The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is the leading credentialing organization in the interior design profession. Founded in 1969, the NCIDQ has become the industry standard for ensuring the competency, safety and welfare of the public through the regulation of the profession. As a member of the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the NCIDQ is responsible for providing interior design licensure exams and developing standards for interior design practice.
What Does the NCIDQ Do?
The NCIDQ is responsible for administering two exams that are required for licensure in the United States. The first exam, the NCIDQ Examination, is a comprehensive multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as building codes, design principles, and professional practice. The second exam, the Practicum Exam, is a hands-on test of design knowledge, problem-solving, and communication skills. Both exams must be passed in order to gain licensure in the interior design profession.
How Can I Prepare for the NCIDQ Exams?
In order to prepare for the NCIDQ exams, aspiring interior designers must complete a CIDA-accredited interior design program. CIDA-accredited programs provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of interior design, as well as an understanding of the NCIDQ exams. Additionally, CIDA-accredited programs also equip students with the skills necessary to pass the NCIDQ exams.
What Are the Benefits of Passing the NCIDQ Exams?
Passing the NCIDQ exams provides aspiring interior designers with a number of benefits. Most notably, passing the NCIDQ exams allows interior designers to become licensed in their state. This licensure signifies that interior designers have met the standards for professional practice in the interior design industry. Additionally, passing the NCIDQ exams also provides interior designers with access to a variety of professional opportunities, including higher salaries and job security.
Conclusion
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification is the leading credentialing organization in the interior design profession. The NCIDQ is responsible for administering two exams that are required for licensure in the United States. Aspiring interior designers must complete a CIDA-accredited interior design program in order to prepare for the NCIDQ exams. Passing the NCIDQ exams provides interior designers with access to a variety of professional opportunities, including higher salaries and job security.
