​Since 1974, the Council for Interior Design Qualification's (CIDQ) mission has been to create, test, and promote guidelines for determining competency in the practice of interior design. NCIDQ Certification has been the standard for interior design professionals for 50 years.

 

CIDQ's membership is comprised of jurisdictional regulatory boards, which oversee interior design practice across the U.S. and Canada. NCIDQ Certification is part of the standard for regulated interior design practice in the majority of states and  Canadian provinces.​

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Worldwide, people tend to spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. NCIDQ Certified interior designers create spaces where we live, work, and play, such as office buildings, restaurants, libraries, hospitals, entertainment venues, and houses of worship. Qualified through education, experience, and examination, NCIDQ Certified interior designers have a responsibility to protect occupants through the design of code-compliant, accessible, and inclusive interior environments. They make sure that there are adequate pathways to exit the building in an emergency, that appropriate materials are used to reduce slip and fall risk, or which minimize the release of toxic fumes in the event of a fire, and that spaces are accessible for persons with disabilities to name just a few examples. NCIDQ Certified interior designers enhance the performance of a space, elevate its safety and functionality, and offer inspiration and dignity to people’s lives.

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Interior design is not yet regulated in every U.S. and Canadian jurisdiction. Reasonable regulation of the interior design profession is important. It ensures that only competent and qualified designers can work independently in code-regulated spaces, protects the public from fraudulent, unqualified, and unethical practitioners, and increases consumer choice.

 

​​​​​The rigorous NCIDQ Exam assesses the competency of interior designers to practice in a manner that protects public health, safety, and welfare. CIDQ supports policies and legislation that enable interior designers to practice to the full extent of their demonstrated capabilities and be held accountable for their work…just like other design professionals such as architects and engineers with whom they frequently collaborate. 

 

Engage a highly trained, highly qualified professional for your interior design project:

hire an NCIDQ Certified interior designer.