About the NCIDQ Practicum Exam Computer-based Test

The computer based practicum better reflects the way that designers work today.

The NCIDQ Practicum Exam changed from a hand-drawn exam to an entirely computer-based exam (PRAC 2.0) in 2017. For the upcoming NCIDQ Exams in April 2021, the distribution of questions has updated. The weight of the different task and knowledge statements will reflect the current CIDQ Practice Analysis Study.

Prometric testing centers deliver the Practicum Exam worldwide. The format is similar to a multiple choice-type test and feature several new advanced question types.

How is the Interior Design Practicum Exam organized?

The PRAC Exam content is organized into 3 case studies.

Case studies include a collection of resources — information that you’ll use to solve problems and answer questions, such as:

• Plans
• Programs
• Codes
• Specifications or Schedules

There are 3 case studies representing these project types, for a total of 120 questions. The order of the case studies may vary per each exam administration.

During each case study you can flag questions that you're unsure of or need more time to solve. Some cases may have more complex questions than others.

You can review your flagged questions after you answer other questions in the case. But once you complete a case, you cannot return to or reopen it.

The case studies represent these design scenarios:

1. Small Commercial ≈ 2400 sq. ft.
2. Multifamily Residential ≈ 2500 sq. ft.
3. Large Commercial ≈ 12,500 sq. ft.

The question types for PRAC apply to each case study, such as hot spots, drag and place, fill in the blank. Each question is worth 1 point.

Practicum questions test analysis and practical application skills instead of rote recall of facts. Because of the nature of practical application, some questions will take more time to solve. You will most likely need all of the four hours. You may run out of time unless you're prepared for the content and have practiced your timing.

This is why Qpractice Practicum Case Studies mimic the exam in both content and delivery. We include the new format of the advanced question types. Join Qpractice and get unlimited access to our case studies and live workshops.

You may see a multiple choice question or two. But you should expect most questions to use the new item types. Multiple choice is already used extensively for IDFX and IDPX.

The testing session is approximately 4 hours. This includes a brief prep time for an introduction to help you get familiar with the software.

How is the PRAC Scored?

PRAC is designed to test the same level of competency and the same knowledge, tasks, and skills tested in the past hand-drawn Practicum exam.

The exam scoring breakdown as of the new Practicum Blueprint used for the Spring 2021 testing season:

• I. 15% Programming, Planning, and Analysis
• II. 30% Code Requirements, Laws, Standards, and Regulations
• III. 25% Integration with Building Systems and Construction
• IV. 30% Contract Documents