At the core of our mission, we strive to protect the public by establishing standards of competency in the practice of interior design. We do so through our strict policy of accepting only industry-regulated standards in design programs, work experience and institutions. Effective January 1, 2009, NCIDQ will require all exam candidates to have completed a program leading to a certificate, degree or diploma that is housed within an accredited academic institution. So what is an accredited institution” Let us explain.

Acceptable institutions are those accredited by one of the following:

• an institutional accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• a Provincial Ministry of Education in Canada
• a recognized Foreign Quality Assurance System from countries other than the United States and Canada

How will this affect you?

This new accreditation policy applies only to academic institutions, not specific degrees or programs. NCIDQ has not changed its policy regarding interior design programs. NCIDQ still accepts education from programs that are not accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation [CIDA], which accredits interior design programs. Because of CIDA’s regulation of standards, all institutions with CIDA-accredited programs automatically meet the requirements of NCIDQ’s new policy.

Is your institution accredited?

Most likely – yes. This policy will NOT affect 99% of NCIDQ exam candidates. Most colleges and state-supported institutions have some national or regional accreditation and therefore already meet NCIDQ’s requirement. The policy affects a very small percentage of NCIDQ’s candidate population. The main purpose of the new policy is to further legitimize our acceptance of current educational standards.

Have more questions?

For more information on accreditation or to find out if an institution in the United States is accredited, visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation [CHEA].