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NCIDQ Verified Reference
The NCIDQ Exam is not a test of any one book, but of the common body of knowledge necessary for practicing professional interior designers. You can further develop your understanding in areas where you have less work experience by supplementing with some of these study materials.
Start with the Qpractice Work Experience Assessment in the beginning of your exam prep to help identify those areas, so you can plan for extra study and research. Use the collective wisdom of other members and our team of NCIDQ Certified designers in our study group while you’re prepping, too — many are experts in their field of specialty.
These list contains study books from the selections on CIDQ’s list of verified references.
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The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, 8th Edition Ebook
$86.00The 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. -
Qpractice NCIDQ Exam Guide, 3rd Edition Ebook
$236.00In 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 it includes a bonus five-year access to your book in VitalSource Bookshelf Online from any web browser.Register to be notified when the new 2026 version is available!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
