The NCIDQ exam is more than a test—it’s an essential stepping stone in an interior designer’s career. NCIDQ certification is a badge of professionalism, illustrating a designer’s deep understanding of industry standards and practices, and certification can bring many benefits, including higher pay and better job opportunities.
NCIDQ certification is crucial for individuals and the collective design industry, too. In several states, certification is a prerequisite for interior designers to become licensed or registered—it’s a pivotal step in achieving wider recognition and independent practice rights for designers nationwide.
In short, getting certified is the key to your future, and the future of the profession.
Careful preparation is a must to ace the NCIDQ examination, which is no walk in the park. The exam includes three sections, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges.
IIDA is here to help you prepare—and propel you to the next level of your career.
In collaboration with Design Success Network, we’re offering a virtual NCIDQ test prep series that includes four sessions covering every part of the exam, along with general test-taking tips and study strategies.
Each session is a live, four-hour virtual teaching session, and provides exclusive access to Design Success Network’s resources and materials and a peer-to-peer study network. Register for one or for all—sessions are offered a la carte to allow you the flexibility to create an educational experience that fits your needs.
Meet the Instructor
Julianne Peters, IIDA, is an interior designer at Stantec in Philadelphia and the founder of Design Success Network (DSN).
She has 10 years of experience working in a variety of sectors including healthcare, education, workplace, retail, and civic projects. After earning her NCIDQ Certification in 2021, Peters founded DSN as a continuing education provider and professional development resource for interior designers offering affordable and accessible NCIDQ exam prep resources, tutoring instruction, and workshop facilitation. She has a B.S. in Interior Design from Jefferson University (formerly Philadelphia University), a Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Certification from Parsons School of Design at The New School, and is currently pursuing a Master of Architecture degree from Arizona State University.
Prep Sessions and Dates
All sessions are capped at 35 participants
Pricing:
IIDA Members: $80 per session
Non-Members: $140 per session
Session 1 | Test-Taking Tips and Study Strategies
Saturday, February 1, 2025
2-6 p.m. Eastern/ 1-5 p.m. Central
Explore useful resources, build a study schedule, learn how to budget your time for each exam, develop skills for interpreting non-multiple-choice questions, review specific study techniques for neurodivergent test-takers, and more.
Register here
Session 2 | Fundamentals (IDFX)
Saturday, February 22, 2025
2-6 p.m. Eastern/ 1-5 p.m. Central
Delve into every aspect of the Fundamentals exam, including programming and site analysis, construction drawings, human behavior and the designed environment, and technical specifications for furniture, fixtures, equipment, and lighting.
Register here
Session 3 | Professional (IDPX)
Saturday, March 1, 2025
2-6 p.m. Eastern/ 1-5 p.m. Central
Tackle every portion of the Professional exam, including project coordination, professional business practices, code requirements and standards, integration with building systems and construction, and contract documents.
Register here
Session 4 | Practicum (PRAC)
Saturday, March 22, 2025
2-6 p.m. Eastern/ 1-5 p.m. Central
Carefully prepare for the Practicum with an overview of the three case studies (large commercial, small commercial, and multi-family residential), walk through PRAC exam software, and ensure you fully grasp all aspects of the design process.
Register here