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Best associate designer certifications
The best certifications for an associate designer are Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and Certified Urban Designer (CUD).
Associate designer certifications demonstrate your competency as an associate designer to employers. However, not all associate designer certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best associate designer certifications. Obtaining an associate designer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for associate designers
| Rank | Associate designer certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | CIDQ |
| 2 | National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | NCIDQ |
| 3 | Certified Urban Designer (CUD) | APA |
| 4 | Certified Construction Manager (CCM) | CMCI |
4 best associate designer certifications
1. Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ)
The NCIDQ Examination consists of three separate exam sections, the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum Exam (PRAC), that measure a candidate's proficiency in interior design principles and application of knowledge to protect public health, safety and welfare. Two of the exams, IDFX and IDPX, are multiple choice exams.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
2. National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ)
Completion of the NCIDQ Examination recognizes that an individual has met minimum competency standards for the practice of interior design. NCIDQ's role includes the establishment of standards for education and experience and the administration of a minimum competency examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Certified Urban Designer (CUD)
Advanced Specialty Certification in Urban Design recognizes an individual's knowledge, experience, and application of design principles.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is someone who has voluntarily met the prescribed criteria of the CCM program with regard to formal education, field experience and demonstrated capability and understanding of the CM body of knowledge.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for an associate designer?
The best associate designer certification is Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ). The Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) is awarded by the Council for Interior Design Qualification. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this associate designer certification:
- To become a certified Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
The most common combination of associate designer certifications include: Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and Certified Urban Designer (CUD).
Online courses for associate designers to earn certifications
1. User Experience Design Immersive (Full-time)
Launch a future-proof career designing digital experiences that power revenue, user loyalty, and product success. Distinguish yourself as a designer by compiling a portfolio to showcase solo, group, and client projects to employers based on UI design and Agile methodologies...
2. User Experience Design (Part Time)
Translate user wants and needs into intuitive digital experiences that power revenue, loyalty, and product success. Build confidence and credibility to tackle complex design problems on the job. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
3. UX Designer
Design impactful user experiences for products in today’s digital world. Build a portfolio that showcases your ability to transform user research to high-fidelity interactive designs...
4. Product Design
Learn the steps you need to turn an idea into reality. By the end of this course you’ll learn how to bring an idea from concept to hand off for development and onto creation of a prototype...
5. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design
The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...
6. Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design
Design 4 Beautiful eye catching Graphic Design Projects from Scratch with Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design Basics...
7. Visual Design (Part Time)
Gain the vocabulary and tools to tackle diverse design challenges on the job. Kickstart your portfolio and create beautiful, responsive designs for the web. This course is offered in person and live online, in a remote classroom setting...
8. Intro to UX Design
Are you interested in UX Design, but have no prior experience or an idea of where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this two-hour livestream, we’ll explore the decision-making process that separates a good user experience from a great one, and learn some tools that you can implement in your own UX process today. All in real time, taught by an industry professional. Come learn the basics and gain the skills you need to begin your UX Design journey!...
9. Digital Design Masterclass For Graphic Designers
Icon Set Design, E-book cover, Digitizing Sketches, Social Media Design, Wordpress Web Design, Adobe Xd, GIFS and more!...
10. Graphic Design Mastery- AI, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign
Graphic Design for beginners including Graphic Design Theories, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AI & Creative Thinking...
11. Graphic Design Mastery: The FULL Branding & Design Process
Follows the FULL Graphic Design Process for A Company: Logo, Ad, Social Media, T-Shirt, Package, Website Design & More!...
12. Construction Site Electrical System Design
Learn how to design a safe, flexible and durable electrical system for any construction site...
13. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners
Photoshop graphic design for beginners! Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...
14. Graphic Design Bootcamp: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
Bestselling Beginner Course! Use Photoshop, Illustrator, & In Design for logo design, web design, poster design, and more...
15. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects
Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...
16. The Branding Masterclass The Entire Brand Design Process
Sketching, Graphic Design, Logo Design, Brand Voice, Color & Typographic Systems, Portfolio and Client Presentations...
17. Graphic Design Masterclass Intermediate: The NEXT Level
Up Your Graphic Design Skills: Logo Design, Photo Manipulation, Package Design, Infographics, Portfolio Building, Grids!...
18. Fabrics for Fashion Design: Essential Learning for Designers
Fundamental Categories, Characteristics, Properties of Fabric: Develop a Fashion Collection Using Fabric As Inspiration...
19. Adobe XD Masterclass: Learn Web Design UI & UX Design
Complete course for web design in Adobe XD! You'll look like a superstar designer, even if you're a beginner!...
20. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects
Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...