As a business owner, I find myself frequently explaining that although I can decorate, I am a certified interior designer, not an interior decorator. There is a place for both professions, but to become a certified interior designer, one requires a formal education and training in subject matter that shouldn’t be overlooked. Certified interior designers must pass the NCIDQ exam. You wouldn’t hire an attorney that didn’t pass the Bar Exam, correct?

To illustrate the similarities and differences between the credentials to become a certified interior designer vs. an interior decorator, I’ve created the chart below while also describing testing requirements and content. As a baseline, I’ve also listed the general requirements to become a registered architect, since in my experience, most seem to be pretty clear on what an architect does. Further, much of an interior designer’s responsibilities overlap that of an architect.

Eligibility for Testing

Registered Architects -
According to the NCARB website, eligibility to take the exam varies depending on the jurisdiction because each sets its own rules. Eligibility varies from state to state.

Certified Interior Designers -
Unlike the ARE exam for architects, eligibility to take the NCIDQ exam for interior designers is consistent no matter the jurisdiction.

There are currently five different tracks to become eligible to take the NCIDQ exam, but the most common that I’ve seen (and the track I took myself) is earning a bachelor’s degree at a CIDA accredited college or university and then completing 3,520 work hours (2 years) under a direct supervisor who is either an NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer, a State/Provincial Licensed/Registered/Certified Interior Designer in the US or Canada or a State/Provincial Licensed/Registered Architect in the US or Canada who provides interior design services.

Interior Decorators -
There is no formal education or testing required.

In short, to even qualify to take the NCIDQ or ARE exams, there are a specific set of requirements that one must meet. Although there are definitely skilled interior decorating professionals, there isn’t required education or testing required for one to call themselves an interior decorator. Therefore, anyone can really call themselves an interior decorator, while this is not the case for a certified interior designer or registered architect.

Testing Differences (See Chart Below)

Registered Architects -
The ARE is a 6-part exam that “is designed to assess aspects of the architectural practice related to health, safety, and welfare. Specifically, the ARE focuses on areas that affect the integrity, soundness, and health impact of a building, as well as an architect’s responsibilities within firms, such as managing projects and coordinating the work of other professionals.”

Certified Interior Designers -
The NCIDQ is a 3-part exam that “covers seven areas that capture the core competencies of interior design: building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice and project coordination. The exam’s contents are regularly updated to ensure they reflect the most current knowledge required to design safe, functional and innovative interior spaces.”

Interior Decorators -
There is no formal education or testing required.

By looking at the chart below, you’ll also notice that much of the exam practice area for interior designers and architects overlaps. Therefore, certified interior designers have the ability to develop drawing documentation, an understanding of plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems and we know how to reference building codes and design spaces accordingly.

Becoming a certified an interior designer is a long, strenuous and STRESSFUL process. Check out the last row of the chart above—not everyone passes those exams. When you are working with a certified interior designer, you already know that they needed to complete a formal education and examinations in this specific field so you’re working with someone that has an elevated level of expertise.