The NCIDQ Practicum Exam changed from a hand-drawn exam to an entirely computer-based exam (PRAC 2.0) in 2017. As of the spring exams in April 2021, the distribution of questions has updated. The weight of the different task and knowledge statements reflects the most current CIDQ Practice Analysis Study.
Now, Prometric testing centers are able to deliver the Practicum Exam worldwide. The format is similar to multiple choice-type tests and features 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
- image exhibits
- specs or schedules
There are 3 case studies representing these project types, for a total of 120 questions in 4 hours. 15 questions are ungraded, pretest questions — 5 per case. 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.
Case Study Project Types
The case studies represent these design scenarios:
- Small Commercial ≈ 2400 sq. ft.
- Multifamily Residential ≈ 2500 sq. ft.
- Large Commercial ≈ 12,500 sq. ft.
The question types for PRAC apply to each case study, such as hot spots, drag and place, and fill-in-the-blank. Each question is worth 1 point, even if it has multiple parts. You must get all parts correct, because there is no partial credit.
Practicum questions test analysis and practical application skills instead of rote recall of facts. Because of the nature of the practical application, some questions will take more time to solve, especially those with calculations. You will need all four hours to answer these, and you may have only a few minutes to spare for review. Otherwise, you may run out of time — unless you're prepared for both the content and have practiced your timing.
This is why Qpractice Case Studies mimic the Practicum 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 expect most questions to use the new item types. Multiple-choice is already used extensively for IDFX and IDPX.
The 4-hour testing session includes a brief prep time for an introduction to help you get familiar with the software.
How is the PRAC Scored?
PRAC tests the same level of competency and the same knowledge, tasks, and skills tested in the past hand-drawn Practicum Exams. But instead, it is scored by machine because the individual question items are pretested before the exam administration.
The exam scoring breakdown of the new Practicum Blueprint beginning with 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
Practicum Content Breakdown 2021
- I. Programming 15%
- II. Codes 30%
- III. Building Systems 25%
- IV. Contract Documents 30%
You can pass the NCIDQ Exam.
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