I am a student in my second year at college and trying to decide whether or not to transfer. I currently attend a FIDER accredited program, but I want to transfer to another school, whose overall reputation is well known but whose interior design program is not FIDER accredited. Which would be better professionally in the long run ” a degree from the well known school or a FIDER accredited degree”

(submitted by Hana J.)

All interior design students who are interested in getting a license to practice interior design should be sure to contact their state board to find out what the educational requirements are. A degree from an interior design program that is FIDER accredited will be accepted by any state board, and in some states, a FIDER accredited degree is required. In Texas, anyone who begins school after September 1, 2006 will be required to have a FIDER accredited degree in order to meet the educational requirement for licensing.

Editorial note: On the NCIDQ website you will find information on the jurisdictions that have a registration, certification or licensing requirement for interior designers.