Something is going around this season, and it’s not the flu, chicken pox, or dinghy fever. In fact, instead of being debilitating, it’s quite invigorating – for your burgeoning interior design career, that is. Yes, judging by the number of people taking advantage of NCIDQ’s Interior Design Experience Program [IDEP], the idea is catching on that this program is a healthy booster shot that’s just the right prescription for professionalism as an emerging designer.

As a reminder, several years ago NCIDQ announced a fee increase for IDEP that becomes effective in 2008, which is right around the corner. Starting in January 2008, the fee to participate in IDEP will be $255, payable in three installments of $85. Participants pay $85 when the join the program, another $85 at their halfway point, and the final $85 upon completion of the required hours. (NOTE: If you are already participating in IDEP, then you will pay the same $75 installments that were in effect when you began the program.)

The length of time to complete IDEP can vary depending on your education and how many hours a week you work. Visit NCIDQ’s Web site to see the requirements. And remember: If you complete IDEP by the end of 2010, then you can take Section III of the NCIDQ Exam for free!

Have your IDEP supervisor and mentor seen the new Supervisor / Mentor Guide that NCIDQ has published? If not, then get it in front of them by downloading a copy now at the IDEP Key Players page. It contains valuable information on their roles and responsibilities, which should make them more comfortable in their roles and, thus, will make you happier with the results.

Please visit NCIDQ’s Web site to learn more about IDEP and to view the eligibility requirements for participating in the program. And we’ve made it extra handy for you to get started as you can also download the IDEP application forms from the Web site. We’re just nice that way.