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All the essentials for applying for the NCIDQ Exam.
Applying for NCIDQ Exams
Not sure where to start? This quick video walks you through the entire application process—step by step. From how to create an account to submitting your materials, we’ve got you covered.
“You have everything to gain from it and nothing to lose from having it. By taking the NCIDQ Exam, you are striving to be the best you can be. It is passable, but it is difficult so it can set the standards for qualified designers.”
— Bonnie Hakes, NCIDQ Certificate No. 12378
Application Routes Overview
Route 1: IDFX, IDPX, IDIX (formerly PRAC)
For candidates who meet both education and work experience requirements at the time of application.
Steps to Apply:
- Submit official transcript(s).
You’ll be notified once CIDQ uploads them. - Complete work verification.
Your supervisor or sponsor must verify. You’ll receive a confirmation once complete. - Pay application fee and submit application.
- Receive status update via email after review.
Route 2, Part 1: IDFX Only
For candidates who meet the education requirement (or are in their final year of an interior design degree program) but do not yet have the required work experience.
Steps to Apply for IDFX Only:
- Submit official transcript(s).
You’ll be notified once CIDQ uploads them. - Pay application fee and submit application.
- Receive status update via email after review.
Route 2, Part 2: IDPX & IDIX (formerly PRAC)
After approval of IDFX Only and completion of work experience, submit a new application to take the IDPX and IDIX.
Steps to Apply for IDPX & IDIX (formerly PRAC):
- Submit official transcript(s).
Must show degree awarded and date conferred. - Complete work verification.
Your supervisor or sponsor must verify. You’ll receive a confirmation once complete. - Pay application fee and submit application.
- Receive status update via email after review.
Application Tips
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Apply When You’re Ready
Your eligibility period starts as soon as your application is approved. -
Plan Ahead
Route 1 and Route 2, Part 2 candidates must allow enough time to have your work experience verified by your supervisor or sponsor. -
Fees Are Final
Application fees must be paid to be reviewed. They are non-refundable. -
Stay Within Your Window
All exams must be passed within your eligibility period or you’ll need to reapply. -
Meet Eligibility Requirements
You must have the required education and work experience before applying. -
Deficient Applications Expire After 3 Years
Incomplete applications are held for up to three years and then must be restarted from scratch.
Official Education Transcripts
All candidates must request official transcripts directly from their educational institution. CIDQ requires these transcripts for all applications.
For the fastest processing, official transcripts should be sent electronically from the educational institution to transcripts@cidq.org. Alternatively, transcripts may be mailed in a sealed envelope directly from the institution using a trackable delivery service such as USPS Certified Mail, FedEx, or UPS. The mailing address can be found in the footer of this website.
Please note that transcripts received in unsealed or tampered envelopes will not be accepted. Once received, CIDQ will upload the transcript to your MyNCIDQ Account. Applications cannot be paid for or submitted until the official transcript has been uploaded.
Exam Eligibility Window
Once your application is approved, your eligibility period to take the NCIDQ Examination begins.
All three exam sections—IDFX, IDPX, and IDIX (formerly PRAC)—must be passed within this approved time frame. If you do not complete all sections within the eligibility period, your application and any passed sections will be voided. You will need to reapply, repay all fees, and meet current eligibility requirements to move forward.
Once approved, you may take the exam sections in any order.
Testing Accommodations
CIDQ is committed to providing reasonable testing accommodations for candidates with a documented medical condition that qualifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
To request accommodations, candidates must complete the Testing Accommodations Request Form when submitting their exam application—before scheduling an exam with Prometric.
Candidates with special needs not covered by the ADA (e.g., pregnancy, diabetes) should also complete the Test Accommodations Application. All required documentation, including the specific accommodation requested and the reason for the request, must be submitted at the same time as the exam application.
Pre-approved items do not require testing accommodations.