Why NCIDQ Certification Matters — And How It Elevates My Interior Design Practice
- Veronica Sanders
- Jun 7
- 9 min read
As an interior designer, there are milestones in our profession that mark not just achievement but also a commitment to excellence, safety, and professionalism. For me, passing the NCIDQ Exam is one of those defining moments.
But what exactly does it mean to have those five letters after my name (Veronica Sanders, ASID, NCIDQ), and more importantly, what does it mean for you—the homeowner, builder, architect, or contractor seeking a trusted partner to bring your vision to life?
Let’s dive in.
What Is the NCIDQ?
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is the gold standard of certification in the interior design industry. It’s not just a test—it’s a rigorous three-part exam designed to ensure interior designers have the knowledge and skills to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The exam covers a range of competencies, from building codes and accessibility standards to design strategy and project management.
Why Is the NCIDQ Important?
The NCIDQ Certification signals more than just proficiency; it’s proof of dedication to the highest standards in interior design. By passing this exam, interior designers demonstrate their mastery of critical industry knowledge and their ability to design spaces that are both beautiful and safe. It’s the equivalent of passing the bar exam for lawyers or obtaining a CPA for accountants. In short, it’s a benchmark of professionalism and expertise.
What Does the NCIDQ Mean for Interior Designers?
For those of us who achieve NCIDQ Certification, it unlocks new opportunities and responsibilities. In Texas, for example, passing the NCIDQ exam allows interior designers to register with the state through the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and legally call themselves Registered Interior Designers (RID). This credential means we can:
Seal construction documents in collaboration with architects and contractors.
Design complex spaces that meet building codes and safety regulations.
Ensure compliance with laws governing accessibility, sustainability, and life safety.
This level of authority sets us apart as trusted professionals who can navigate the intricacies of construction and design, ensuring your project is done right. Looking to work with an interior designer for a large commercial space, massive hotel chain, hospital, doctor's office, private yacht; an NCIDQ certified interior designer can help.
Architects and interior designers, often working together in the built environment, may find overlaps in their skills and expertise. This overlap can sometimes cause public confusion regarding the roles and responsibilities of each profession. To address this issue and promote better collaboration and regulation, NCARB and CIDQ have published a joint report examining the similarities and differences in the essential knowledge, skills, and tasks necessary for competency in both fields. Watch this joint report on the similarities between the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and the interior design profession, as well as the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) exam.
Tangible & Intangible Benefits of NCIDQ Certification
For Employees and Individual Designers
Tangible Benefits | Intangible Benefits |
Credential for licensure | Professional credibility |
Eligibility for government/corporate contracts | Client trust |
Higher salary potential | Peer respect |
Job mobility across state lines | Confidence in professional settings |
Insurance eligibility | — |
For Employers and Design Firms
Tangible Benefits | Intangible Benefits |
Legal ability to offer full-scope interior design services | Brand reputation enhancement |
Eligibility for public sector & corporate contracts | Attracting top talent |
Enhanced insurance profile | Internal culture of professionalism |
Competitive advantage in bids | — |
For Business Owners and Independent Designers
Tangible Benefits | Intangible Benefits |
Legal ability to operate in regulated markets | Professional brand positioning |
Eligibility for government contracts | Greater credibility with partners and clients |
Enhanced business development | Confidence to lead projects and teams |
Insurance benefits | Network access and reputation building |
The Role of NCIDQ Certification in Government Bids & Contracts
Tangible Benefits | Intangible Benefits |
Required qualification for many public bids | Perceived professionalism and trustworthiness |
Faster procurement approval | Enhanced reputation among government clients |
Competitive edge in RFP scoring | — |
Where NCIDQ Certification Provides the Strongest Competitive Edge
Sector | Why NCIDQ Matters |
Government | Required for many bids; ensures compliance with health, safety, and welfare standards |
Corporate/Commercial | RFP templates often require NCIDQ; global firms value standardized compliance |
Healthcare | Essential for healthcare-specific codes and standards compliance |
Hospitality | Adds credibility in large, multi-jurisdictional projects |
Luxury Residential | Builds trust and positions services as premium |
White-label/Trade work | Helps architecture and design firms meet compliance and bid requirements |
The Legal Landscape: Practice Acts, Title Acts, and No Regulation States
As of 2025, here’s the regulatory landscape for interior design practice in the United States.
Practice Act States:
In these states, NCIDQ certification is required to practice full-scope interior design affecting code and permitting.
Florida |
Louisiana |
Nevada |
District of Columbia (DC) |
Puerto Rico |
Title act states:
Many states — including Texas — operate under a title act, where you can practice interior design but may only use the title “Registered Interior Designer” or similar if you hold NCIDQ certification.
Alabama |
Arkansas |
Georgia |
Illinois |
Indiana |
Iowa |
Kentucky |
Maine |
Maryland |
Minnesota |
Mississippi |
Missouri |
New Mexico |
North Carolina |
Oklahoma |
South Carolina |
Tennessee |
Texas |
Virginia |
Wisconsin |
No regulation states:
Roughly one-third of states do not regulate interior design at the state level. However, it’s important to note that even in these states, corporate and government clients often require NCIDQ certification as part of their project specifications.
Lifelong Learning: How CEUs Extend the Value of NCIDQ Certification
NCIDQ certification is not simply an exam you pass once and forget. It is a professional commitment — one that requires ongoing learning and active participation in the broader interior design community.
A key part of maintaining licensure and certification is fulfilling Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements. Both state regulatory boards (such as the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners — TBAE) and professional organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) require certified and licensed designers to regularly complete CEUs to maintain good standing.
For example, the annual Continuing Education Unit requirement to maintaining licensure and certification in Texas, according to the TBAE, a registered interior designer must obtain:
12 total hours of Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) CEUs annually
Of those 12 credit hours:
1 must be on Barrier-Free Design
1 must be on Sustainability
8 must be structured in a classroom setting
A maximum of 4 can be self-study (ie. online, reading, journals)
Supporting documentation of courses taken.
Additionally, to maintain practitioner status in ASID (whether licensed or not), members are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years. Meeting the minimum requirements from your local jurisdiction automatically satisfies this standard and can be tracked easily in CEU course platforms such as the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC), AEC Daily, CEU Events and even through your local professional organization such as ASID's Learn Academy. Many of which can be obtained for both architecture and interior design practitioners. You'll want to keep records in a safe place to show proof of compliance. Licensed and registered interior designers are constant students and learners of the professional practice of interior design.
Why does this matter?
For designers, CEUs ensure that our knowledge remains current in an ever-evolving field. Building codes, accessibility standards, materials technologies, and sustainability practices are continually advancing — and as professionals entrusted with the health, safety, and welfare of the public, we must stay ahead of those changes.
For the general public and clients, CEU requirements provide an added layer of trust. They know that when they hire an NCIDQ-certified designer, they are working with someone who is actively engaged in the profession — not resting on past credentials, but continuously enhancing their expertise.
For state regulators and professional organizations, CEU compliance safeguards the integrity of the license. It ensures that those who maintain the privilege of practicing as a licensed interior designer are fully prepared to deliver safe, code-compliant, and innovative environments.
CEUs as a Path to Leadership and Recognition
CEUs also unlock powerful pathways to professional advancement, recognition, and leadership:
To become an ASID Fellow — the highest honor bestowed upon members — active CEU participation is essential.
Many leadership positions within ASID, including serving as Chair or on the Board of Directors, require NCIDQ certification and a record of continuing education.
CEU participation signals to peers and clients alike that you are invested not only in your own growth, but in advancing the broader profession of interior design.
“Ongoing learning is a hallmark of leadership in design.”
Why Should This Matter to You?
Whether you're a homeowner, builder, architect, or contractor, working with an NCIDQ-certified interior designer provides peace of mind and unmatched expertise. Here’s why it matters:
Safety and Compliance: Your project isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a safe, functional space that meets all legal requirements. An NCIDQ-certified designer ensures your project complies with the latest building codes and accessibility standards, reducing liability risks.
Seamless Collaboration: Builders, architects, and contractors benefit from a designer who speaks their language. As an NCIDQ-certified designer, I can provide detailed construction documents, facilitate smooth communication, and bridge the gap between design and execution.
Enhanced Value: For homeowners, working with an NCIDQ-certified designer adds credibility and resale value to your property. It assures prospective buyers that your home has been designed with safety, sustainability, and functionality in mind.
Creative Leadership: Designing a space is a deeply personal journey, and you deserve a partner who can bring visionary solutions to the table while considering the practical details. Certification underscores my commitment to delivering the highest level of service.
How to Know if Your Interior Designer Is Licensed
When you’re searching for the right interior designer for your project, verifying their qualifications is a crucial step. To know if your designer is licensed, look for these key indicators:
NCIDQ Certification: Licensed interior designers often hold the NCIDQ Certification, a credential earned through education, experience, and the successful completion of a rigorous exam. Look for the appellation NCIDQ Certified or Registered Interior Designer (RID), depending on the state’s requirements.
Professional Memberships: Membership in organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is another strong indicator of professionalism. Many of these organizations require members to maintain licensure and stay current with continuing education units (CEUs).
State Registration: In states like Texas, many licensed interior designers are registered through state boards. You can verify their registration on the state’s website.
Portfolio and References: A portfolio that reflects technical skill, safety considerations, and creative problem-solving is a hallmark of a licensed professional. Additionally, testimonials from previous clients or collaborators can confirm their capabilities.
Does Not Having an NCIDQ License Mean My Designer Isn’t Qualified?
The short answer is no, not necessarily. Many talented and experienced designers may not hold an NCIDQ certification but still deliver beautiful, functional designs. However, the NCIDQ license sets a designer apart by demonstrating their ability to design spaces that meet stringent safety and code compliance standards, especially in complex or large-scale projects.
If your project involves structural changes, safety concerns, or detailed technical plans, an NCIDQ-certified designer ensures these elements are handled with expertise. For aesthetic-focused projects like decorating or styling, a non-licensed designer or decorator may still meet your needs.
What Sets NCIDQ-Certified Designers Apart?
Advanced Knowledge and Expertise: NCIDQ certification ensures a designer has been tested on building codes, accessibility, safety standards, and project management—skills that are critical in creating functional and compliant spaces.
Legal Authority: In many jurisdictions, only NCIDQ-certified designers can submit construction documents or obtain permits for specific projects, a distinction that non-certified designers cannot provide.
Commitment to Continuing Education: NCIDQ-certified designers are required to complete CEUs (Continuing Education Units) to maintain their certification. Many designers meet this requirement through professional organizations like ASID, which ensures they are up-to-date with the latest industry standards, technology, and trends.
Professional Community Engagement: Licensed designers often demonstrate their commitment to the industry through active involvement in community projects and professional organizations. For example, ASID members frequently participate in initiatives that support design education, sustainability, and public service, showcasing their leadership and dedication to giving back.
Ethical Standards: Membership in organizations like ASID comes with adherence to a strict code of ethics. NCIDQ-certified designers are held to these same ethical standards, ensuring professionalism and integrity throughout the design process.
Why Choose an NCIDQ-Certified Designer?
When you hire an NCIDQ-certified interior designer, you’re choosing someone who has invested in their craft, exceeded baseline qualifications, and remains committed to the health, safety, and welfare of your space. This credential distinguishes them from decorators or non-certified designers by combining aesthetic vision with technical mastery and a deep understanding of construction processes.
The appellation NCIDQ Certified is more than just a title—it’s a guarantee of quality, expertise, and trust. Combined with active professional memberships, community involvement, and a dedication to lifelong learning, an NCIDQ-certified designer brings unparalleled value to your project.
When you’re ready to partner with a licensed interior designer who combines creativity, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence, let’s create something extraordinary together. Interested in collaborating, learning more about NCIDQ-certified design, or exploring how my services can support your next project? Let's team up to turn your space into a masterpiece that mirrors your one-of-a-kind style and personality.
To learn more about how I can help you create a space you’ll love, schedule your Vision Session today.
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