Now that you've successfully applied for the NCIDQ & scheduled your exam, it's time to get all of the books & tools you will need to study.
In this second post of my NCIDQ 101 series, I will be sharing everything I used to prepare for all three exams of the NCIDQ. It's my belief that if you are going to invest so much of your time and effort into this exam, you might as well get everything you need to pass.
I've created shopping lists for each exam, including the supplies you need to build your Practicum toolkit, and also have a category of supplies that I used during all three exams.
To make things easy, all of the study material can be purchased directly from the links below. In partnership with Kaplan, I’m excited to offer Creative Confidante readers 15% off your total purchase, simply by clicking the links below. Happy shopping!
IDFX, IDPX & PRACTICUM
Interior Design Reference Manual, 6th Edition
While the CIDQ uses a variety of books to develop the multiple choice questions for the exams, this textbook covers all of the information you need to know. It is organized by the various content areas of each exam, so you can study the specific topics you need. You will be able to use this book for both the IDFX and IDPX, and reference it for the Practicum.
The Codes Guidebook for Interiors
This book was a lifesaver for me, and is also listed on the NCIDQ's Reference Materials list. It's 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.
NCIDQ IDFX Flash Cards
These flashcards go with the Interior Design Reference Manual textbook, and were so helpful for me. They can be used for the IDFX exam, and I used them whenever I had a chance - commuting to and from work, during lunch breaks, and any down time during the week.
NCIDQ IDPX Flash Cards
These flashcards go with the Interior Design Reference Manual textbook, and were so helpful for me. They can be used for the IDPX exam, and I used them whenever I had a chance - commuting to and from work, during lunch breaks, and any down time during the week.
IDFX Only
Interior Design Reference Manual, 6th Edition
While the CIDQ uses a variety of books to develop the multiple choice questions for the exams, this textbook covers all of the information you need to know. It is organized by the various content areas of each exam, so you can study the specific topics you need. You will be able to use this book for both the IDFX and IDPX, and reference it for the Practicum.
NCIDQ IDFX Sample Questions & Practice exam, 2nd Edition
New Edition: Updated to the Current NCIDQ® Exam Specs
225 multiple choice practice exam questions to test your knowledge of the IDFX. Going over the sample questions with the corresponding readings in the Interior Design Reference Manual really helped me prepare for the IDFX.
IDPX Only
Interior Design Reference Manual, 2nd Edition
While the CIDQ uses a variety of books to develop the multiple choice questions for the exams, this textbook covers all of the information you need to know. It is organized by the various content areas of each exam, so you can study the specific topics you need. You will be able to use this book for both the IDFX and IDPX, and reference it for the Practicum.
NCIDQ IDPX Sample Questions & Practice Exam, 2nd Edition
New Edition: Updated to the Current NCIDQ® Exam Specs
275 multiple choice practice exam questions to test your knowledge of the IDPX. Similar to the IDFX, going over the sample questions with the corresponding readings in the Interior Design Reference Manual really helped me prepare for the IDPX!
The Interior Design Business Handbook
This book was highly recommended to me after I took the IDPX, and I wish I would have known about it sooner! It is the ultimate resource for establishing and operating a successful design firm, and will be a guide that will carry you well beyond your NCIDQ journey.
The Practicum Exam
NCIDQ Interior Design Practicum: Practice Exam
This book was really helpful for me to practice each of the 7 Practicum problems and see the difference between and passing & failing solutions. I highly recommend using this book while studying.
With all of these tried and true study materials, you will have everything you need to pass the NCIDQ!
What else have you used to study? I'd love to hear what you used to pass your exams, and what you wish you could have used to study.
