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Best interior decorator certifications
Interior decorator certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an interior decorator to employers. However, not all interior decorator certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an interior decorator are Certified Interior Decorator (CID), Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and Certified Decorator.
Below is a list of the best interior decorator certifications. Obtaining an interior decorator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
3 best certifications for interior decorators
| Rank | Interior decorator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Interior Decorator (CID) | C.I.D. |
| 2 | Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | CIDQ |
| 3 | Certified Decorator | RBA |
3 best interior decorator certifications
1. Certified Interior Decorator (CID)
The C.I.D. Certification Online Course and Home Study programs were written specifically for the Interior Decorator by Ron Renner, founder and president of Certified Interior Decorators International (C.I.D.). Instruction includes the basics of certification, elements of interior design and decoration, business practice and "How to Charge for Services".
- 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?
2. 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)
3. Certified Decorator
A decorator at this level and for this designation prepares and finishes sweet baked goods for a commercial bakery. Duties include preparing icings, decorating a variety of cakes using various techniques, seasonal displays and specialty designs, and working with customers. He/she demonstrates a basic knowledge about sanitation.
- 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 an interior decorator?
The best interior decorator certification is Certified Interior Decorator (CID). The Certified Interior Decorator (CID) is awarded by the Certified Interior Decorators International. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this interior decorator certification:
- To become a certified Certified Interior Decorator (CID), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What certifications can impact an interior decorator career and salary?
The Certified Interior Designer certification will help you to secure an interior designer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An interior designer's average salary is $54,783 whereas interior decorators make an average salary of $47,169.
The most common combination of interior decorator certifications include: Certified Interior Decorator (CID), Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and Certified Decorator.
Online courses for interior decorators to earn certifications
1. Interior Design for your Modern Home: A Room by Room Guide
Learn how to take charge of your home interior design and confidently make the right design decisions...
2. Interior Decorating: An A-Z System For Your Home
Everything You Need to Know to Start Decorating and Designing Your Home Like a Pro...
3. Styling and Staging Interior Spaces
Interior styling and staging is the key to character and interest in interior projects...
4. Mastering Interior Design Styles
Criteria and Characteristics Of Different Interior Design Styles Simplified...
5. How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro
Interior Design Styles Demystified...
6. How to Use Lighting Design to Transform your Home
Learn How to Use Lighting in your Interior Design Like a Pro...
7. Use Minimalist Interior Design to Live your Best Life
Minimalist Interior Design Deconstructed...
8. How to Use Color Like a Pro
Interior Design Color Schemes Made Easy...
9. How to Design a Room in 10 Easy Steps
Interior Design Made Simple...
10. Materials and Finishes in Interior Design
All You Need To Know About The Materials And Finishes Used In Interior Spaces For Ceiling, Walls And Floors...
11. Create & Design a Modern Interior in Blender
Learn how to design a realistic interior in Blender 3D!...
12. Everything Small Home Design
Small Home Living at its Best...
13. Design your Room Using Sketchup
Learn the principles of interior design and how to use Sketch Up to make a 3D model of a bedroom's layout and décor...
14. Design is in the Details: How to Accessorize Like a Pro
Take your interior design from good to great by focusing on the details...
15. Intro to Interior Design Course
This course will give you good base of knowledge about interior design enough to start designing few project of your own...
16. Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve your Life
Save Money and Live Healthier through Eco-Friendly Interior Design...
17. Complete Blender 3x Interior 3D Modelling & Rendering
Learn 3D Modelling, 3D Lighting & 3D Rendering: Create Photo Realistic Interior Scenes & Detailed 3D Models in Blender 3...
18. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects
Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...
19. Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast
Use Color And Contrast Masterfully In Your Design Projects...
20. Architectural Design Tools in Blender - 3D Design
Develop your creative and technical skills to create photo realistic architectural scenes and beautiful 3D models...