Best NCIDQ Study Books and Reference Manuals

What NCIDQ study books do you really need? To follow along with the Qpractice study plan, you will need a textbook — either the Qpractice NCIDQ Exam Guide or the Interior Design Reference Manual. Qpractice lessons, quizzes, and the Qpractice NCIDQ Exam Guide source material from many of the books on CIDQ’s list of verified exam references, including the very same books that item writers use to create exam questions. At the end of each lesson, we list exact chapters for further study, so you can target your study for the NCIDQ Exam in a way that makes the most sense for you.

The Top NCIDQ Study Books You Need to Help You Pass the Exam

This curated selection of NCIDQ Exam reference books includes those we use at Qpractice, have used at work, and selected verified references used by NCIDQ item writers to create test questions. You can also use many of these in your job regularly after the exam.

Qpractice NCIDQ Exam Guide, 3rd Edition Ebook
$236.00
In the Qpractice NCIDQ Exam Guide, 3rd Edition, we include the 9 best books you need to pass the NCIDQ Exam the first time. Includes an illustrated guide to the 2018 International Building Codes, the version used on the exam. As used by schools like Auburn University and SCAD in their Interior Design curriculum.

The download on your device does not expire, and includes bonus access to your book in VitalSource Bookshelf Online from any web browser five years.

Start studying right away! Just follow the instructions on your emailed receipt.

Download for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Mac & PC. Take notes, make flashcards, highlight, and even have your computer read to you using text-to-speech on compatible devices.
NCIDQ Interior Design Reference Manual, 7th Edition
$289.00
Comprehensive review for the NCIDQ IDFX, IDPX, and PRAC Exams. The NCIDQ Interior Design Reference Manual includes content updated for the 2021-current NCIDQ Exams. Includes study group support for Qpractice members with an active subscription.

Choose from:
- Digital edition with 1-year eTextbook Access RECOMMENDED, or
- Print book with free US shipping, subject to availability
- Study online or offline when you download it to your device. Take notes, highlight, make flashcards, and even have your computer read your book to you using text-to-speech on compatible devices with the new eTextbook.
The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, 8th Edition Ebook
$98.75
The Codes Guidebook for Interiors is an especially helpful guide for all NCIDQ Exams, especially for applied codes like in Practicum. Many Qpractice members have used this to study and successfully pass the NCIDQ Exams.

It includes the 2018 and 2021 versions of codes including IBC, NFPA, ANSI, ADA, and other standards.
NCIDQ Practicum Mock Exam, 3rd Edition Practice Questions
$130.00
NCIDQ Practicum Practice Test problems, updated to match the 2021-current NCIDQ Interior Design Practicum Exam format and codes.
We recommend the digital edition for fast access during exam season.
- Digital edition with 1-year eTextbook Access, or
- Print book with free US shipping, subject to availability
- 120 practice questions and detailed explanations
- Study group support for Qpractice members
NCIDQ IDPX Professional Practice Questions and Mock Exam, 3rd Edition
$130.00
NCIDQ IDPX Practice Test problems updated to match the 2021-current NCIDQ Interior Design Professional Exam and IDPX Blueprint.
We recommend the digital edition for fast access during exam season.
- Digital edition with 1-year eTextbook Access, or
- Print book with free US shipping, subject to availability
- 100 practice questions with detailed explanations
- 175 exam-like questions mock exam
- Includes study group support for Qpractice members!
Interior Construction & Detailing for Designers & Architects, 6th Edition
$225.00
Interior Construction & Detailing for Designers & Architects covers building systems and construction for interior design and is a listed reference used by CIDQ item writers in developing questions for the NCIDQ Exam.
- Digital edition with 1-year eTextbook Access, or
- Print book with free US shipping, subject to availability
- Study group support for Qpractice members
NCIDQ IDFX Fundamentals Practice Questions and Mock Exam, 3rd Edition
$130.00
New NCIDQ IDFX Practice Test problems are available in print or digital eTextbook format, updated to match the 2021-current NCIDQ Interior Design Fundamental Exam format and IDFX Blueprint.
We recommend the digital edition for fast access during exam season.
- Digital edition with 1-year eTextbook Access, or
- Print book with free US shipping, subject to availability
- 100 practice questions with detailed explanations
- 125-question mock exam
- Includes study group support for Qpractice members
The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability

Get this book if you are taking IDPX and/or ever plan to go into business for yourself. We know extremely successful designers who have based their entire practice on systems in this book.
Professional Practice for Interior Designers

This guide to professional practice for interior designers includes access to a companion website with resources and forms. Recommended by CIDQ for the NCIDQ Exam. Selected chapters included in the Qpractice NCIDQ Exam Guide.
Fiona Finer The Interior Designer
$12.00
If you’ve ever tried to explain to friends, family, or colleagues what an interior designer really does – this delightful children's art book will be entertaining for you! By Qpractice alumna and NCIDQ Ambassador Corinn Soro, NCIDQ, CID, CHID, EDAC, SEGD
The Brand of You digital edition: The ultimate guide for an interior designer’s career journey
$18.95
Special Epub/PDF Digital Edition. In The Brand of You, Qpractice graduate Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz share why establishing your personal brand is critical to navigating your career journey with confidence, preparedness and optimism.
CEU Workshop The Brand of You
$30.00
Join Qpractice founder Lisa League for a special in this special CEU with authors Jenny Rebholz and Qpractice graduate Aga Artka who'll share what they've learned in their book, The Brand of You. Includes:
- On-demand video format with quiz
- Digital download of the The Brand of You book
- 1 hour IDCEC approved CEU credit
Estimating for Interior Designers

Use this book to help you understand and learn to quickly complete calculations on the NCIDQ Exam for wallpaper, flooring, and window treatments.
Interior Graphic and Design Standards

Qpractice founder Lisa League still uses this book as a reference for commercial layouts, custom millwork, and as a guide for dimensions for elevations and sections. Need help planning restrooms? This book has a zillion different arrangements for residential bathrooms and commercial restrooms.
Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning

Qpractice founder Lisa League used to borrow Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning regularly in her job as a hospitality designer, and this is a reference recommended by CIDQ for the NCIDQ Exams.
Human Dimension & Interior Space: A Source Book of Design Reference Standards

Human Dimension & Interior Space is especially helpful for understanding anthropometrics. Several questions on the new CIDQ PRAC 2 practice test reference the type of data presented in this book. Great professional reference for professional design of custom furniture, banquettes, cabinetry, reception desks, display cases, and other custom millwork. Now available on Kindle.
Interior Lighting for Designers

We recommend Interior Lighting for Designers for all exam sections, especially if you don't have professional experience specifying and designing lighting systems. Also a recommended reference for the NCIDQ Exam by CIDQ.