EDUCATION STANDARDS

To become a member of the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia, individuals must meet the minimum standards set by IDIBC. These standards include specific education, experience, and examination requirements.

Find out more about IDIBC membership categories and how to join.

Education

CIDA accredited bachelor’s degree requirement

To be eligible for membership, candidates must have a Bachelors degree in interior design that is CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation). For more information on CIDA see here.

CIDA: Supervised Work Experience

After graduating from a recognized interior design program, prospective interior designers must gain supervised work experience to ensure that they acquire the skills they will need to practice interior design.

Upon graduating from a recognized interior design program, individuals must obtain a prescribed amount of supervised work experience. The supervisor must be one of the following:

  • a registered member of his or her provincial association
  • a licensed architect who provides interior design services
  • an NCIDQ certificate holder
Alternative Review Program

ARP is for candidates who are unable to traditionally document the minimum educational requirement for interior design registration.

Applicants must have a minimum of 8,800 hours (approximately 5 years) of work experience in interior design and must be able to document competencies based on current CIDA standards in eight key areas.​ Documentation will then be reviewed and if further information is required, a personal interview will be conducted.

For further information please go to the CIDQ website.

Examination

Members who have met the education and experience requirements must complete the final step to become an interior designer: examination. The Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) is the recognized examination body throughout North America. The NCIDQ examinations test that an applicant has the knowledge and experience necessary to create interior spaces that are functional and safe.

The NCIDQ examination consists of two multiple choice sections and a drawing practicum, all focused on health, safety and welfare.

Section 1 of the exam can be challenged before completion of supervised work experience.

Sections 2 and 3 must be written after completing supervised work experience. For more information on NCIDQ click here.