NCIDQ Exam Study Guide

The NCIDQ Exam is updated approximately every 5 years based upon the CIDQ Practice Analysis.  A new Practice Analysis report from CIDQ is due in October 2019, and will go into effect for the fall exams in October 2020. The results determine the most important skills and capabilities for a competent interior designer, as relevant to current industry job responsibilities and practice.

Prior NCIDQ IDFX and IDPX Exams were last updated for Spring 2016, according to the 2014 CIDQ Practice Analysis. The computerized version of the NCIDQ Practicum Exam (PRAC 2.0) was administered for the first time in the fall of 2017.

These are the three sections of the NCIDQ Exam*:

1. Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX)
2. Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX)
3. Practicum (PRAC)

*Prior to 2013, the different sections of the NCIDQ Exam were called different names, for example Sections 1, 2, & 3.

Candidates must pass all three sections of the exam in order to complete the NCIDQ Examination and become NCIDQ Certified. Candidates must also pass all three sections of the exam within 10 exam administrations or approximately 5 years.

This window of time to pass the exam begins at the time the candidate is approved to register for all three sections of the exam.

Want a cheat sheet of everything you need to study for?

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Interior designers do more than select furniture, finishes, and paint colors. Competent interior designers include function, accessibility, safety and building codes in their design solutions.

Interior designers create spaces for hospitals, business, restaurants, hotels, in gyms and health clubs. They design environments anywhere that people work, live, play and learn.

Not everyone needs to take the NCIDQ Exam, and not everyone who wants to take the NCIDQ Exam is eligible to take it. But by passing the NCIDQ Exam, an interior designer can prove they have the minimum level of professional skills to protect public health, safety and welfare.

So it’s just a test, right? Not if your job depends upon it.

NCIDQ Certificate holders by state as of January 2015

Interior design laws may restrict you from practicing interior design or calling yourself an “interior designer” without a license. Licensing requirements, rights and responsibilities vary by jurisdiction. Interior design legislation affects about half the the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and the Canadian provinces.

Start with your local, state or provincial chapter of these professional organizations to find out about the interior design legislation in your area:

• American Society of Interior Designers
• International Interior Design Association
• Interior Designers of Canada

Earn More Money

In today's competitive economy, there are more designers than jobs —

Get an edge on the competition by having the NCIDQ Certificate and earn more money — You deserve it.

A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that professionals who get certification (apart from their college and university-awarded degrees) can earn 21.38% more than their counterpart with only an educational certificate.

They also do better by 33.9% than those without any educational certificate.

How can I apply to take the NCIDQ Exam?

Formal education in interior design is the first essential step to preparing for a career as an interior designer. The NCIDQ Exam tests and certifies the interior designer's qualifications to practice competently.

There are 3 sections to the exam: IDFX, IDPX, and Practicum.

To qualify for the exam, you must have a college education, specifically in interior design. You will have to pass all 3 Sections of the NCIDQ Exams within a 5 year period, but you don’t have to take them all at once.

• IDFX – Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (multiple choice)
• IDPX – Interior Design Professional Exam (multiple choice)
• Practicum – Applied design exercise solutions

You can apply to take IDFX after you have completed your education, but before your required work experience.

You can apply to take the IDPX and PRAC, after you have completed all your required work experience.

The number of hours credit you earn for your qualified work experience will vary depending upon who you work for.

If you are not supervised by

• a licensed or registered interior designer
• architect who provides interior design services
• NCIDQ Certificate holder

or if you are self-employed, your work experience may only count for 1/4 to 1/2 the hours towards qualification.

Contact CIDQ to get help with evaluating your situation.

NCIDQ Examination
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 202-721-0220
Fax: 202-721-0221

Next, know how to apply.

Start the required application process by creating a MyNCIDQ account online.

Collect your supporting documents.

Make sure you have all the required transcripts, references, and work experience verification forms, and are prepared to pay the application fee.

Learn more about the application process on the NCIDQ website. Once your application is approved, you’ll register for each exam section you plan to take.

Make a plan to prepare.

There’s an old saying :

Fail to plan, plan to fail.

Work with us, and we’ll keep you on track. If you have any questions about what plan you should follow, just contact us. We’re here to help.

When can I take the NCIDQ Exam?

NCIDQ gives the test twice each year – in the Spring and the Fall.

There are several ways you can learn about upcoming dates and deadlines for upcoming test administrations. You can visit the NCIDQ website.

You can also subscribe to our NCIDQ Study Schedule for exam dates and deadlines, and add these to your personal calendar.

These dates are provided for your convenience and reference with our study schedule. Always confirm your eligibility and the exact dates and locations in your MyNCIDQ account.

The Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX) tests your knowledge of:

• Building Systems
• Construction Standards
• Design Application

You’ll have three hours to complete the 125 question multiple-choice exam IDFX.  100 questions count towards your grade. 25 questions are experimental questions and don’t count towards your score.

You can apply to take the IDFX once you meet CIDQ’s educational requirements, even before you complete your required work experience. 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.

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 seven (7) 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.

Here are some examples of the types of topics covered per content area on the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam, and some recommended study resources:

Want a cheat sheet of everything you need to study for IDFX?

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Review and understand different research methods and tools used for programming and site analysis. Know standards that determine functional space needs and how they represent the project context.

Become familiar with different tools used in site analysis to represent the client's goals and space needs. As part of the schematic design phase, designers may use block diagrams, drawn to scale after bubble diagrams. These visually depict the spatial relationships developed in adjacency matrices.

Get double-duty from your study of site context, existing conditions, and sustainable attributes. You’ll cover some of the same content that’s in the LEED Green Associate Exam. Consider testing for it to add as a second credential after you pass the IDFX.

This content area includes 15 items worth 15% on the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam.

For example:

• Research methods (interviewing, surveying, case studies, benchmarking/precedent)
• Analysis tools (e.g., spreadsheets, site photographs, matrices, bubble diagrams)
• Project context (e.g., space use, culture, client preference)
• Site context (e.g., location, views, solar orientation)
• Existing conditions
• Sustainable attributes (e.g., indoor air quality, energy conservation, renewable resources)

Read: What's This About Programming?

The designed environment affects human behavior in a variety of ways. The designer must understand the many human factors and influences that affect the user's needs and use of a space.

By considering sensory and universal design principles, the designer can meet the needs of different populations. These include those with special needs, children and the elderly.

One market is emerging for professionals who understand the special needs of “aging in place”. Our population needs more trained to design for the needs of a growing aging consumer population.

There are 10 scored questions from IDFX Content Area 2 on the exam.

For example:

• Influences (environmental, social, psychological, cultural, aesthetic, global)
• Human factors (e.g., ergonomics, anthropometrics, proxemics)
• Sensory considerations (e.g., acoustics, lighting, visual stimuli, color theory, scent, tactile)
• Universal Design
• Special population considerations (e.g., Aging in Place, pediatric, special needs)

Read: Design Concepts: What’s Under The Umbrella?

An important aspect of interior architecture is close integration with building systems and construction. A designer should build up a knowledge base of how building systems work with the interior for all 3 NCIDQ Exams.

For IDFX, designers should learn to identify different construction types and building components.

Understand how different systems work and affect design planning for the interior. These building systems include mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Later, you'll also apply these skill directly to the Practicum (PRAC).

This content is worth 15% on the IDFX Exam, there are 15 scored questions.

Designers should understand:

• Building construction types (e.g., wood, steel, concrete)
• Building components (e.g., doors, windows, studs)
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Lighting systems (e.g., zoning, sensors, daylighting)
• Plumbing systems
• Structural systems
• Fire protection systems
• Low voltage systems (e.g., data and communication, security, A/V)
• Acoustical systems

Read: The Nuts and Bolts of Building Systems and Construction

Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment–aka FF&E, is a big part of the designer’s responsibility.

It’s not enough to select FF&E is that just looks good. Designers research product information to evaluate and specify FF&E most appropriate for the specific project. Factors include important life safety considerations like flammability, toxicity, and slip resistance.

IDFX content area 4 is worth 15%. There are 15 scored items on the exam. 

Designers should understand which criteria is needed for:

• Life safety (e.g., flammability, toxicity, slip resistance)
• Textiles
• Acoustics
• Wall treatments
• Floor coverings
• Ceiling treatments
• Window treatments
• Lighting (e.g., light sources, fixtures, calculations, distribution color rendering)
• Furniture and equipment
  (e.g., types, uses, space needs)

Read: FF&E Specifications: The Tip of the Iceberg

Construction documents tell how the entire design plan is put into action. They translate the designers' and clients' vision into instructions for what to build.

There are 20 items worth 20%, including questions about these essential construction documents:

• Demolition plan
• Floor plan
  (e.g., partitions, construction, dimensions, enlarged)
• Reflected ceiling plan
• Lighting plan
• Power and communication plan
• Furniture plan
• Finish plan
• Elevations, sections, and details
  (e.g., partition types, millwork)
• Schedules
• Specifications
  (e.g., prescriptive, performance, and proprietary)

Read: Know Contract Documents for Success on the NCIDQ Exam

On the IDFX exam, designers test their knowledge of different design communication methods and techniques.

It's important to choose the right diagram, drawing or rendering for the purpose. These represent different types of information for each design phase:

• Functional parti diagrams
• Models (e.g., physical, virtual)
• Rendering (e.g., 2-D, perspective)
• Material and finish presentations
  (e.g., boards, binders, digital)
• Bubble diagrams
• Adjacency matrices
• Charts (e.g., flow chart, Gantt chart)
• Stacking/zoning diagrams
• Block plans/square footage allocations
• Floor plans
• Mock-ups and prototypes

IDFX 7 is worth 10% with 10 scored items.

Read: Design Communication: It's About Show and Tell

Master the content for the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam with the Qpractice Study Plan.

Get a comprehensive review program organized to help you cover the NCIDQ Content Areas, online quizzes with explanations, and unlimited 24/7 access to the Qpractice NCIDQ IDFX Practice Test online. Learn More Here →

The NCIDQ Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX) is a 4-hour multiple choice exam that tests your knowledge in the content areas of:

• Building Systems
• Codes
• Professional Practice
• Project Coordination

You will take 150 scored questions and an extra 25 experimental unscored questions. Here is an example of some of the topics covered in the IDPX Content Areas:

See more recommended study resources for IDPX

Want a cheat sheet of everything you need to study for IDPX?

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Many experts work together to complete a successful interior design project. Interior designers work with many specialty consultants to manage design milestones for the client.

Understanding project team dynamics and managing related professionals is essential for project coordination.

There are 15 scored items which account for 10% of your score. Project coordination includes:

• Critical path (i.e., design milestones, sequencing)
• Project team dynamics
• Project budgeting,/tracking during design phases
• Architects
• Engineers (e.g., electrical, structural, mechanical, civil)
• Specialty consultants (e.g., landscape, lighting A/V, acoustical, food service, graphics/signage)
• Contractors/construction managers
• Real estate professionals (e.g., realtor, landlord, leasing agent, developer, property owner)

Read: Keeping on Course: Project Management

For IDPX, designers build upon their knowledge of the different building components and systems. It's important to understand how to coordinate with various building systems to meet design objectives.

There are 24 questions worth 16% on the exam. Learn to coordinate with:

• Building construction types (e.g., wood, steel, concrete)
• Building components (e.g., doors, windows, wall assemblies)
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Lighting systems (e.g., zoning, sensors, daylighting)
• Plumbing systems
• Structural systems
• Fire protection systems
• Low voltage systems (e.g., data and communication, security, A/V)
• Acoustical systems
• Sequencing of work (e.g., plumbing before drywall)
• Permit requirements

Read: The Nuts and Bolts of Building Systems and Construction

FF&E doesn’t just deal with aesthetics of design selections. Product and material coordination involves many technical specifications and life safety requirements.

And none of the design installation can happen without understanding lead time and procurement procedures.

Product and material coordination is worth about the same in 2016, with 21 questions worth 14%:

• Cost estimating
• Product components (e.g., types, assembly, methods)
• Material detail drawings (e.g., custom products)
• Lead time (e.g., manufacturing time, delivery)
• Installation
• Life safety (e.g., flammability, toxicity, slip resistance)
• Technical specifications
• Maintenance documents (e.g., warranties, manuals)
• Existing FF&E inventory documentation
• Procurement procedures (e.g., purchase orders, prepayment requirements)

To Read: FF&E Specifications: The Tip of the Iceberg

An interior designer may spend only 10 – 25% of their time “designing”. They spend the rest of the time working behind the scenes to make their designs a reality. The designer executes their vision through the contract documents that put the designer’s plan into action.

Skill in developing construction drawings and specifications will determine how successful the design is. These contract documents include the:

• Cover sheet (e.g., General Conditions and Notes, drawing index)
• Code required plans (e.g., egress, accessibility, specialty codes)
• Elevations, sections and details (e.g., partition types, millwork)
• Consultant drawings (e.g., MEP, structural, security, specialty consultants)
• Specification types (e.g., prescriptive, performance, and proprietary)
• Specification formats (e.g., divisions)

There are 24 questions about contract documents worth 16% of the IDPX exam.

Read: Presentation & Construction Documents

Contract administration is a bit like juggling – requiring balance and constant motion. The NCIDQ Interior Design Professional Exam covers contract administration from bidding through construction and project close out. And even after construction through post occupancy evaluations.

To pass this content area, you should understand the process throughout these design phases. Along with codes and standards, this is one of the highest weighted areas on IDPX, worth 18% with 27 questions.

• Project management (e.g., schedule, budget, quality control
• Forms (e.g., transmittals, change orders, bid/tender, addenda, bulletin, purchase orders)
• Punch list/deficiency lists
• Site visits and field reports
• Project meetings/meeting management/meeting protocol and minutes
• Shop drawings and submittals
• Construction mock-ups
• Value engineering
• Project accounting (e.g., payment schedules, invoices)
• Contractor pay applications
• Project close-out
• Post-occupancy evaluation

Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to know for the IPDX Exam: Finding Balance in Contract Administration

Professional interior designers understand their role throughout the entire scope of practice. This includes the business obligations of the designer, contractor, owner and others during the project.

Managing a successful and ethical design practice also involves professional certification, and knowledge of insurance and contracts. Other economic factors include budgeting, accounting and legal considerations, for example:

• Scope of practice
• Proposals e.g., time and fee estimation, RFP process, project scope)
• Budgeting principles and practices (project specific)
• Contracts
• Phases of a project
• Business licenses (e.g., sales and use tax, resale certificates)
• Accounting principles (office/business)
• Legal considerations (e.g., liabilities and forms of business)
• Insurance
• Professional licensure, certification, registration
• Economic factors

Professional and business practices includes 12 items worth 8% of the exam.

Read: Would You Be At Fault? The Interior Designer’s Liability for FF&E

Maximize your review for the Interior Design Professional Exam with the Qpractice Study Plan.

Get a plan to help you master the NCIDQ Content Areas, online quizzes with explanations, and unlimited 24/7 access to the Qpractice NCIDQ IDPX Practice Test online. Learn More Here.

NCIDQ administered the first computer based Practicum, (PRAC 2.0) in fall 2017. The exam covers the same competencies as the previous hand drawn exam, but is organized differently and uses several new question types.

The PRAC 2.0 exam content is organized into 3 case studies or collections of plans, programs, codes, and specs or schedules to solve a design problem. Each case study has 40 questions for a total of 120 scored questions.

Case studies represent the most common project types that interior designers deal with, including residential, small and large commercial spaces.

Learn what you need to study for the Practicum:

Send Me the Cheat Sheet!

Programming and site analysis will be tested as part of all 3 case studies and will focus on questions that demonstrate your ability to:

• Analyze relevant qualities of interior space plan as they relate to a program
• Determine appropriate block plans/square footage allocations
• Identify necessary adjacencies and demonstrate appropriate use of bubble diagram, matrices and renderings
• Assess the human factors related to the interior space (e.g., ergonomics, anthropometrics, proxemics)
• Demonstrate understanding of zoning and building use requirements

• Demonstrate understanding of universal/accessible design standards
• Demonstrate understanding of square footage standards (e.g., code, BOMA, lease)
• Integrate life safety elements into design such as paths of egress and fire separation

• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review a detailed floor plan including construction plans, dimensions, demolition plans
• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review a finished plan for an interior space
• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review a detailed furniture plan
• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review a preliminary elevation, sections, and details including partition types and millwork
• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review code required plans such as egress, accessibility, specialty codes)
• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review a reflected ceiling plan including a lighting plan
• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review schedules
• Ability to develop, analyze, and/or review power, data, and communications plans

• Demonstrate knowledge of and application of relevant consultant drawings such as MEP, structural, security and specialty consultants
• Demonstrate knowledge of and application of relevant building components such as doors, windows and wall assemblies
• Demonstrate knowledge of and application of relevant building construction types such as wood, steel and concrete
• Determine appropriate lighting systems for interior spaces such as zoning, sensors, and daylighting
  Integrate fire protection systems into design

Interior Design Licensing and legislation

About half the states in the US, Puerto Rico and the Canadian Provinces have some form of Interior Design Legislation.

Contrary to popular belief, interior design legislation does not restrict business for unregistered designers. Instead, design laws expand business opportunities for registered interior designers.

Registered, licensed, or NCIDQ certified interior designers in some states can sign, seal, and submit drawings for permitting.

It’s a good idea to learn about your state’s interior design legislation when you begin your prep for the NCIDQ Exam. Then you can start to prepare your paperwork to meet any requirements.

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.

Places you can start for 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 our guide with sample application processes so you can learn what to do next.