Continuing Education Requirement

Both architects and interior designers are required to complete 20 hours of educational instruction or training, in subjects or courses approved by the Board, each biennium prior to the license expiration date. A minimum of 16 hours must be in technical and professional subjects related to safeguarding life, health, property and promoting the public welfare.

Core Course Requirement

All architects and interior designers must complete a 4-hour core course on the building code within 2 years of initial licensure. The Board considers the building code course part of the 20 continuing education hours required per biennium. More information may be accessed by contacting the Department of Community Affairs. Core courses are available online at the Building Code Information System website.

Advanced Course Requirement

Licensees are required to obtain a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education by completing an approved provider’s specialized or advanced course, approved by the Florida Building Commission, on the Florida Building Code, relating to the licensee’s respective area of practice for future renewals. The core course is a pre-requisite to the advanced course. Please note that the core course is different from any advanced courses that may be offered. One cannot be used in lieu of the other. Licensees are advised to verify the course validity before attending the course. different from any advanced courses that may be offered. One cannot be used in lieu of the other. Licensees are advised to verify the course validity before attending the course.

NCIDQ EXAMINATION DATES & DEADLINES

April 9-10, 2010 Spring 2010 NCIDQ Examination
October 1-2, 2010 Fall 2010 NCIDQ Examination

NCIDQ Newsletter

Myth: NCIDQ's requirements to take the Examination are the same as those of the United States regulatory boards and Canadian provincial associations.

Fiction: NCIDQ sets the standards ONLY for the NCIDQ Certificate. A person must meet NCIDQ's requirements for education and experience and pass all sections of the Examination to earn the NCIDQ Certificate.

NCIDQ cannot, and does not, dictate requirements to the regulatory authorities in the states and provinces that regulate interior design. The individual state and provincial requirements are established through each jurisdiction's own processes.

When individuals apply to NCIDQ for the Examination, they often assume that if we accept their application, they will be able to practice anywhere in the United States and Canada. This is not true.

In most states and provinces, the legislature passes a law that regulates either the restricted title or the title and practice of interior design. That legislation sets forth the eligibility requirements for practice, including education, experience and passage of the NCIDQ Examination. NCIDQ's requirements cannot supersede laws enacted by the legislatures.

It is very important for every interior designer who works in a regulated jurisdiction to be aware of the requirements in his or her state or province. As a professional, it is your responsibility to know the rules for practicing in your area.

Welcome to our February edition of the QLetter, your electronic source for NCIDQ news and updates, industry announcements and calls to action.

We want to extend a special welcome to our new Certificate holders! In 2008, more than 1,200 interior designers joined the ranks of NCIDQ Certificate holders, proving that they have completed the education, experience and Examination needed to be professional interior designers.

New Board to Lead NCIDQ in 2009

NCIDQ is pleased to introduce its 2009 Board of Directors. The Board, made up primarily of interior designers, ensures NCIDQ's mission of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public, is upheld.

The 2009 NCIDQ President is Deborah Steinmetz, an interior designer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Kimberly Marks, an interior designer from San Antonio, Texas, will serve as President-Elect, and Sandra Friend, an interior designer from Ashland, Oregon, will serve as Past President. Serving with them are the four interior designers: Patty Blaser (Lincroft, New Jersey), Kim Ciesynski (Sparks, Nevada), Mary Jane Grigsby (Port St. Lucie, Florida), and Suzy Regitz (West Chicago, Illinois), as well as the Public Member, Jimmy Brothers (Decatur, Alabama).