Do you have foreign education or work experience and want to qualify for the NCIDQ Examination? Are you unsure about what documents you need to apply for the exam” If you have studied or worked or currently work overseas, it’s no problem! NCIDQ accepts work experience and education from all over the world. Exam candidates follow the same process wherever they are; they must meet NCIDQ’s eligibility requirements and provide all required materials in order to meet NCIDQ’s standards for review. Let us guide you through the process of taking the NCIDQ Exam with foreign experience.

Educational Documents: The Transcript

NCIDQ will only accept transcripts in English. If your transcript is not provided in English, your first step is to contact your institution and request that your transcript be translated.

The transcript must also clearly show course titles and grades received for each course and semester or quarter credits for each course taken. If your institution did not operate on a semester or quarter credit schedule, then you will need to get a course-by-course evaluation done by a third-party evaluator. NCIDQ recommends World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators for transcript evaluation.

Both the transcript and the transcript evaluation (if necessary) must be submitted to NCIDQ in a sealed envelope. We recommend that you request two transcripts: one for yourself to open and review, the other to send sealed to NCIDQ. By requesting one for yourself, you can verify that your institution has provided all the necessary documentation.

Work Experience Documentation: The Work Experience Verification Form

If you have work experience in a foreign country and you are using that experience to meet the hours needed for exam eligibility, you must submit a Work Experience Verification form signed by your direct supervisor from that country. This form must be signed by your direct supervisor and sealed before they return the form to you. Remember to also sign this form before giving it to your supervisor.

Beginning January 1, 2008, anyone acquiring his or her first work experience must work for a licensed interior designer, NCIDQ Certificate holder or architect who provides interior design services. If you began work after January 1, 2008, you must indicate that information on the Work Experience Verification form. If the country that your direct supervisor works or lives in does not require licensure or they are not an NCIDQ Certificate holder, your work experience will not count toward your eligibility.

Additional Information

Please remember that requesting documentation from overseas parties may take additional time, so plan accordingly to ensure you meet the application deadlines. Click here for a list of upcoming deadlines.

NCIDQ also requires three letters of reference for all applicants. For further information on this documentation and the entire application process, click here.