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Best design drafter certifications
Design drafter certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an design drafter to employers. However, not all design drafter certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a design drafter are Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Mechanical Certified Drafter (CD), and Drafter Certification.
Below is a list of the best design drafter certifications. Obtaining an design drafter certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for design drafters
| Rank | Design drafter certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | CIDQ |
| 2 | Mechanical Certified Drafter (CD) | ADDA |
| 3 | Drafter Certification | ADDA |
| 4 | Certified Design Drafter | ADDA |
| 5 | Certified Professional Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 | Autodesk, Inc... |
| 6 | Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) | NCEES |
| 7 | Certified Professional Autodesk Inventor 2012 | Autodesk, Inc... |
| 8 | National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | NCIDQ |
8 best design drafter 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. Mechanical Certified Drafter (CD)
Becoming a Certified Drafter, reflects your proven knowledge of drafting. Certification will, enhance your credibility as a professional, improve your opportunities for promotion and pay increases, give you a competitive edge in a highly technical job market. When employers hire an ADDA Certified Drafter, they know that the new employee meets certification criteria and that they have demonstrated initiative and pride in the profession by becoming certified.
- 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 3 year(s)
3. Drafter Certification
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Certified Design Drafter
Professional Certification is an on-line examination provided by ADDA to establish a credentialing system based on an individual's competency level. The examinations are based on years of experience or training level. Examinations are Professional Level but are available to students. Examinations may be taken at any approved testing site or through a proctor approved by ADDA. Professional Certification through ADDA is a 3 year lifespan, from date of certification and requires renewal.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
5. Certified Professional Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Engineer In Training Certification (EIT)
The EIT Certification, which is formally known as the Engineer In Training Certification, is simply a document, a number, granted by the individual’s state engineering board after they pass the Engineer In Training Exam. The Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam) is the first of two exams you will take as you move towards obtaining your Professional Engineering License (PE). This exam, which you may also hear referred to as the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE Exam), is developed and administered in all states (and a number of locations outside the US) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The FE Exam is offered to eligible students year-round in four different testing windows.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
7. Certified Professional Autodesk Inventor 2012
Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex workflow and design challenges will, in most cases, pursue recognition as Certified Professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. 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?
What is the best certification for a design drafter?
The best design drafter 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 design drafter 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.
What certifications can impact a design drafter career and salary?
The Certified Interior Designer certification will help you to secure a interior designer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A interior designer's average salary is $54,783 whereas design drafters make an average salary of $50,021.
The most common combination of design drafter certifications include: Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Mechanical Certified Drafter (CD), and Drafter Certification.
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