Planning Your Interior Design Training

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What to Look for in an Interior Design Education

When your ready to start your interior design training, it's a good idea to compare a few different schools and programs. Don't just allow yourself to be lured by artsy brochures and convenient schedules—do your research to find out if the interior design education program you're considering will enable you to reach your end goal.

One critical piece to remember is that you need to be able to meet state licensing requirements before you can work as a professional designer. Know what those requirements are before enrolling in a program—this is key interior design career information.

Once you have determined the standards you must meet for licensure, the most important issues to resolve are what kind of interior design degree you want and whether the program has the right accreditation.

Choosing an Interior Design Education: Associate's vs. Bachelor's Degree

Individuals wishing to be NCIDQ certified interior designers (a requirement for licensure in several states and jurisdictions) must have approximately six years of combined interior design education and full- or part-time work experience. Therefore, if you choose a certificate or associate’s degree in interior design, rather than a bachelor’s degree, you will need more work experience before you qualify to take the NCIDQ exam.

Interior Design School Accreditation

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is the primary accrediting body responsible for setting the standards for interior design education. While there are other agencies that accredit interior design programs, some states will grant licensure only to individuals with a Council accredited education.

It may also be interesting to note that the Council currently requires schools seeking or renewing accreditation to show that their program leads to a bachelor's degree or better.

Next Step: Getting Work Experience