Why should interior designers be registered or licensed?

Experience: Interior Design Experience Program - After interior designers complete their formal education, they can continue their professional career path by enrolling in an Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP). The Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) is a monitored documented experience program administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) for graduates of interior design education programs.

The career path of a professional designer involves formal education, entry-level work experience, and a qualifying examination.

• Entry-level work experience is required of candidates for the NCIDQ examination, as well as by major interior design organizations for professional membership.

• State and provincial licensing board require proof of quality interior design experience for licensure and/or registration.
  

IDEP has been developed to assist entry-level interior designers in obtaining a broad range of quality professional experience and to establish performance guidelines for the world experience of new designers.

Most Important, IDEP facilitates the development of competent interior designers who can provide exemplary interior design services and work as members of teams of professionals involved in the design of the built environment.

The general purpose of IDEP is to:

• Reinforce the interior design graduate's education.

• Promote the acquisition of professional discipline, skills and knowledge.

• Provide structure, direction, resources, and support to the training
  experience.

• Contribute to the development of competent interior designers.

• Enhance the interior design entry-level work experience.

The IDEP program has been developed using the Definition of an Interior Designer and the Common Body of Knowledge established by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER).

For more information, contact www.ncidq.org