.

If you’re the only one at your office taking your exams, and are a member of IIDA or ASID, send an email to your chapter / city center and see if anyone else is taking it. If not, send some emails to neighboring city centers and find others taking the exam.

The CIDQ put together a list of all of the IIDA / ASID chapters who offer NCIDQ study groups on a regular basis. Take a look, and start reaching out.

5. Stick with it!

These tests are marathons, not sprints.

It will take dedication and consistency over the course of several weeks to study everything you will need to in order to pass your exams.

In order for your study schedule to work, you’ll need to follow it consistently. In doing so, you will avoid any last minute cramming, and actually retain information you’re studying yielding a much better score.

Hopefully this helps keep you organized and on track to pass your NCIDQ exams! What’s important is that you find a system and schedule that works for you, and stick with it.

As you may have noticed, I dedicated a lot of time to studying because that’s what worked for me and what I knew I needed to do to pass my tests.

If you need more time to study, great. If you need less time, great. Do what works best for you!

As always, if you have any questions or tips on how you created your own study plan, feel free to comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

How to Take the NCIDQ Exam for Free

When I first decided to take the NCIDQ exam, I was about two years out of school, living in San Francisco - one of the most expensive cities in the country - and working as a Junior Designer at Gensler. Needless to say, I was on a very tight budget, and every penny counted.

When I initially researched the total cost of the exam + study materials, it was definitely out of my budget. However, I was determined to take it, as I knew it would pay off substantially more than the cost of the exam in the long run- both in terms of knowledge I would gain from the test, and career advancement opportunities from being licensed.

In the end, I was able to take all three NCIDQ exams for free- including study materials. Here’s how I did it, and you can too.

1.     Understand your costs

Let’s be honest, the NCIDQ exam cost is expensive. All in, it will cost you about $2,000 to take all three exams, and purchase the study materials you’ll need to pass the tests.

With such a substantial investment in your near future, it’s important to put together a budget to fully understand what it will cost.

Months before applying for the exams, I did just this, and put together a total budget for all three exams + study material. In doing so, I knew exactly how much it would cost. When I took the exam in 2016, my costs were slightly different, but for simplicity’s sake, here is an example budget of what it costs to take the NCIDQ in 2020:

Application fee (all three exams): $225
IDFX Exam Fee: $295
IDPX Exam Fee: $350
Practicum Exam Fee: $455
Study Material from PPI: $554
Total: $1,879

2.     Ask for support from your company

Once I knew how much the exams would cost, I researched Gensler’s professional development policy for exam reimbursement, and put together a proposal for my manager asking for her support.

Fortunately, my manager and company were extremely supportive and approved to reimburse the cost of the exams once I passed. Since I gained approval a few months prior to applying for the test, I had ample time to save enough money for the application fee and first exam, because remember – I had to pay all costs up front and would only get reimbursed once I passed.

To further reduce my up-front costs, and increase my chances of passing my tests to ensure I got reimbursed, I decided to only take one exam at a time over the course of 1-1/2 years.

This meant that I only needed to pay the $225 exam fee + $295 IDFX exam fee up front, and the remaining $805 for the IDPX and Practicum amortized over the course of 1-1/2 years.

Yes, it felt like I was studying for an eternity, but I was able to focus on each exam and comfortably afford to take the tests without being overly-stressed over the cost of the exams.

3.     Apply for the IIDA NCIDQ Tuition Reimbursement Fund

If your firm isn’t able to pay for your exams or can only pay for a portion of them, not to worry! If you are a member of IIDA, you can apply for their IIDA NCIDQ Tuition Reimbursement Fund to get the cost of your exams reimbursed, up to $1100.

Once you pass all of your exams, you simply need to fill out their short application form, and submit it. You will then be entered to a lottery, to win one of seven scholarships. If you’re not a member of IIDA, sign up! Most firms will pay for your membership, so talk to your manager and ask if you could get reimbursed for that, too.

As I previously mentioned, I took one exam at a time, and was able to get reimbursed for the IDFX and IDPX at Gensler. Prior to taking my final exam, the Practicum, I just started a new job and wasn’t yet eligible to get my exam reimbursed.

Fortunately, I was on the IIDA board for San Francisco, and applied, and ultimately received one of the NCIDQ scholarships for the practicum exam. The scholarship was for $455, and combined with the reimbursement I received from Gensler, it brought my total reimbursement to $1,325.

4.     Check your office for NCIDQ study materials

Most design firms may already have a set of study guides, so check with your librarian or team to see if there is a set of books you could borrow. If not, talk with your librarian or manager, and ask if you could get a set for the office. This alone could save you nearly $600.

For my study materials, I checked Gensler’s library to see if they had a set of books I could borrow, since I knew they had all of the latest ARE & LEED study guides.

Unfortunately, they didn’t, so I asked our librarian if he would be able to buy a set. Thankfully, he knew how important the exam was, and wanted to support those who wanted to take the exam as much as he could, so he purchased an entire set from PPI (Thanks, Bill!).

If your firm is not able to get a set for the office, use code CCN15 to receive 15% off your total purchase. Every bit helps!

5.     Study

This may sound trite, but in order to take the NCIDQ for free, you need to study. It’s as simple as that.

By studying effectively and efficiently, you will greatly increase the likelihood of passing the tests, and therefore, greatly increase the likelihood of getting reimbursed for the cost of the exams. It will also ensure that the time you invest in studying will be well worth it, because what the budget does not account for is the cost of your most valuable commodity – your time.

Losing up to $1,325, in addition to the time I spent studying was not an option for me, which is why it became a huge source of motivation for me to pass my tests the first time. Throughout my journey, I sacrificed many nights and weekends, and only wanted to do that once.

However - it’s important to note that if you are in the midst of taking your exams, and haven’t passed them on your first try, please don’t beat yourself up! I personally was 4 points away from failing the IDFX.

Keep going, and know you are making an incredible investment into yourself and your future career - which will pay off substantially more than the cost of any exam.

No one will ask you what your score was, or if you passed on the first time - they will be solely focused on the fact that you passed! It doesn’t matter how you get there once you do.

Key Takeaway

Yes, the NCIDQ exam cost is expensive, but, it doesn’t have to be. I was able to get IDFX, IDPX, and study materials paid for by Gensler, and the Practicum paid for by the IIDA NCIDQ Reimbursement Tuition Fund, which fully covered the entire cost of the NCIDQ. All it took was a few conversations asking for support of my professional development, an application to the IIDA foundation, and a commitment to putting in the many hours and hard work to pass. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.

How to Study for the New NCIDQ Prac 2.0 Exam

While the fall 2017 exam will be the first time that the Prac 2.0 will be administered, and while I have not taken it, here is how I would prepare for it. 

To start, while it has moved to a digital format, it is still designed to test the same body of knowledge as the past Practicum exam. For example, instead of hand-drafting a space plan, candidates will be asked to evaluate a plan as it relates to the given program. So it's important to know how to synthesize the information given in the case studies to determine the solution. 

If I were taking the Prac 2.0 exam this fall, here's how I would study for it:

• Study the NCIDQ Building Code Requirements: while you will be given these code requirements during the exam, it is important that you study them prior to taking the test. They contain information necessary to answering several questions correctly. It's important to know these inside and out, so you are not wasting precious exam time searching for the code referenced.

• Review the NCIDQ Prac 2.0 Exam Blueprint

• Study from the recommended study material. Don't forget to use promo CCN15 for 15% off!

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• Take the NCIDQ Prac 2.0 Quiz to experience the test platform in a 40 question practice quiz.

• Do a timed mock exam using the NCIDQ Prac 2 Practice Exam book. It's so important to simulate an exam experience prior to your exam, so put away your laptop and phone, set a timer for four hours and take the practice exam. Time management when taking the exam is critical, as you will have about a minute and a half to complete each question. If you didn't complete the full exam during the time allotted, that's absolutely ok! It's better to run out of time during a mock exam, than when you are taking the actual Prac 2.0 exam. Each time you take the exam, you will get better and faster.

• Grade your mock exam, and study the questions that you answered incorrectly. When I was studying for the NCIDQ exams, I learned so much more by grading my practice exams and reviewing the answers to the questions that I answered incorrectly. It showed me which areas I needed to study more, and which areas I was proficient in.

• Repeat! Practice makes perfect - the more you study and take practice exams, the better prepared for the exam you will be.
  

As I mentioned, I have not yet taken this exam, so this is just how I would personally study for it, and how the CIDQ recommends to prepare for the test.

How are you preparing for the Prac 2.0? I'd love hear from you!

New 2017 NCIDQ Exam Updates

The CIDQ has updated all portions of the NCIDQ exam, and the most notable and significant update has occurred with the Practicum.

The new Practicum exam, referred to as Prac 2.0, is now a computer-based exam administered at Prometric sites.

Similar to the ARE exams, it is administered on a testing platform, not a design platform, so according to the CIDQ, you do not need prior experience with the software before taking the exam. 

To provide more information and context about the new updates, the CIDQ has released several videos on their site that discuss the new Prac 2.0 exam, and demo the new testing platform.

Prac 2.0 Exam

• Exam Format: The exam is comprised of 120 questions. Each question will be worth 1 point, and partial credit will not be given.

• Exam Duration: Candidates will be given 4 hours to complete the exam

• Exam Dates: The fall 2017 exam will be administered October 1-31, and the Spring 2018 will be administered April 1-30, 2018.

• Exam Cost: $450 exam fee + up to $225 in application fees. Cost breakdowns can be found here.

• Passing Score: Scoring this exam will be scaled, and determined after the first exam administration. Read more about that here.

Prac 2.0 Case Studies

As stated in the video above, each Prac 2.0 exam will consist of three different case studies:

• Large Commercial

• Small Commercial

• Residential

The Case studies will include: a project scenario, universal codes, a plan and other resources that might be needed to answer a question correctly.

Prac 2.0 utilizes four different types of questions:

• Hot spot

• Fill in the blank

• Multiple Choice

• Drag & Place

Knowledge areas of the exam can be broken down, as follows. Refer to the Prac 2.0 Exam Blueprint for further details of each knowledge area.

Prac 2.0 Practice Quiz & Study Material

The CIDQ has released a Prac 2.0 Practice Quiz which gives users 40 practice questions using the same test platform and methodology the full scale Prac 2.0 utilizes.

The PRAC 2.0 Quiz is available for $75.00 and is a one-time, single-use exam to practice computer test methods used in Prac 2.0. They currently only have one version of the practice quiz available, so if you purchase it more than once, it will be the same quiz.

However, I would highly recommend purchasing this quiz to familiarize yourself with the new platform, study the format of the questions, and simulate an exam day.

While the exam has moved to a digital format, it is still designed to test the same body of knowledge as the past Practicum exam. For example, instead of hand-drafting a space plan, candidates will be asked to evaluate a plan as it relates to the given program.

The following study materials are still relevant to use, and have been recommended by the CIDQ, PPI, and myself.

You can receive 15% off your purchase by clicking the links below and using code CCN15!

NCIDQ® PRAC 2 Practice Exam Problems, 2nd Edition

New Edition: Updated to the Current NCIDQ® Exam Specs

NCIDQ® PRAC 2 Practice Exam Problems contains 150 exam-like, multiple-choice questions that will help you pass the Interior Design PRAC 2.0 exam.

NCIDQ® PRAC 2 Practice Exam Problems features include:

• detailed explanations and problem solutions to reinforce theory and application of fundamental concepts

• 150 questions divided into 3 case studies that are consistent with the level of difficulty, format, and exam’s content areas to simulate PRAC 2.0 exam experience

Interior Design Reference Manual, 6th Edition

The Interior Design Reference Manual (IDRM6) offers complete review for all three divisions of the NCIDQ® Certification exam. This book works in conjunction with division specific practice exams to help you pass every division the first time.

The Interior Design Reference Manual features include:

• complete coverage of content areas for every division of the NCIDQ® Exam

• over 200 figures in SI and U.S. measurements to illustrate design details

• study guidelines, exam tips, and tables to support exam preparation

• a downloadable study schedule to organize study priorities

Are you taking the NCIDQ Prac 2.0 exam? If so, I would love to hear from you! 

2017 NCIDQ Study Materials

Get excited! In partnership with Kaplan, I am so excited to offer Creative Confidante readers an exclusive discount for select NCIDQ PPI study materials. Simply click any of the products below to receive 15% off (offer excludes product bundles or review courses). We all know how expensive the exams can be, and this will help make your NCIDQ journey a bit more affordable! 

Now, onto the updated study material list. Here are the materials that have been recommended by the CIDQ, the folks at PPI, and myself.

To make things easy, click the links below to start shopping, and studying! 

Interior Design Reference Manual, 6th Edition

The Interior Design Reference Manual offers complete review for all three divisions of the NCIDQ® Certification exam. This book works in conjunction with division specific practice exams to help you pass every division the first time. I read this book cover to cover several times in preparation for all three exams.

The Interior Design Reference Manual features include:

• complete coverage of content areas for every division of the NCIDQ® Exam

• over 200 figures in SI and U.S. measurements to illustrate design details

• study guidelines, exam tips, and tables to support exam preparation

• a downloadable study schedule to organize study priorities

Interior Construction & Detailing for Designers & Architects, 6th Edition

Interior Construction & Detailing for Designers & Architects, Sixth Edition is a comprehensive guide for students, interior designers, and architects involved in commercial and residential construction. I would recommend this for the IDPX & Prac 2.0.

Clear and complete explanations of how to select suitable materials and components and determine appropriate construction techniques make this book an essential, time-saving reference.

Successful design requires the best resources, and the Interior Construction & Detailing offers comprehensive coverage of key codes and topics for designers and architects.

NCIDQ® IDFX Sample Questions and Practice Exam, 2nd Edition

New Edition: Updated to the Current NCIDQ® Exam Specs

NCIDQ® IDFX Sample Questions and Practice Exam, Second Edition contains 225 exam-like, multiple-choice problems to help you prepare for the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX).

NCIDQ® IDFX Sample Questions and Practice Exam features include:

• detailed explanations and solutions to reinforce theory and application of fundamental concepts

• 125 practice questions to reinforce the connection between relevant theory to exam-like problems

• 100-question practice exam that is consistent with the level of difficulty, format, and content areas

NCIDQ® IDFX Flash Cards

NCIDQ® IDFX Flash Cards are the perfect complement to your study routine. More than 200 flash cards, categorized by exam and content area, aid you in recalling key concepts and definitions for the NCIDQ® IDFX exam. I kept a set of flashcards on me at all times, and they were perfect for studying on the go.

NCIDQ® IDFX Flash Cards Include

• coverage of NCIDQ® exam content areas with cards that match up to NCIDQ® IDFX exam topics

• unique content specific to the NCIDQ® IDFX exam

• both question/answer formatting and answer/question formatting to help increase problem solving speed

• three binder rings to divide your cards and customize your self-study learning experience

NCIDQ® IDPX Sample Questions and Practice Exam, 2nd Edition

New Edition: Updated to the Current NCIDQ® Exam Specs

NCIDQ® IDPX Sample Questions and Practice Exam contains 275 exam-like, multiple-choice questions that will help you pass the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX).

NCIDQ® IDPX Sample Questions and Practice Exam features include:

• detailed explanations and problem solutions to reinforce theory and application of fundamental concepts

• 125 practice questions to reinforce the connection between relevant theory to exam-like problems

• 150-question practice exam that is consistent with the level of difficulty, format, and exam’s content areas

NCIDQ® IDPX Flash Cards

NCIDQ® IDPX Flash Cards are the perfect complement to your study routine. More than 200 flash cards, categorized by exam and content area, aid you in recalling key concepts and definitions for the NCIDQ® IDPX exam. Easily taken on-the-go, the cards come with six binder rings for easy organization.

NCIDQ® IDPX Flash Cards Include

• coverage of NCIDQ® exam content areas with cards that match up to NCIDQ® IDPX exam topics

• unique content specific to the NCIDQ® IDPX exam

• both question/answer formatting and answer/question formatting to help increase problem solving speed

• three binder rings to divide your cards and customize your self-study learning experience

NCIDQ® PRAC 2 Practice Exam Problems, 2nd Edition

NCIDQ® PRAC 2 Practice Exam Problems contains 150 exam-like, multiple-choice questions that will help you pass the Interior Design PRAC 2.0 exam.

NCIDQ® PRAC 2 Practice Exam Problems features include:

• detailed explanations and problem solutions to reinforce theory and application of fundamental concepts

• 150 questions divided into 3 case studies that are consistent with the level of difficulty, format, and exam’s content areas to simulate PRAC 2.0 exam experience

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, 7th Edition

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors is an excellent book to supplement the Interior Design Reference Manual, and gives an in depth look at all of the codes referenced in the NCIDQ. You can reference this for the IDFX, IDPX, and also use it after the exams, for work.

The Codes Guidebook for Interiors features include:

• Easy-to-navigate format geared toward the code process as a whole

• A step-by-step guide through the codes relevant at each stage in the design process

• The newest changes to the ADA Standards and ICC/ASI accessibility requirements

• A companion site that offers interactive checklists, flashcards, PowerPoint lecture slides, and an Instructor's Manual

For Those Seeking Success

Welcome, Friends!

I have been thinking about starting this blog for quite some time, and I am so excited the day has come. I just received the amazing news that I passed the NCIDQ (praise!) and I could not be more excited that the past two years of hard work and studying have finally paid off!

These tests are no joke, but let me tell you - it is possible to pass these exams, and you can do it! 

The NCIDQ is such an important accreditation & accomplishment for an Interior Designer's career, and I was so surprised at the lack of study material available. I honestly felt like half of the battle was determining what to study, and how to study it. 

I would love this blog to be a resource to share all of my tips & tricks that I used during my NCIDQ exam journey, so that you, too, can pass these tests!  It's a hard test, but there is strength in numbers, people! 

As a brief overview, the NCIDQ stands for the National Certification for Interior Designers, and is created by the CIDQ, the Council for Interior Design Qualification.

It is comprised of three separate tests: the IDFX, IDPX, and the Practicum (stay tuned for another post where I will get into all of the details of each exam).  

According to the CIDQ, the NCIDQ tests the "minimum competency in the full body of interior design knowledge".

Let me just take a second point out that clearly the CIDQ and I have VERY different definitions of "minimum" ;)

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I will say that if you plan and prepare properly, you will have no issue passing the tests. It will definitely take hard work and time, but it is so worth it.

All of the knowledge I have gained thus far has helped my career immensely, and I am so looking forward to sharing what I have learned with everyone.

I will be going over the basics: how to apply for the exam, how to create a successful & sustainable study plan, as well as getting into the details of each of the Practicum Exams, ADA/Building Codes, and much more.

If you're in the Bay Area, and would like one-on-one tutoring, let's chat!  

Not in the Bay Area? Let's set up an online tutoring session! I can meet with you on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, and give you step-by-step instructions to solving each of the Practicum problems, as well as go over any questions you may have.

So, if you're seeking success, and want to pass the NCIDQ once and for all, stay tuned as I share my journey. I promise - it is possible!

Wondering what to read next? Check out NCIDQ 101: Everyhting You Need to Know About the NCIDQ or click on one of the suggested posts below.