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APPLYING FOR NCIDQ EXAMS
To get started, create a free MyNCIDQ Account.
Applications submitted February 1 - July 31 will be reviewed for the fall/October 2025 NCIDQ Exam
Application Routes
Route 1: IDFX, IDPX, PRAC
Candidates who meet both the EDUCATION and WORK EXPERIENCE requirements at the time of application should apply for Route 1.
Application requirements:
1. Submit official transcript(s) - once received and uploaded by CIDQ, you will receive an email notification.
2. Complete work verification section. Once your direct supervisor or sponsor has verified, you will receive a notification.
3. Pay application fee and submit.
4. Your application will be reviewed. You will then receive an email notification with your status.
Route 2, Part 1: IDFX ONLY
Candidates who meet the EDUCATION requirement or are in the final year of their bachelor’s or master’s interior design degree program, and have not acquired the necessary work experience, may opt to first apply to take the IDFX. Upon successfully passing the IDFX and completing the required work experience, candidates must submit a new application with an official transcript, completed work experience, and application fee for the IDPX & PRAC exams.
Application requirements for IDFX ONLY:
1. Submit official transcript(s) - once received and uploaded by CIDQ, you will receive an email notification.
2. Pay application fee and submit.
3. Your application will be reviewed. You will then receive an email notification with your status.
Route 2, Part 2 - PLUS: after approval of IDFX ONLY and completion of work experience
Application requirements for IDPX/PRAC:
1. Submit official transcript(s) - once received and uploaded by CIDQ, you will receive an email notification.
Note: Official transcript must show degree awarded and date conferred.
2. Complete work verification section. Once your direct supervisor or sponsor has verified, you will receive a notification.
3. Pay application fee and submit.
4. Your application will be reviewed. You will then receive an email notification with your status.
Route 1 and Route 2, Part 2 Candidates:
Be sure to allow enough time for your work experience to be verified by your direct supervisor or sponsor.
Application Facts
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Do NOT submit an application until ready to begin sitting for the NCIDQ Examination. The candidate's eligibility period will begin upon application approval.
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Application fees must be paid for an application to be reviewed, and the fees are non-refundable.
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Exams must be passed within the eligibility period granted, or applications and scores will be nullified and the full process will have to be repeated successfully to gain certification. Once approved for the three exam sections, you may take them in any order you desire.
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To be eligible for the NCIDQ Exam, applicants must fully meet current eligibility requirements, including education and work experience, when submitting an application.
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Deficient applications are held for three years. After that time, applicants will need to start the application process over from the beginning, including submitting all materials, paying all fees, and meeting current eligibility requirements.
OFFICIAL EDUCATION TRANSCRIPTS
Official transcripts must be requested directly from the institution attended and submitted to CIDQ for inclusion with all applications. For expedited handling, CIDQ encourages you to send official transcripts electronically to transcripts@cidq.org. Otherwise, official transcripts may be sent in a sealed envelope via trackable mail, directly from the educational institution, to CIDQ (mailing address in website footer) via USPS Certified Mail, FedEx, or UPS to ensure delivery confirmation. Transcripts received in unsealed or tampered envelopes will not be accepted. CIDQ staff will upload your official transcript upon receipt. Applications cannot be paid and submitted for review without a transcript being uploaded to one's MyNCIDQ Account.
Test Accommodations
CIDQ is fully committed to providing reasonable testing accommodations for a candidate’s documented medical condition that constitutes a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To request testing accommodations, a candidate must complete the Testing Accommodations Request form at the same time an exam application is submitted, and prior to scheduling an exam appointment with Prometric.
NON-ADA CANDIDATES who have special needs that are not generally covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008 (i.e. pregnancy or diabetes) should also complete the Test Accommodations Application. The test accommodations application, required documentation, the specific accommodation and corresponding reason you are requesting test accommodations, must be received as indicated above.