Everything You Need to Know About the NCIDQ Exam & Certification
We answer your questions about when and how to apply, register, take and pass the NCIDQ Exam.
Starting on your NCIDQ Exam journey can seem confusing and overwhelming at first. Our team of NCIDQ Certificate holders at Qpractice know what it takes to help make this easier for you — every step of the way. Let us help you — Qpractice has helped more than 8,000 designers take and pass their exams!
Bookmark this one-page guide updated for 2021 to learn everything you need to know about the NCIDQ exam. Learn why to take the exam, how NCIDQ helps your interior design career, NCIDQ Exam requirements, exam content, prep courses and study groups, and study books and practice tests. If we don’t answer it here, we’ll let you know exactly where you can find more information.
What is the NCIDQ Exam?
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam is the industry standard interior design certification exam given twice per year by CIDQ — the Council for Interior Design Qualification. While it is the only nationally recognized professional exam throughout the United States and Canada, testing is now available worldwide.
The NCIDQ Exam is a three-part examination that tests entry-level minimum competence in code-regulated interior design focused on public health, safety, and welfare (HSW).
Interior designers do much more than select furniture and finishes. The NCIDQ Exam tests your knowledge of human-centered design strategies and application of building codes and standards for life safety, accessibility, sustainability, FF&E, construction documents, ethical and professional business practices, and contract administration.
How important is it to take the NCIDQ Exam?
Interior designers don’t just make spaces look pretty. They design functional and inspiring environments for businesses, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, gyms and schools. NCIDQ Certified designers create the most important spaces everywhere that people live, work, play and learn.
Why should I take the NCIDQ Exam?
Not everyone working in interior design needs to take the NCIDQ Exam. And not everyone who wants to take the exam is eligible. Earning the NCIDQ Certification differentiates you from less qualified designers and decorators. NCIDQ Certification demonstrates you have the skills. It shows you have the knowledge to create interior spaces that provide equal access and protect the public health, safety and well being for all occupants.
Passing the exam isn’t easy, but with your focused and dedicated preparation, it is attainable.
Get an edge on your competition by having the NCIDQ Certificate, so you can work on top-tier projects and earn more money — you deserve it.
Studying for the exam I learned a few things that 25+ years of professional practice hadn't taught me! Looking at my certificate hanging on the wall, I realize that I know what is relevant to today's design practice.
Lisa VanderMeulen RID IIDA
Which states and provinces require NCIDQ Certification?
As of fall 2020, more than half of US States, Puerto Rico and the Canadian Provinces have some form of Interior Design legislation. These are laws regarding the scope of practice and title of Interior Designers, with and without permitting privileges. This is constantly changing at both the federal and local levels.
Interior Design laws expand business opportunities for registered interior designers. Legislation allows for Registered, Licensed, and/or NCIDQ Certified interior designers to sign, seal, and submit drawings for permitting in some states.
It's important to check with your local jurisdiction regarding their requirements before beginning your application process. Then you can prepare your paperwork to meet any jurisdictional requirements at the same time.
Even if your state does not require registration, other states you work in may. So it’s always a good idea to make sure you meet the highest standards. Besides, having your NCIDQ Certificate can help you earn more.
I arrived here from England without recognizable qualifications to do what I had already been doing professionally for ten years in London. Passing the exam would confirm to employers that I had what it takes.
Philip Adams, NCIDQ, ASID, CID, LEED AP
Where you can find more information:
- American Society of Interior Designers
- International Interior Design Association
- Interior Designers of Canada
- Your State Board of Architecture and Interior Design
- Your State Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Read the Qpractice guide to example state application processes so you can learn more about how to get your interior design license.
Before we dive into the details on each of the three exams, let's take a look at the latest statistics:
What do interior designers earn?
Even in times of peak employment, there aren’t enough qualified designers for the types of projects that require them. With the shifting needs of real estate, and evolution of construction and remodeling projects post COVID-19, more qualified designers will be required to help adapt the designed environment to meet these changes.
According to ASID, Interior Designers can earn well over $70,000 USD per year. In today's competitive economy, median salaries for NCIDQ interior designers are $16,000 higher. See our update for Interior Designer Salaries in 2020.
A U.S. Census Bureau report showed that professionals with certifications (apart from their college and university-awarded degrees) earn 21.38% more than those with only an educational certificate. They also do better by 33.9% than those without any educational certificate.
The NCIDQ Certificate can help you earn more
- Associates
- Bachelors
- Masters
- Degree + certificate
- Doctorate
NCIDQ Exam statistics
More designers take the NCIDQ Exam each year because they recognize the value of the NCIDQ Certification. Interest in the NCIDQ Exam trends upwards, so it's an important milestone in your career.
Growth in total NCIDQ Certificate holders by year
Recognition of NCIDQ Certification as the “Gold Standard” for professionalism makes earning your certification even more important.
These are some of the most asked about highlights and updates as of 6/23/2021:
2021 highlights
- Total NCIDQ Certificate Holders: 35,390
- Active NCIDQ Certificate Holders: 14,435
- Approved Applications for Fall 2020: 1001
- Exam Registrations for Fall 2020: 3786
68% of new NCIDQ Certificate Holders were Qpractice Members!
NCIDQ Exam pass rates by exam section
How well do Interior Designers perform on their exams? Here are the latest 2021 passing rates, based upon the spring 2021 exam administration:
IDFX
IDPX
PRAC
How to apply for the NCIDQ Exam
What’s on the NCIDQ Exam?
The NCIDQ Exam updates every 5 years based on an industry survey, called the CIDQ Practice Analysis. This determines the most important skills and capabilities for a competent interior designer. Based on current industry trends for Interior Designer responsibilities and scope of practice, these form the basis of the content on test questions.
The latest Practice Analysis report from CIDQ will be in effect for the Spring 2021 exams in April. The exams test understanding and application of core interior design competencies. These skills are important for obtaining building permits as allowed by law.
These are the three parts of the NCIDQ Exam
- Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX)
- Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX)
- Practicum (PRAC)
IDFX is based more on book learning. The IDPX and Practicum Exams require the application of knowledge gained in the field.
You must complete and pass all three parts of the exam to become NCIDQ Certified within a designated period of time. This is 10 exam testing windows or approximately 5 years from the date that you're approved for all exams.
You can extend this for 2 years by starting early. Apply to take your first exam, the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), right after school. You can take IDFX before earning the required qualified work experience.
IDFX
Interior Design Fundamentals Exam
IDFX can be taken by recent graduates without work experience.
NCIDQ IDFX Eligibility Requirements:
60 semester / 90 quarter credit hours of accredited post-secondary interior design certificate or degree program
You can apply to take the IDFX once you meet CIDQ’s educational requirements. Pass this exam to get started on your professional interior design career. This is an excellent opportunity to test what you covered in school while it is still fresh.
NCIDQ IDFX Exam Length and Format
125 multiple choice questions / 3 hours
You’ll have three hours to complete the 125 question multiple-choice exam IDFX. 100 questions count towards your grade. 25 are pretest questions for future exams and don’t count towards your score.
NCIDQ IDFX Passing Score
500 / 800 scaled score, not raw scores.
All 3 exams are graded on an 800 point scale with 800 being a perfect score. 500 is the passing point. You will receive feedback on each section of the exam to assess your relative performance in a given knowledge area. Learn how to understand exam scoring →
NCIDQ IDFX Blueprints (exam content)
The Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX) for 2021 tests your knowledge of:
- Programming and Site Analysis 10%
- Relationship between Human Behavior and the Designed Environment 10%
- Design Communication Techniques 10%
- Life Safety and Universal Design 20%
- Interior Building Finishes and Materials 10%
- Technical Specifications for Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment and Lighting 15%
- Construction Drawings, Schedules, and Specifications 20%
- Professional Development and Ethics 5%
How to apply for IDFX
NCIDQ IDFX Exam Cost
Application fee: from $95 when taken separately
Exam fee: $295 per test session
- Create a free application account online with CIDQ at MyNCIDQ
- Send official, sealed copies of your educational transcript(s), as issued by the school. Mail these along with CIDQ’s Transcript Submission Form to ensure they match the correct transcript to the correct account.
- Pay $95 Application Fee and submit. You will be notified by email.
How long do I have to pass IDFX?
When taken first separately – 4 exam administrations, approximately 2 years. If you have your required work experience, you can also register for and take all 3 exams at once.
NCIDQ IDFX Scheduling Dates
Spring: January 3 – March 31
Fall: July 1 – September 30
NCIDQ IDFX Exam Testing Dates
Spring: April 1-30
Fall: October 1-31
Pass the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam and add an achievement to your resume. Show that you're the type of job candidate that employers are looking for.
Follow the Qpractice Study Plan to thoroughly review the NCIDQ content areas. This will not only help you pass the test, but also build proficiency in key skills you'll use on the job.
IDPX
The Interior Design Professional Exam
You can take IDPX once you meet CIDQ’s work experience requirements for hours earned under a direct supervisor or sponsor.
NCIDQ IDPX Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2 years work experience
IDPX is for exam candidates who have from 3,520 (2 Years Full-Time) to 7,040 working hours (4 Years Full-Time), depending upon education.
NCIDQ IDPX Exam Length and Format
175 multiple choice questions / 4 hours
You’ll have four hours to complete the 175 question multiple-choice exam IDPX. 150 questions count towards your grade, and like IDFX, 25 are pretest questions for future exams and don’t count towards your score.
NCIDQ IDPX Passing Score
500 / 800 scaled score, not raw scores.
All 3 exams are graded on an 800 point scale with 800 being a perfect score. 500 is the passing point. You will receive feedback on each section of the exam to assess your relative performance in a given knowledge area. Learn how to understand exam scoring →
NCIDQ IDPX Blueprints
The Interior Design Professional Exam (IDFX) for 2021 tests your knowledge of:
- Project Assessment and Sustainability 15%
- Project Process, Roles, and Coordination 15%
- Professional Business Practices 10%
- Code Requirements, Laws, Standards, and Regulations 20%
- Integration with Building Systems and Construction 15%
- Integration of Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment 10%
- Contract Administration 15%
How to apply for IDPX
NCIDQ IDPX Exam Cost
Application fee: from $145 up to $225 (if applying for all 3 exams)
Exam fee: $355 per test session
- Create a free application account online at MyNCIDQ or login to the same account you created for IDFX.
- Send official, sealed copies of your educational transcript(s) showing the date of your degree, as issued by the school. Mail these along with CIDQ’s Transcript Submission Form to ensure they match the correct transcript to the correct account.
- Upload completed work verification forms — 1 per employer/supervisor or sponsor
- Pay Application Fee and submit. You will be notified by email.
How long do I have to pass IDPX?
You must pass within 10 exam administrations. If you passed IDFX separately, you will then need to pass IDPX and PRAC within 10 examinations or approximately 5 years.
NCIDQ IDFX Scheduling Dates
Spring: January 3 – March 31
Fall: July 1 – September 30
NCIDQ IDFX Exam Testing Dates
Spring: April 1-30
Fall: October 1-31
Maximize your review for the Interior Design Professional Exam with the Qpractice Study Plan. While you may have the hours, you might not have the type of work experience that you really need. Many designers don’t. Take our Work Experience Assessment online to benefit from the collective wisdom of our online study group.
Study with other designers across different disciplines. Get exposure to different scenarios and develop your game plan to fill in the gaps with online lessons. Get practice tests, live office hours and workshops and unlimited 24/7 access to the Qpractice study group.
PRAC
NCIDQ Practicum Exam (PRAC)
The Practicum is a computer-based exam covering the same competencies as past hand drawn exams. It now uses several new question types. As with IDPX, You can take PRAC once you meet CIDQ’s work experience requirements for hours earned under a direct supervisor or sponsor.
NCIDQ PRAC Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2 years work experience
PRAC is for exam candidates who have From 3,520 WORK HOURS (2 Years Full-Time) to 7,040 WORK HOURS (4 Years Full-Time), depending upon education.
NCIDQ PRAC Exam Length and Format
120 questions — hotspot, drag and place, and fill in the blank / 4 hours
You’ll have four hours to complete 120 questions, and all count towards your grade. The PRAC Exam is not software specific, so does not require CAD or Revit proficiency.
There are 3 scenarios called Case Studies, which include a series of resource tabs for reference. These are project descriptions, floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, door and hardware schedules, and lighting cut sheets or specifications.
Case studies represent the most common project types that interior designers deal with. These are multifamily residential, small and large commercial spaces.
Beginning with the April 2021 Exam administration, PRAC will use new “real life” building codes:
International Building Code (IBC)(2018)
International Plumbing Code (IPC) (2018)
ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (2009)
NCIDQ IDFX Passing Score
500 / 800 scaled score, not raw scores. Learn how to understand exam scoring →
NCIDQ PRAC Blueprint
The Practicum Exam (PRAC) for 2021 tests your application of knowledge regarding:
- Programming, Planning, and Analysis 15%
- Code Requirements, Laws, Standards, and Regulations 30%
- Integration with Building Systems and Construction 25%
- Contract Documents 30%
How to apply for PRAC
NCIDQ IDPX Exam Cost
Application fee: from $145 up to $225 (if applying for all 3 exams)
Exam fee: $460 per test session
- Create a free application account online with CIDQ at MyNCIDQ
- Send official, sealed copies of your educational transcript(s) showing the date of your degree, as issued by the school. Mail these along with CIDQ’s Transcript Submission Form to ensure they match the correct transcript to the correct account.
- Upload completed work verification forms — 1 per employer/supervisor or sponsor
- Pay Application Fee and submit. You will be notified by email.
How long do I have to pass PRAC?
You must pass within 10 exam administrations, approximately 5 years.
NCIDQ PRAC Scheduling Dates
Spring: January 3 – March 31
Fall: July 1 – September 30
NCIDQ PRAC Exam Testing Dates
Spring: April 1-30
Fall: October 1-31
The Practicum is known as the most difficult of the three exams, especially in terms of timing. Qpractice is the only test prep platform to offer the same format of question types online — hotspot, drag and place, and fill in the blank.
We also conduct live workshops where we work as a group to reason through exam scenarios. This helps you understand the “why” behind each question and the thought processes required to select the correct answer. Get access to the Answer Vault — an extensive library of exam scenarios in different formats. Learn the concepts behind these scenario type problems. Watch a demonstration video showing the Practicum Exam format.
Have more questions about the NCIDQ Exams?
If you want to learn more about exam content and questions, take a look at our NCIDQ study blog, or join Qpractice and get access to all our practice tests, resources, and study group. All available to you 24-7!
Have a question we didn’t cover? Send it over!
You can also reach out to CIDQ at:
NCIDQ Examination
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 202-721-0220
Fax: 202-721-0221
Ray Resendez, Customer Experience Manager, answers most calls and can answer your application and registration questions. rresendez@cidq.org
Exam Director, Cornelia Springer cspringer@cidq.org
Cornelia handles alternative review process applications.
