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How can I have an NCIDQ certificate as a foreigner?
I am an interior designer from Thailand, I relocated to the US. I found a lot of jobs that required NCIDQ to apply for the job. And the certificate requests the very USA background to have the test. Do I have to start over in my career in the US?
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3 answers
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Jacob’s Answer
Securing an NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certificate in the United States as a foreign-trained interior designer is possible, although it may involve some steps and potentially additional education. Here's a strategy to help you achieve this certification:
1. **Research NCIDQ Requirements:**
- Begin by thoroughly researching the NCIDQ requirements. Understand the educational and experience prerequisites, as well as the specific steps involved in the certification process.
2. **Evaluate Your Credentials:**
- Assess your educational background and work experience in interior design. Determine how closely they align with the NCIDQ eligibility requirements. If your qualifications are significantly different, you may need to consider further education or experience.
3. **Meet Educational Requirements:**
- If your interior design education doesn't meet NCIDQ standards, consider enrolling in an accredited interior design program in the United States. Look for programs that are recognized by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
4. **Gain Relevant Work Experience:**
- Accumulate the required work experience. The NCIDQ typically mandates a specific number of years of professional interior design practice. Ensure that your work experience aligns with the NCIDQ's criteria.
5. **Prepare for the NCIDQ Exam:**
- Familiarize yourself with the NCIDQ exam content and format. This exam assesses your knowledge and competence in interior design. Consider enrolling in an exam prep course or using study materials to help you prepare.
6. **Language Proficiency:**
- Ensure that you have strong English language skills, as the NCIDQ exam is administered in English. If needed, consider language proficiency courses or tutoring to improve your English abilities.
7. **NCIDQ Exam Application:**
- Once you meet the education and experience requirements, submit an application to take the NCIDQ exam. Pay attention to application deadlines and fees.
8. **Take the NCIDQ Exam:**
- Successfully complete the NCIDQ exam. This exam typically consists of three sections: the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum (PRAC).
9. **Apply for Licensure:**
- After passing the NCIDQ exam, you can apply for interior design licensure in your state of residence. Each state may have its own licensing requirements, so ensure you meet those specific criteria.
10. **Maintain Continuing Education:**
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and maintain your NCIDQ certification through continuing education requirements. Many states also have ongoing education requirements for licensure.
It's important to remember that the process may vary depending on your individual qualifications and the state where you plan to work as an interior designer. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy process, but with determination and the right resources, you can work towards achieving your NCIDQ certification and continuing your interior design career in the United States. Consulting with a local interior design association or regulatory body can also provide valuable guidance specific to your situation.
1. **Research NCIDQ Requirements:**
- Begin by thoroughly researching the NCIDQ requirements. Understand the educational and experience prerequisites, as well as the specific steps involved in the certification process.
2. **Evaluate Your Credentials:**
- Assess your educational background and work experience in interior design. Determine how closely they align with the NCIDQ eligibility requirements. If your qualifications are significantly different, you may need to consider further education or experience.
3. **Meet Educational Requirements:**
- If your interior design education doesn't meet NCIDQ standards, consider enrolling in an accredited interior design program in the United States. Look for programs that are recognized by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
4. **Gain Relevant Work Experience:**
- Accumulate the required work experience. The NCIDQ typically mandates a specific number of years of professional interior design practice. Ensure that your work experience aligns with the NCIDQ's criteria.
5. **Prepare for the NCIDQ Exam:**
- Familiarize yourself with the NCIDQ exam content and format. This exam assesses your knowledge and competence in interior design. Consider enrolling in an exam prep course or using study materials to help you prepare.
6. **Language Proficiency:**
- Ensure that you have strong English language skills, as the NCIDQ exam is administered in English. If needed, consider language proficiency courses or tutoring to improve your English abilities.
7. **NCIDQ Exam Application:**
- Once you meet the education and experience requirements, submit an application to take the NCIDQ exam. Pay attention to application deadlines and fees.
8. **Take the NCIDQ Exam:**
- Successfully complete the NCIDQ exam. This exam typically consists of three sections: the Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), the Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and the Practicum (PRAC).
9. **Apply for Licensure:**
- After passing the NCIDQ exam, you can apply for interior design licensure in your state of residence. Each state may have its own licensing requirements, so ensure you meet those specific criteria.
10. **Maintain Continuing Education:**
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and maintain your NCIDQ certification through continuing education requirements. Many states also have ongoing education requirements for licensure.
It's important to remember that the process may vary depending on your individual qualifications and the state where you plan to work as an interior designer. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy process, but with determination and the right resources, you can work towards achieving your NCIDQ certification and continuing your interior design career in the United States. Consulting with a local interior design association or regulatory body can also provide valuable guidance specific to your situation.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Tantat
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tantat !
I would be happy to give you suggestions. My first reaction is that, no, you will not have to start your entire career over, but let's looks further into this.
When looking at what is required for you to take the NCIDQ certification, it does not indicate that you can't have your experience in a different country. What does seem to be a factor is education, namely what level degree you hold. Based on an Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree you would have to have specific number of hours worked as an Interior Designer in order to take the certification exam.
What happened in 2020 was that most U.S. States started NCIDQ for interior design. Being certified under this gives you privileges over someone who is not certified. I found the handbook with all the information you will need to know what road to take for this. The link is below.
The question that you may want to ask directly to The National Council for Interior Design is : does my work time in Thailand count towards eligibility for the certification ? Get it straight from the office that gives the test as they would surely know. I will leave a link below. Their website has an option for a foreign language, so maybe things can be in your favor since their site acknowledges that some people may need to read in a different language.
I do have an opinion and it may not be the correct answer, but maybe this can bring a little ease to the situation. If you have worked as an Interior Designer, no matter what country, than you have the ability to design. You've done it already. I don't see how that can be discounted.
I wish you all the best and hope that everything works out great for you !
https://www.cidq.org/_files/ugd/0784c1_9b407f40db584ce6b591b53a0c84fcd4.pdf NCIDQ HANDBOOK
https://www.cidq.org/_files/ugd/0784c1_9b407f40db584ce6b591b53a0c84fcd4.pdf NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN
I would be happy to give you suggestions. My first reaction is that, no, you will not have to start your entire career over, but let's looks further into this.
When looking at what is required for you to take the NCIDQ certification, it does not indicate that you can't have your experience in a different country. What does seem to be a factor is education, namely what level degree you hold. Based on an Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree you would have to have specific number of hours worked as an Interior Designer in order to take the certification exam.
What happened in 2020 was that most U.S. States started NCIDQ for interior design. Being certified under this gives you privileges over someone who is not certified. I found the handbook with all the information you will need to know what road to take for this. The link is below.
The question that you may want to ask directly to The National Council for Interior Design is : does my work time in Thailand count towards eligibility for the certification ? Get it straight from the office that gives the test as they would surely know. I will leave a link below. Their website has an option for a foreign language, so maybe things can be in your favor since their site acknowledges that some people may need to read in a different language.
I do have an opinion and it may not be the correct answer, but maybe this can bring a little ease to the situation. If you have worked as an Interior Designer, no matter what country, than you have the ability to design. You've done it already. I don't see how that can be discounted.
I wish you all the best and hope that everything works out great for you !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice.
Now, I have filled work experience in Thailand already. However, the system requests to work history identifier from my supervisor. My Supervisor doesn't have a License Number and Jurisdiction.
Now, I don't know what to do.
Tantat
Janis Ransom
Resume Writer, Interview Coach and Career Strategy Consultant
23
Answers
Updated
Janis’s Answer
Thank you Michelle, for a well-informed and thorough answer to TanTat's question regarding certification eligibility, education etc. The larger question regarding certification or otherwise is whether TanTat is eligible to work in the US at this time. Because her question is moot if she is not eligible to work in the US presently. The good news, she can pursue work eligibility and certification at the same time.
Plus, you are correct; there is a mass of info on https://www.cidq.org/_files/ugd/0784c1_9b407f40db584ce6b591b53a0c84fcd4.pdf NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN. TanTat would do well to explore this industry-related website
Thanks
Plus, you are correct; there is a mass of info on https://www.cidq.org/_files/ugd/0784c1_9b407f40db584ce6b591b53a0c84fcd4.pdf NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN. TanTat would do well to explore this industry-related website
Thanks