This type of certification is referred to as voluntary certification. Candidate eligibility requires a combination of education and experience.Ĭertification is also available for interior designers looking to specialize in a particular area of design.
In California, the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) is required for licensing.
To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree in interior design and two years of full-time work experience.įor interior designers in California, the state requires a different exam than the NCIDQ. Upon passing the NCIDQ exam, candidates may call themselves registered interior designers. The commonly offered exam for interior design licensure is the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. However, in other states, the laws restrict the use of the title “interior designer” to only candidates who pass the state-approved test. They may also both perform interior design work.
In some states, both licensed and unlicensed interior designers may use the title “interior designer” on business cards, advertisements, and more. However, eligibility for licensing exams often includes an experience requirement, so you may first have to work as an apprentice or intern to attain the necessary experience. If the state in which you intend to work requires a license, then you will also have to take a test, like the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. Some states also require interior designers to be licensed. Your portfolio will showcase your best work and provide examples of your artistic ability.Īn interior design education and your own artistic abilities might still not be enough to prepare you for a career in interior design. When applying for interior design jobs, and after you’ve completed your degree to become an interior designer, you may also need to prove your potential by presenting a portfolio of your best sketches. Interior design process and presentation.History of architectural interiors and furnishings.Classes you’ll likely take in preparation for a career as an interior designer will cover topics such as: No matter which major you choose, you should plan on taking classes in interior design and drafting. The most common majors for interior designers, other than interior design, include the following: Interior design majors might include disciplines other than interior design that have coursework in interior design, as well as an interior designer degree program. No matter what interior designer major you choose, expect to spend time studying not only interior design, but also computer-aided design (CAD) and various art studies, such as drawing and drafting. Most interior design positions require that candidates have at least a bachelor’s degree, but additional certificates or advanced degrees can also help you broaden your knowledge and skills. These programs are accredited with the National Kitchen and Bath Association. According to BLS, there are nearly 100 colleges and universities that offer programs on kitchen and bath design. Also, if you’re thinking of pursuing a certificate in interior design, you’re in luck. If you’ve ever wondered what degree you need to become an interior designer, this article will help you determine which interior design major and degree to pursue. While students may major in any subject to become interior designers, as long as they take the necessary courses that serve as preparation for this unique career, there is a best degree path to follow.Īccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 180 programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design and 360 schools accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The skills are specific to the occupation. But the abilities to draw or use computers aren’t enough on their own. In this profession, you need to be able to create sketches by hand and develop plans with the help of computers. Interior designer schooling is essential to the career. To help get you started on your career path, you must first earn an interior designer degree. With the proper education, you can launch a career in interior design right after graduation. In homes, public places, and commercial buildings, interior designers plan and select the décor of spaces to make them safe, functional, and aesthetically appealing. One related career is that of an interior designer. You are preparing yourself for a fulfilling and financially rewarding career that allows you to put your creativity to work every day. When you decide to major in art and design, you’re not just following a passion.