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NCIDQ Blog

Browse our NCIDQ Blog by topic

Don’t know where to start? Learn all about the NCIDQ Exam with our study guide for the big picture overview. Then you can learn what you need to know for each exam section, and receive a free set of cheat sheets when you sign up for our email study series.

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Human Behavior and the Designed Environment

Interior design requires a deep knowledge of human behavior—physical, psychological, and cultural. The ability to understand and communicate with clients is very important. Designed spaces must support the individual lifestyle and functional needs of our clients.

disabled symbol universal accessible design

What do I need to know about universal design for the NCIDQ Exam?

Universal Design is designing spaces and products so they can be used by everyone. It satisfies the needs of the disabled, able-bodied, the young and old while avoiding segregating any particular group of people.

programming is like detective work

What’s This About Programming and Site Analysis?

In interior design, programming is like detective work. It’s the process of gathering and analyzing information about a problem before trying to solve it with design.

Checkout What’s New at Qpractice

Think about how you’re preparing for the NCIDQ Exam right now. What do you have? Other people’s notes and old practice drawings. Emails from a colleague who passed the exam, or maybe one that did not do so well.

Those are all just pieces. They’re not part of a comprehensive system designed for the express and single purpose of helping YOU pass the NCIDQ Exam.

[Video] She mastered her mindset to overcome an unusual challenge and pass the exam

Learn how Brittany mastered her mindset to overcome an unusual challenge. She refused to go blind and also passed the NCIDQ Exam.

taking your interior design business to the next level

How To Take Your Interior Design Business To The Next Level

What’s next for your company?
Taking your interior design business to the next level can be a challenge. Here’s 12 freshly updated new tips to rise above the competition.

looking ahead

How to get your Interior Design License or Registration

Here’s what steps you’ll need to take to earn your interior design license or registration. Remember, it’s easiest when you start before you pass the NCIDQ Exam, so start planning now.

Use the Qpractice study schedule to create a weekly NCIDQ study plan for yourself

See How Easily You Can Squeeze Your Study Plan In Your Life – Right Now!

Preparing for the NCIDQ exam is something you can fit into your schedule right now. Here’s five ways to squeeze your NCIDQ study plan into your life – starting right now.

Tips For Taking the NCIDQ Multiple Choice Exams

Remember when we said that taking the NCIDQ multiple choice is like running a marathon – you have to train for it? Just like in a race, be aware of your time when taking the exam.

How Ginna passed the NCIDQ Exam

[Video] How Ginna passed the NCIDQ after time away from interiors

Learn how a busy mom got up to speed fast and passed the NCIDQ Exam after time away from the interior design industry.

Dream of passing the NCIDQ Exam this year - here's how

Want to Finally Pass the NCIDQ Exam this Year? Here’s How

It’s that time of year when everyone is making New Years Resolutions, and maybe yours is to pass the NCIDQ Exam this year. Well, don’t make a resolution.

The truth is New Years Resolutions just don’t work.

Research has shown that 88% of the time, people fail to keep their New Years Resolutions, and 25% abandon their resolutions within 1 week.

So if New Years Resolutions don’t work, what does work?

Updated: Why Have NCIDQ or Interior Design Legislation?

There’s a misconception that interior designers only pick furniture, paint colors, and fabric, like the decorators that people see on TV. But registered, licensed, or certified interior designers in some states can sign, seal, and submit drawings for permitting. While it’s true that they can make sure the space will look its best – they actually do much more than the public realizes.

What is the NCIDQ appellation agreement?

What is the NCIDQ Appellation Agreement?

I recently received an email from one of our members who passed the NCIDQ Exam. Her question is:
“Could you help explain what the NCIDQ ‘appellation agreement’ is?”

What to do now before the NCIDQ IDFX & IDPX Exams

So if you’re taking the NCIDQ IDFX and IDPX Exams – this is what you need to do in the next few weeks before your test date – take a practice test. Learn what really works and what’s a waste of time.

Don’t Make These 2 Common Mistakes When Studying for the NCIDQ Exam

Don’t make these mistakes while studying for the NCIDQ Exam – they could mean the difference passing and failing.

If this is you, stop right now.

Fallen mirror at Balthazar

Would You Be At Fault? The Interior Designer’s Guide to Liability

A giant mirror weighing 250 pounds or more fell on diners having breakfast at a Manhattan cafe, Balthazar. The mirror struck a French politician on the head. He valiantly hoisted the mirror off unsuspecting diners until others rushed to help him. He was taken to the hospital and later released, sore but not hurt.

Surefire Interior Design Steps to Land Yourself in Jail

The Life Safety theme persists throughout the Practicum and the Multiple Choice Exams for a good reason. It’s purpose serves beyond your NCIDQ Exam preparation and could possibly be a life saver. Find out why.

It’s a juggling act: How to find balance in contract administration

Contract administration is a bit like juggling and an important part of every interior design project. It’s important to keep the project in balance and constant forward motion.

Design Communication: It’s About Show and Tell

Designers create visuals for clients, and to share information with other members of the design team. You’ll need to know how to select the right visual for the right use at the right time.

Contract Documents for Success on the NCIDQ Exam

Interior designers need to communicate their ideas to their client and construction crew. Your knowledge of construction documents is key to your success not only as a designer but also passing the NCIDQ Exam.

FF&E Specifications: The Tip of the Iceberg

FF&E is an extensive subject. Making the initial selections is just the tip of the iceberg. Selecting FF&E also involves a lot of technical and legal issues, such as flammability and code requirements.

Building Systems for Interior Designers

Growing your knowledge of building systems and construction is key to passing the NCIDQ Exam. It helps set you apart as a professional interior designer. Even if your focus is on interior decoration, it’s likely that a good part of your work will still depend upon integration with building systems.

How to Prepare for the NCIDQ Exam

When I hear from someone that they “don’t have enough time” to prepare for the NCIDQ Exam, I know it’s really not an issue of not having enough time. Instead it’s a problem with priorities.

Putting the Brakes on NCIDQ Route 5

The interior design field has gotten more and more competitive. NCIDQ has announced the sunset date on exam applicants who have gone through “route 5.” This will affect current students, recent graduates, and professionals looking into a career change. It is important to make decisions that count when working your way to become an interior designer.

[Video] How Jayne passed the NCIDQ Exam and got a promotion

Learn how Qpractice member Jayne passed the NCIDQ Exam, and was promoted in her job as an interior designer.

How to figure out the NCIDQ Exam requirements

Whether you’re actively studying for exams now, or just starting to think about the NCIDQ Exam requirements, you’ve probably realized that it’s no walk in the park. To pass all sections, you need a clear understanding of exactly what’s involved.

Your best asset for the NCIDQ Exam is a positive mindset

30 NCIDQ Practicum tips to take the worry out of your exam

While preparing for the NCIDQ Practicum Exam, you’ll come across many factors that can either work for or against you. Not surprisingly, it’s the strategies you use before and during that can make a difference.

Get NCIDQ Exam Help

How to run an interior design project and keep on course

A project manager is like a ship’s captain, steering the entire project and keeping it on course until it reaches its final destination. The most crucial member of a project, a project manager coordinates the entire project, from start to finish.

It involves so many details that you may feel like you’re drowning. Qpractice can help keep you afloat while studying for the project management area of the IPDX Exam.

Video: Get These NCIDQ Millwork Design Real Life Examples

The millwork exercise on the NCIDQ Practicum Exam tests your knowledge of millwork construction. You must coordinate cabinetry with plumbing and electrical services. For the problem you will draw a plan, elevation and section view. It helps to visualize real-life scenarios that combine cabinetry with plumbing and electrical. For example – a kitchen, bathroom, restroom, bar, or laboratory area. Here are some tips.

Which Type of Lighting is Best on the NCIDQ Exam?

The key to understanding lighting for each section of the NCIDQ Exam — IDFX, IDPX, or Practicum — is to know the different lighting systems. Know why one type of lighting may be better than another for a specific purpose, one environment or for certain people using a space.

practice lighting foundations

PRAC Lighting Exercise: So Many Choices, So Little Time!

I don’t know about you, but lighting design is not one of my strengths. So when it was time for me to prepare for and practice the lighting problem for the PRAC, I was a little nervous and overwhelmed! But with patience and perseverance, I was able to bust out a passing solution the day of my exam in 30 minutes!

Read on for my practicum tips for the lighting exercise.

do you have the light stuff?

What’s Light Got To Do With It?

Did you know that orange light may help you concentrate? Or that bright light can make you crave spicier hot wings?

Lighting design isn’t just about aesthetics anymore; it’s affecting us in ways we may not have even realized…

The NCIDQ space planning secret you need to know: the Sticky Note Method

Our Qpractice members’ favorite NCIDQ space planning tip for passing the Practicum and saving a ton of time: the “Sticky Note Method”. Here’s a sneak peek of just how easy it is and how you can use it to block out your spaces. It may seem kind of awkward at first, but it really does save time.

space planning

What’s the Best NCIDQ Space Planning Strategy?

NCIDQ space planning grade has nothing to do with how the space “looks”. Quickly create a simple design solution for 23% on the NCIDQ Exam.

green buildings for all

Sustainability and Green Design on the NCIDQ Exam

We’ve all heard of green design as another term for sustainable design. Sustainable design seeks to meet the design requirements of a project while minimizing the environmental impact, while improving human health and well being. Sustainability is a component of both the IDFX and IDPX Exams.

7 Step Egress Strategy

Complete the NCIDQ Egress Drawing in Just 7 Easy Steps

Besides Space Planning, we found that the NCIDQ Egress Exercise is one of the most confusing drawings for test takers. It is worth 18%, one of the drawings that is worth most in the afternoon, Part B.

This is one drawing you should practice early and often, especially if you are having trouble with space planning. Take what you learn with restroom, with this drawing, and put them together and you have space planning.

restroom design video

Video: Tips for the NCIDQ Restroom Design Problem

The restroom design problem on the NCIDQ Exam tests your ability to apply accessibility codes in a public men’s room. Watch this great video and see the true need for planning accessible restrooms. It helps you understand the “why” behind some of the rules and building codes.

PRAC 2.0: Computer NCIDQ Practicum Coming in 2017

NCIDQ will deliver the new Practicum Exam by computer in fall 2017. See examples of the new PRAC 2.0 exam format.

How to learn for the best NCIDQ Study Results

Do these TWO THINGS to improve memory retention and recall for NCIDQ Exam day

Day 1 of 5

Do these two things to improve memory retention and recall.

A simple solution for the best results from your NCIDQ Prep

This surprising trick will help you think more creatively

Day 2 of 5

This surprising trick will help you think more creatively.

3 ways to make the most of your NCIDQ study sessions

Top 3 Ways to Make the Most of Your NCIDQ Study Sessions

Day 3 of 5

Why you can’t just memorize it and call it good.

Want to learn more in less time?

Think you need focus to learn? What you really need instead.

Day 4 of 5

Want to Learn More in Less Time? Try This.

NCIDQ Exam Secrets

This SUBTLE TRICK helps you make faster decisions

Day 5 of 5

Understand perceptual intuition and how it can be one of your greatest NCIDQ Exam secrets.

Understanding NCIDQ Practicum scoring

How to get the NCIDQ Practicum Passing Score the First Time

The scoring breakdown by points earned per drawing confused many designers. So what do you really need for an NCIDQ Practicum passing score?

lobby interior design by Tina Delia

Bright New Opportunities For A Certified Interior Designer

The year after becoming a certified interior designer, Qpractice graduate Tina Delia had the best year in the history of her interior design firm.

CIDQ preliminary score report

How to really understand your NCIDQ Exam scoring

How do different NCIDQ test scores mean the difference between passing and failing? Learn about the new preliminary exam scoring, and the difference between passing points, raw scores and scaled scores.

tips to help you on NCIDQ test day

Tips to quell your NCIDQ Exam day jitters

You’ve been studying for these exams, taken several practice tests and now you’re ready.

We’re going to walk you through exam day so you know exactly what to expect and there should be no surprises. Occasionally something unexpected may happen, but no matter what, remember to stay positive.

NCIDQ Exam Practicum Tips

NCIDQ Exam Tips: Secrets to Help You Pass the Practicum

On average, only half of first time test takers pass the NCIDQ Practicum the first time around.

Here are some tips that can help YOU do better.

quick tips for the life safety drawing

The Lowdown on the NCIDQ Life Safety Drawing

The life safety drawing can be a huge confidence builder! To build confidence in your abilities to complete this drawing in under 30 minutes, follow these easy steps.

Acoustic basics for interior design on the NCIDQ Exam

The science of acoustics deals with sound in the built environment. Interior designers need to understand and be able to apply these basics for the NCIDQ Exam, on all three NCIDQ Exams.

What do I need to know about life safety codes and standards?

Codes and Standards are an important part of the IDPX Exam, this section is one of the higher weighted sections of the test, with 27 scored items at 18% of the exam. Get an overview of what you need to know here.

Wow! Half of new NCIDQ Certificates earned by Qpractice Members

Did you see the list? I’m really glad that CIDQ published a list congratulating all the new NCIDQ certificate holders this spring.

How are NCIDQ Test Questions Created

How are NCIDQ test questions created?

Have you ever wondered how the NCIDQ test questions for IDFX and IDPX are created? It’s a common question we receive here at Qpractice and in the study group, especially during exam season.

Qpractice NCIDQ prep is coming

Ready to finally ace the NCIDQ Exam?

Woohoo, now you can wear white after Memorial Day! Qpractice is bright with anticipation of our summer re-launch on Monday, June 27th. Or maybe that’s sunburn:)

How much more can YOU earn with the NCIDQ Certificate?

One of the concerns I hear from many designers is about the cost of the NCIDQ Exam. But simply looking at the cost of the exam without looking at the potential benefits is shortsighted. Especially when having your NCIDQ Certificate can have such a huge impact on your career options.

[Video] How Passing the NCIDQ Exam Pays for Itself

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your job, you need to watch this video. Qpractice member Lauren, passed the NCIDQ Exam and had terrific results after earning her Certificate.

Why rebounding after failure can be powerful

[Video] Why rebounding after failure can be powerful

Sometimes, a little failure can be a good thing. Scientists who study why some people rebound from setbacks can help us learn how to bounce back quicker. And anyone can develop resilience with a little practice.

How to Pass the NCIDQ Exam Like Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn lived life by the guidance of a few simple lessons. With grace and poise, here’s how Audrey Hepburn would pass the NCIDQ exam if she were put to the task.

KEEP CALM AND DRAW ON

Get Your NCIDQ Exam Practicum Checklist

You have worked hard studying for the NCIDQ – practiced drawing for hours, memorized codes and stats. Your knowledge and skills are ready for the NCIDQ exam, but what about you?

Is your head where it needs to be? Do you have a positive, can-do attitude, or do you have nagging doubts?

Attitude can make all the difference, and be the edge you need. A positive, can-do attitude will enable you to approach the exam with the right mindset, and help you push through challenges while taking the exam.

Maintain a positive attitude and tell yourself, “I can do this”. Even if you hit a road block, this can make the difference between a passing and a failing grade.

idfx practice exam

Try an NCIDQ Practice Test with Sample Questions

Are you taking the NCIDQ Exam soon? Try a sample quiz to see how well you’re remembering what you study.

3 ways passing the NCIDQ Exam pays off

3 Ways Passing the NCIDQ Exam Really Pays Off

You’ll use what you learn far beyond the NCIDQ Exam. How one Qpractice member benefits on the job with what he learned while studying.

Yes, You Can Get Tax Breaks with Your Qpractice Course

Here’s how you can benefit with your Qpractice course through tax breaks.

Learn how you can pay less on your federal income tax because of legitimate deductions and tax credits.

NCIDQ Practicum Time Management

Must-Have NCIDQ Practicum Exam Problems & Tools

What do I really need to practice for the NCIDQ Practicum Exam? Preparing for the NCIDQ Practicum Exam may be the most expensive part of practicing for the NCIDQ Exam.

Designers who use AutoCAD or other design software on the job will probably need a refresher in hand drawing for the NCIDQ practicum exam.

NCIDQ Exam results

NCIDQ Certified and a New Mom: How a Designer Did it ALL at First Try

Learn how a busy designer AND full time educator passed all 3 sections of the NCIDQ Exam 1 week before she delivered her first child.

If she can do it, so can you!

Repeat practice is the key to success on the NCIDQ Practicum exam

Drawing Tips for the NCIDQ Practicum

We recommend using a combination of practice problems for both residential and commercial design problems. You can use drawings from training workshops given by your local professional organization – ASID or IIDA, or other published practice exams, but you should always include at least one set from previous NCIDQ Exams. Get used to drawing on the vellum sheets – mistakes do not erase easily.

Fall in love with the process not just the end result

The difference between those who pass the NCIDQ and YOU?

What’s the difference between those who pass the NCIDQ Exam and everyone else? What do the really successful designers do that most people don’t?

NCIDQ Procrastination Lessons Learned

While everyone procrastinates sometimes, habitual procrastinators repeatedly delay working on their projects. And they’ll do it despite knowing they’ll suffer as a result. Beat this up front and you can take some time off instead.

Why Cramming Fails and Study Plans Succeed

We’ve all done it–crammed for a test. You’ve likely pulled a caffeine-infused all-nighter (or two) in college. But don’t you remember struggling to recall that information a short while afterwards?

How to Forge a Memorable Interior Design Brand

You may have the most eye-catching logo and business card on the planet. But if your brand does not say what you stand for or create a relationship with your audience and your network, it won’t get you far. Learn how two designers are sharing their secrets for professional success.

life safety practicums

Caroline’s NCIDQ Diaries

From qualifying for the NCIDQ Exam, to buying supplies, studying, and all the highs and lows in between – here’s Qpractice member Caroline’s story of finally passing the Practicum.

10 NCIDQ Exam Study Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One setback you don’t want to experience in the New Year is in your study efforts for the NCIDQ Exam. With limited preparation time, you’ll want to minimize mistakes in your study approach leading up to the exam. Avoid these 10 NCIDQ Exam study behavior mistakes.

Why Getting Your NCIDQ Certificate is Even Sweeter

When we are too immersed in all the studying and the drawing, we also tend to forget the most important point of all. Getting your NCIDQ certificate not only marks your level of competency and credibility, but it can also help you earn more money.

NCIDQ Interior Design and Interior Decorating

Interior Design vs. Interior Decorating

The discussion of differences between Designers and Decorators places the spotlight on what works on both sides. More importantly, we also bring to the table Qpractice’s mission on helping interior designers get that “push” in their career by passing the NCIDQ Exams.

Flame Retardant Changes

The Change in Flame Retardant Rules and the Impact on NCIDQ Exam

In 2013, California announced plans to transform its fire safety standards by dropping the 1975 law that required foam used in furniture cushions to withstand a 12-second exposure to small, open flame.

How does this requirement relate to designers planning to take the NCIDQ exam?

On the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam, this regulation change could apply to Content Area 4: Knowledge of and skill in sourcing and research as it relates to manufacturers’ and vendors’ information regarding furniture, fixtures, and equipment, For example: Life safety (e.g., flammability, toxicity)

Ergonomics of Workstations and Their Place on the NCIDQ Exam

Why should designers taking the NCIDQ Exam be concerned with Ergonomics? Spending a long hours hunched over in your workstation can cause problems for you in the long run.

We’ve found some tips to make four workplace items help ease you into a better posture, greater comfort, and better productivity in the office.

LEED ON Wallpaper

Sustainability Takeaways from Greenbuild 2013 for the NCIDQ Exam

Sustainability is included in both IDFX and IDPX content areas, so we wanted to share key takeaways from last week’s Greenbuild conference in Philadelphia.

Qpractice member Ariane attended Greenbuild as a speaker, and provided a wonderful summary of some of her key takeaways.

real designers who passed the NCIDQ

Real Results from Real Designers!

We were pleased to hear from so many of you who did well on the exam! We spoke with two of our Qpractice designers who had great information to share with you to help you pass the NCIDQ, too!

NCIDQ certificate holders

Congratulations To Qpractice Members Who Passed the NCIDQ Practicum!

We’ve already heard back from many of you that you passed the NCIDQ Exam – we’re absolutely thrilled to hear this news!

Most of all we’re thankful that we had the opportunity to help, to listen, to share what we’ve learned, to work with you to truly make a difference in your career.

IDPX puzzle

How to Review for the NCIDQ IDPX Exam

Good taste and your ability to select finishes, fabrics, furniture, flooring and lighting, etc… is critical, yet it is only one piece of the design puzzle.

Interior Design is like a box of puzzle pieces that all have to fit together to make the entire picture.

The NCIDQ Exam tests your knowledge by exploring each piece in detail

And –– tests your understanding of each piece.

NCIDQ Certificate Holders at NeoCon East

While at Neocon East last week, NCIDQ snapped shots with these NCIDQ certificate holders to inspire us all.
Earning your NCIDQ Certificate does not have to be hard – it’s easier when you have the support of a community.
Need someone to give you a reminder to pick up the books? Have a question, but not sure who to ask? We’re here.

NCIDQ Certified Designers

What Did Passing the NCIDQ Exam Mean to You?

Many experienced designers choose to take the NCIDQ Exam – it’s not just for designers early in their careers.

We spoke with two designers about how the NCIDQ changed their careers.

Alycia Wicker

What did it mean to pass the NCIDQ Exam?

Finding out that you had to climb the corporate ladder to get any recognition as a competent designer wasn’t too appealing to me –

That’s why passing the NCIDQ Exam was very important to me – I could prove my knowledge.

living room design

Interior Designers do more than just pick out pretty furniture!

There is so much more to your job than making a space pretty!

The NCIDQ Exam is heavily weighted on the “paperwork” or non-design responsibilities of an interior designer. Learn the keys to success.