Interior Designers and Decorators

Certification or Licensing

A number of states require licensing for interior designers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Each state has its own requirements for licensing and regulations for practice, so it's important to contact the specific state in order to find out how one can apply. To become eligible for registration or licensing in these jurisdictions, applicants must satisfy experience and education requirements and take the NCIDQ Examination, which is offered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification. To prepare students for this examination, the council offers the Interior Design Experience Program. Program participants are required to complete 3,520 hours of documented interior design experience. According to the council, up to 1,760 hours of qualified work experience can be earned before education is completed.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association offers several certification credentials and badges for interior designers and decorators who specialize in kitchen and bath design.