Postsecondary education—especially a bachelor’s degree—is recommended for entry-level positions in interior design. Not only do half the states in the Union have licensing requirements, formal education in the field will be critical when first entering the job market. Following formal training, graduates usually enter a 1-year to 3-year apprenticeship to gain experience before taking a national licensing exam or joining a professional association. Even designers who are working in states with no licensure requirements will often take the exam as evidence of their qualifications. That should be indicative of the profession's competitive level.
The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) sets the requirements for and administers the exam. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least 6 years of combined education and experience in interior design, of which at least 2 years constitute postsecondary education in design. Once candidates have passed the qualifying exam, they are granted the title of Certified, Registered, or Licensed Interior Designer, depending on the State. Continuing education is required in order to maintain licensure. The NCIDQ has an Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) which helps new graduates gain work experience by arranging mentoring relationships, providing workshops and supervising work experience.
