Sticking To Your New Year’s Resolution
New Year, New Requirements
NCIDQ&A 16 years ago No Comments

The first of January is always a good time to start something new. For the overindulgent, a diet. For the spendthrift, a budget. For the forgetful, a schedule. For an organization, new policies. And NCIDQ is one of those organizations. As of January 1, 2008, new requirements regarding supervised experience go into effect. So if you are planning on applying to take the NCIDQ Exam in the near future or are supervising someone who is, you best read on.

As with most new rules and regulations, people have questions about whether or not they apply to them. It’s just human nature. The answer is, of course: “It depends.” (We don’t live in a black & white world, you know.)

The requirement says that effective January 1, 2008, anyone who BEGINS acquiring “qualified experience” – meaning that NCIDQ will accept it for the Exam – must get that experience under the supervision of an NCIDQ Certificate holder, an interior designer licensed by a state or provincial regulatory agency, or a registered architect who offers interior design services.

This requirement does not mean that NCIDQ requires the Interior Design Experience Program [IDEP]. The requirement simply aligns the supervisory requirement for non-IDEP participants with that of IDEP participants. In other words, NCIDQ recommends and encourages pre-applicants to utilize IDEP, but they do not require it.

Working now?

If you are already getting qualified experience right now (meaning before January 1, 2008), then this requirement does NOT apply to you. If you are not working under one of those categories of supervisors or if you are in independent practice, NCIDQ will continue to accept your experience if you meet the qualifications.

Not yet working?

If you will begin earning qualified experience after January, then this requirement will definitely apply to you. You MUST get your experience under one of these categories of supervisors. NCIDQ will not accept independent practice time.

In order to determine if the requirement applies to you, you must look at any work experience you have gained so far. Depending on the type of education you have (or are currently getting), you may be able to count work experience that you gained while in school toward your exam requirement. (FYI: Experience gained in a for-credit internship cannot be counted, though.) Look at the eligibility requirements on NCIDQ’s web site and call NCIDQ’s Customer Service Team at 202-721-0220 if you have questions.