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Best interior design consultant certifications
Interior design consultant certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an interior design consultant to employers. However, not all interior design consultant certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an interior design consultant are Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED).
Below is a list of the best interior design consultant certifications. Obtaining an interior design consultant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
3 best certifications for interior design consultants
| Rank | Interior design consultant certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | CIDQ |
| 2 | National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ) | NCIDQ |
| 3 | LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED) | GBCI |
3 best interior design consultant 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. LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED)
For professionals with expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education and healthcare sectors. The LEED BD+C exam is designed to measure your knowledge and skill in understanding the LEED Rating system and ability to facilitate the project certification process.
- 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)
What is the best certification for an interior design consultant?
The best interior design consultant 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 interior design consultant 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 an interior design consultant career and salary?
The National Council 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 design consultants make an average salary of $61,447.
The most common combination of interior design consultant certifications include: Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED).
Online courses for interior design consultants to earn certifications
1. Mastering Interior Design Styles
Criteria and Characteristics Of Different Interior Design Styles Simplified...
2. 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...
3. How to Design a Room in 10 Easy Steps
Interior Design Made Simple...
4. How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro
Interior Design Styles Demystified...
5. How to Use Lighting Design to Transform your Home
Learn How to Use Lighting in your Interior Design Like a Pro...
6. Design Thinking: Customer Journey Mapping
Sure shot way to delight customers, recreate value proposition, improve customer experience (CX) & become profitable...
7. 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...
8. Use Minimalist Interior Design to Live your Best Life
Minimalist Interior Design Deconstructed...
9. 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...
10. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects
Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...
11. 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...
12. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners
Photoshop graphic design for beginners! Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...
13. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design
The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...
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. How to Design Your Dream Kitchen
Learn Kitchen Design from A to Z...
16. Use Eco-friendly, Sustainable Design to Improve your Life
Save Money and Live Healthier through Eco-Friendly Interior Design...
17. Styling and Staging Interior Spaces
Interior styling and staging is the key to character and interest in interior projects...
18. Design Thinking & Project Management: 2 in 1 Complete Guides
(1) DT: Empathy, Define, Ideation, Prototype, Testing PLUS (2) PM: Planning, Cost, Quality, Risks, Feasibility, Methods...
19. Create & Design a Modern Interior in Blender
Learn how to design a realistic interior in Blender 3D!...
20. Everything Small Home Design
Small Home Living at its Best...