IDNL Become an Interior Designer

Interior designers are skilled professionals who combine extensive training with creativity to become qualified.

Education
North American educational standards are set by CIDA, the COuncil for Interior Design Accreditation. Diploma programs will be phased out and degree programs will become the new minimum education standard as of July, 2015. Come 2017, a bachelor’s degree program that has been recognized by CIDA will be the minimum education requirement.
Experience
Following formal education, the next phase of an interior designer’s career is work experience supervised by a registered interior designer or licensed architect. An internship program is required to supplement design education and help enhance development as a professional. At this point in an interior designer’s career path, the emerging interior designer can apply to their provincial interior design association as an intern member.
Examination
The CIDQ exam is a method for identifying interior designers who have met the minimum standards for professional practice. Successful completion of the exam is the mark of a competent professional who protects the health, safety and welfare of the public. Successful completion of the exam is required for professional registration in all provincial interior design associations.