NCIDQ Exam

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination is taken for licensure purposes in certain areas. This assessment is also used for qualification into specific organizations, and it is a sign of achievement in interior design. To be eligible, a candidate must have college credits in interior design. A total of six years of college education and experience is needed. Transcript documentation of a candidate's education will be required. Work experience applied to the eligibility requirements has to be either part- or full-time interior design work. Teaching is not accepted as experience. A candidate's work experience should begin after his or her education is finished or nearly finished.

Section I of the NCIDQ exam includes multiple-choice items which cover the following content:

• Programming (41 questions)
• Schematic Design (40 questions)
• Design Development (44 questions)

Section II of the NCIDQ exam includes multiple-choice items which cover the following content:

• Contract Documents (35 questions)
• Contract Administration (32 questions)
• Professional Practice (33 questions)

In Section III, practicum, the candidate will need to create a design solution. It involves:

• 24.61% Programming
• 23.54% Schematic Design
• 25.91% Design Development
• 25.94% Contract Documents

The multiple-choice sections of the NCIDQ test each include 25 pre-trial questions that will not be scored. The final score will be in the 200-800 range, and candidates must receive a minimum of 500 to pass.