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NCIDQ Exam Prep

About CIDQ / The NCIDQ Exam

The Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) is the global leader in establishing standards of competence for interior design/interior architecture professionals. 

CIDQ has issued professional certificates to competent interior design professionals since 1974. Interior designers who meet the eligibility requirements for education and experience and pass the NCIDQ Exam are assigned a unique NCIDQ Certification number that attests to their qualifications for employers, state regulators, and the general public.

ASID has long recognized the key role that the NCIDQ Exam plays in design practitioners’ career plans. Passage of this rigorous test signifies the hallmark of professionalism in the interior design community and alerts the public to the expertise and experience of the designer who has met this challenge.

The value of a NCIDQ Certification:

  • The NCIDQ is globally recognized as the highest regarded certification for interior designers.
  • NCIDQ Certificate holders have proven their expertise in understanding and applying current codes established to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
  • NCIDQ Certification is required for the practice of many types of interior design in regulated jurisdictions throughout North America. Designers certified through the NCIDQ Exam gain wide industry visibility and recognition. 

Visit the CIDQ Studying for Exams page for information on getting prepared for taking the exam.  The important dates for the exam are as follows:

SPRING EXAMS 

  • Applications Accepted – August 1 – January 31* 
  • Exam Payment and Scheduling – January 3 – March 31 
  • Exam Administration – April 1 – April 30 

FALL EXAMS 

  • Applications Accepted – February 1 – July 31* 
  • Exam Payment and Scheduling – July 1 – September 30
  • Exam Administration – October 1 – October 31

*A complete and paid application must be received by the application deadline date (July 31) to be eligible for review for that exam administration.

NCIDQ Ambassadors 

An Ambassador for the NCIDQ Exam is a practitioner, educator, or advocate who is committed to promoting the value of the NCIDQ Exam and NCIDQ Certification. This map of the US shows where ambassadors are located and how to contact them. 

ASID Exam Prep Resources

ASID offers NCIDQ prep through QPractice for paying ASID members. In addition to prep courses, available materials include an exam study plan, online study group memberships and practice tests, and online practice tests. Resources can be found here: https://www.asid.org/learn/ncidq-resources

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