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Requirements to Become an Interior Designer

The average person may not understand the distinction between an interior decorator and an interior designer. In practice, many states and national trade organizations have set extremely stringent requirements to become an interior designer. In fact, twenty-four states will actually prosecute you for practicing interior design without a license.

Although only 60,000 licensed interior designers practice their trade in the United States, these tight requirements were not designed to keep job seekers away from the profession. In reality, many governments view an interior designer on the same level as an architect or an engineer.

While interior designers certainly focus on creative attractive, comfortable spaces, the law requires them to protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens who live and work in those spaces.

In the United States, the American Society of Interior Designers sets the requirements to become an interior designer.

In addition to receiving two to five years of formal training at an accredited design institution, a candidate for certification must also have earned an acceptable amount of work experience before taking the certification exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Certification. Students can earn this experience by participating in internships programs while pursuing their undergraduate degree. More ambitious candidates can gain even more practical experience by working as a full-time apprentice under an established certified interior designer.

The examination itself consists of two multiple choice tests, similar to the SATs or other professional exams. The final part of the examination requires participants to produce an actual design solution for a fictitious client. Candidates receive instructions to design a facility that incorporates three diverse functions in one space. All prospective interior designers taking the test on the same day receive the same design challenge, which is graded by a panel of respected, experienced, professional graphic designers.

Only three in four candidates for licensing pass this important certification test. While some of those candidates move on to successful careers in interior decorating, those who improve their skills and finally pass the exam enjoy the benefits of inclusion into a small society of highly productive professionals. Those strict requirements to become an interior designer may shut some otherwise creative people out of this lucrative profession, but they also ensure a high level of professional ethics and overall client satisfaction.

Start your interior design career today by requesting information from one of our highly respected interior design schools! Find a school near you >>

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