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Best interior designer certifications
Interior designer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an interior designer to employers. However, not all interior designer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an interior designer are Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and Certified Interior Decorator (CID).
Below is a list of the best interior designer certifications. Obtaining an interior designer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for interior designers
14 best interior 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 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?
4. Certified Agile Developer (CAD)
Agile approaches help teams respond to unpredictability through incremental, iterative work cadences, known as sprints. Agile methodologies are an alternative to waterfall, or traditional sequential development. Agile, a popular method of delivering top-quality software on schedule through a collaborative, iterative approach. Certification helps in understanding the key principles of Agile software development, which promote faster release cycles, better deliverable's and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. You’ll gain knowledge on policies and process improvements that can enhance interactions between developers and project and program managers. Agile software development, uses iterative, feature-driven, customer-focused Agile practices to develop applications that meet user requirements. In this certification, you also gain practical experience performing each role within an Agile team.
- 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
5. Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD)
Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers (CKBD) Certified Kitchen Designers (CKD) and Certified Bath Designers (CBD) specialize in the design, planning, and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms, and prove advanced knowledge of technical and personal communication skills required to succeed as a design specialist.
- 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 2 year(s)
6. 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?
7. Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI)
The NAHI Certified Real Estate Inspector (CRI) program is a certification that is earned. The designation is given only to home inspectors who demonstrate their advanced knowledge of, and proficiency at, all aspects of a home inspection.
- 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 1 year(s)
8. Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)
Our AAPM Global Board of Standards issues the CPE Certified Planning Engineer - Board Certification to qualified applicants who have met our commission requirements of: Education, Training, Experience, Industry Knowledge, Ethics, and Continuing Education.
- 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)
9. Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification (RIDQC)
NYIAD's Interior Design Course is certified by Designer Society of America. NYIAD Interior Design Students and Graduates are eligible for DSA's Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification (RIDQC). Earn a Respected Interior Design Certification- Receiving RIDQC certification demonstrates commitment and capability. Share this certification with your colleagues, potential clients, and the public. Enhance Your Professional Image- Stand out among interior designers by adding a formal certification to your resume. Certified professionals quickly move to the front of the pack. Certified professionals are held up as examples of excellence in the industry. Greater Earning Potential - This interior design certification can provide greater earning potential. In the design industry, certified professionals earn more than non-certified individuals. Improve Your Skills And Knowledge - RIDQC certification improves your skills and knowledge. Demonstrate competency by confirming proficiency, career involvement and dedication to ongoing education. Peer Recognition - As an RIDQC certified professional, you can expect peer recognition. Take that extra step in your professional development.
- 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
10. 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)
11. Certified Floral Designer (CFD)
To enroll as a candidate in AIFD's Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE) program, a designer must first successfully complete one of five education-based pathways aimed at assuring the designer has a fundamental grasp of the elements and principles of the art of floral design, as well as design techniques and concepts.
- 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)
12. 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)
13. Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD)
AKBDs are industry professionals with documented experience and education in the kitchen and bath industry. While it is not predominantly design experience that the AKBD must demonstrate, the AKBDs range of expertise could include sales, manufacturing, design, drafting, fixtures, etc. This combination of experience and education ensures that the AKBD is a trained, qualified professional in the kitchen and bath industry.
- 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)
14. Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)
Get the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place market. Earn NAHB's Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation and become the expert in your market.
- 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 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for an interior designer?
The best interior 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 interior 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.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for interior designers?
The most in-demand interior designer certification is Certified Interior Designer based on all active job postings. Having this interior designer certification will give you access to more interior designer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an interior designer career and salary?
The Certified Interior Designer certification will help you to secure an interior designer/project manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An interior designer/project manager's average salary is $66,868 whereas interior designers make an average salary of $52,482.
The most common combination of interior designer certifications include: Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), National Council Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), and Certified Interior Decorator (CID).
Online courses for interior designers 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 Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro
Interior Design Styles Demystified...
4. 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...
5. How to Design a Room in 10 Easy Steps
Interior Design Made Simple...
6. Use Minimalist Interior Design to Live your Best Life
Minimalist Interior Design Deconstructed...
7. 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...
8. Styling and Staging Interior Spaces
Interior styling and staging is the key to character and interest in interior projects...
9. Create & Design a Modern Interior in Blender
Learn how to design a realistic interior in Blender 3D!...
10. How to Use Lighting Design to Transform your Home
Learn How to Use Lighting in your Interior Design Like a Pro...
11. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners
Photoshop graphic design for beginners! Includes 47 Photoshop projects for your graphic design portfolio...
12. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects
Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...
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. 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!...
15. Design Thinking: Customer Journey Mapping
Sure shot way to delight customers, recreate value proposition, improve customer experience (CX) & become profitable...
16. Architectural Design Tools in Blender - 3D Design
Develop your creative and technical skills to create photo realistic architectural scenes and beautiful 3D models...
17. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design
The Ultimate Graphic Design Course Which Covers Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design,Design Theory, Branding and Logo Design...
18. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects
Conquer Popular Graphic Design Projects: Logo, Package, Magazine, Book Cover Design, Branding, Digital Graphics & More!...
19. The Logo Design Process From Start To Finish
Learn every aspect of a logo design project from the initial meeting with client, the technical design and finalization...
20. Design is in the Details: How to Accessorize Like a Pro
Take your interior design from good to great by focusing on the details...