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.