Top 10 Interior Design Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for an interior design assistant in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and skill in their field. Certifications also show that the individual is committed to advancing their career and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Additionally, certifications can open doors to higher paying positions, as employers may be more likely to hire someone with a certification than someone without one. Finally, having a certification can give an interior design assistant an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Interior Design Assistants and explains how they can contribute to an interior design assistant's career growth.

What are Interior Design Assistant Certifications?

Interior design assistant certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and skills in the field of interior design. This certification provides evidence of an individual's ability to support an interior designer or decorator in their work. This type of certification is ideal for those who are interested in becoming interior designers but don't have the experience or qualifications yet.

The primary benefit of obtaining this type of certification is that it can provide professionals with an edge over other applicants when they apply for jobs in the field. It also serves as a way to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the profession, which can be beneficial when applying for higher-level positions. Additionally, it can provide individuals with access to specialized training and resources that they may not have been able to find otherwise. By obtaining this certification, professionals can increase their chances of success in the industry and gain valuable experience that will help them succeed in their career.

Pro Tip: When considering an interior design assistant certification, make sure to research the credentials of the program provider and the curriculum. Look for programs that offer a comprehensive course load including topics such as color theory, drawing and rendering techniques, space planning, furniture selection, materials and finishes selection, and more. Additionally, some programs may provide additional certifications or accreditations that will help boost your resume.

Related: What does an Interior Design Assistant do?

Top 10 Interior Design Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Interior Design Assistants today.

1. Interior Design Assistant Certification from the American Society of Interior Designers

The Interior Design Assistant Certification from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is a nationally recognized certification program that prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the field of interior design. The certification is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of interior design, including color theory, space planning, materials selection, and lighting.

The program requires completion of a two-year Associate Degree or higher in Interior Design from an accredited college or university. Upon completion of the degree program, individuals must pass a written exam administered by ASID to receive their certification. The exam covers topics such as design elements and principles, building codes and regulations, construction methods and materials, professional practice and ethics, business management skills, and computer applications.

In order to become certified as an Interior Design Assistant through ASID, individuals must have completed all required coursework within the last five years. Additionally, they must submit a portfolio showcasing their work experience in the field of interior design. This portfolio should include photographs or drawings of projects completed during school or on the job.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are already an ASID member or not. Non-members pay $200 for the exam fee plus $50 for each additional retake if needed. For members it costs $150 plus $25 for each additional retake if needed.

Once you have passed your exam and submitted your portfolio to ASID you will be officially certified as an Interior Design Assistant!

2. Certified Interior Design Assistant (CIDA) from the International Interior Design Association

The Certified Interior Design Assistant (CIDA) from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the interior design industry. The CIDA certification is designed to provide an objective measure of professional competency for those working in the field of interior design.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of full-time work experience in interior design or four years of part-time work experience; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education courses related to interior design; and passing a written examination.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as space planning, furniture selection, lighting design, color theory, materials selection and specification, and code compliance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken either online or in person at an IIDA testing center.

The cost for taking the CIDA exam is $450 USD for IIDA members and $550 USD for non-members.

3. Professional Interior Designer Certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is a professional certification program that provides recognition to interior designers who demonstrate knowledge, experience, and competence in the practice of interior design. The NCIDQ Certification is the industry standard for interior designers and is recognized by all 50 states in the US.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have a minimum of six years of combined education and/or work experience in interior design, including a combination of at least two years of post-secondary education in an accredited program and four years of acceptable work experience.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can begin the process of applying for certification. This involves completing an application form, submitting transcripts from all relevant educational institutions, providing references, and taking the NCIDQ Examination. The examination consists of three parts: Interior Design Fundamentals Exam (IDFX), Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX), and Practicum Exam (PRAC).

The cost to take the NCIDQ Examination varies depending on when you register for it. The fee includes registration fees, exam fees, study materials, and other related costs. In total, it typically costs between $1,500-$2,000 USD to complete the entire process from start to finish.

Once all requirements are fulfilled and the exams are passed successfully with a passing score of 75%, applicants will be awarded their NCIDQ Certification which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

4. Certified Residential Interior Designer (CRID) from the National Kitchen and Bath Association

Certified Residential Interior Designer (CRID) from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is a professional certification that recognizes interior designers who specialize in residential design. This certification is designed to demonstrate a designer’s knowledge and expertise in the field of residential interior design.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience as an interior designer, have completed at least 30 hours of NKBA-approved continuing education courses, and pass an exam administered by the NKBA. The exam covers topics such as kitchen and bath design principles, codes and regulations, product specifications, project management, materials selection, and more.

The cost of obtaining CRID certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level. For those with less than three years of experience, the cost is $750; for those with three to five years of experience, the cost is $1,000; and for those with over five years of experience, the cost is $1,250. Additionally, applicants must pay a $50 application fee when applying for CRID certification.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish. After submitting an application and paying all applicable fees, applicants will receive their exam results within two weeks after taking the test. Once approved for certification by the NKBA board members, applicants will receive their official CRID certificate within two weeks after approval.

5. Certified Interior Decorator (CID) from the International Decorators Alliance

The Certified Interior Decorator (CID) is an international certification program offered by the International Decorators Alliance (IDA). It is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of interior decorating.

To become a CID, candidates must complete an online course and pass a comprehensive exam. The course covers topics such as color theory, design principles, space planning, furniture selection, window treatments, lighting techniques and more. Candidates must also have at least two years of professional experience in interior decorating or related fields.

The cost for the CID program varies depending on the country you are in. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD to enroll in the program and take the exam.

Once candidates have successfully completed the course and passed the exam, they will receive their CID certificate from IDA. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed with additional continuing education credits every three years.

6. Certified Home Stager and Redesigner (CHSR) from the Home Staging Resource

Certified Home Stager and Redesigner (CHSR) from the Home Staging Resource is a professional certification program that provides training and education to individuals who want to become certified home stagers and redesigners. This certification is designed to help individuals gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to successfully stage homes for sale or redesign existing homes. The program consists of an online course, an in-person workshop, and a comprehensive exam.

The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as staging principles, design concepts, marketing strategies, client relations, project management, budgeting, and more. The in-person workshop is typically held over two days and includes hands-on activities such as staging a home for sale or redesigning an existing home. Finally, the comprehensive exam tests the individual’s knowledge on all of the topics covered in the course.

To get certified as a CHSR from the Home Staging Resource, individuals must first complete both the online course and in-person workshop. After completing these components, they can then register for the comprehensive exam which costs $200 USD. Upon passing this exam with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will receive their official CHSR certification from the Home Staging Resource.

7. Professional Space Planner (PSP) from the American Institute of Architects

The Professional Space Planner (PSP) is a credential offered by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in space planning. The PSP credential is awarded to those who can demonstrate their ability to design and plan efficient, functional, and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces.

To obtain the PSP credential, applicants must pass an exam administered by the AIA. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion that covers topics such as building codes, ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, and other topics related to space planning; and a practical portion that evaluates the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world context. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of taking the PSP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees for taking the exam at certain locations or during certain times of year.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your PSP credential in the mail within 4-6 weeks after completion of the exam. The credential is valid for five years from date of issue and can be renewed by passing an updated version of the exam or by completing continuing education courses offered by AIA approved providers.

8. Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) from the National Kitchen and Bath Association

A Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) is a professional designation from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). It is an advanced certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in kitchen design. To become a CKD, one must have at least seven years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry, including three years of full-time kitchen design experience.

In order to obtain the CKD credential, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as kitchen design principles, materials and finishes, codes and regulations, ergonomics, project management, business practices and more. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their work in kitchen design.

It typically takes about six months to complete all requirements for the CKD credential. The cost of becoming a CKD includes an application fee of $100 plus the cost of taking the exam ($250 for NKBA members or $500 for non-members). Once certified, there are annual dues required to maintain your certification.

9. Sustainable Building Advisor Certification (SBAC) from the U.S. Green Building Council

The Sustainable Building Advisor Certification (SBAC) from the U.S. Green Building Council is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in sustainable building practices and principles. It is designed to help professionals working in the green building industry gain recognition for their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to sustainability best practices.

To obtain SBAC certification, applicants must complete a training course and pass an exam. The training course typically takes between eight and ten hours to complete, depending on the content of the course and the applicant’s level of knowledge. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, waste management, and more.

The cost of obtaining SBAC certification varies depending on where you take the training course and how long it takes to complete it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $150-$500 USD per person.

Once certified, individuals can use their SBAC credentials to demonstrate their expertise in sustainable building practices to potential employers or clients. They can also access exclusive resources from the USGBC such as webinars and other educational materials related to green building design and construction.

10. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles, and who can support the design, implementation, and maintenance of LEED-certified buildings. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is an internationally recognized green building certification system.

In order to become a LEED AP, applicants must pass an exam administered by the USGBC. The exam covers topics such as sustainable design principles, energy efficiency strategies, indoor environmental quality guidelines, water conservation techniques, materials selection criteria, construction waste management procedures, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on the type of membership you have with the USGBC. For non-members of the USGBC it costs $250 to take the exam; however members receive discounted pricing at $200 per exam attempt. There are also discounts available for students or those taking multiple exams at once.

Once you have successfully passed your LEED AP Exam you will be issued a certificate from the USGBC validating your credentials as a LEED AP. This certificate is valid for three years after which time you must retake the exam in order to maintain your status as a LEED AP.

Do You Really Need a Interior Design Assistant Certificate?

No, you do not need an interior design assistant certificate to be successful in the field. An interior design assistant certificate may provide some helpful guidance on the basics of interior design, but it is not necessary for success. It is possible to gain the knowledge and skills needed for a career in interior design through experience and self-directed learning.

Experience is one of the most valuable sources of knowledge when it comes to interior design. Having hands-on experience with designing spaces, working with clients, and managing projects can give you an advantage over someone without any prior experience in the field. Working as an intern or volunteer can help you get your foot in the door and learn from more experienced designers. Taking online courses or attending seminars can also help expand your understanding of different aspects of interior design.

Self-directed learning is another option if you are looking to become a successful interior designer without a formal certificate. By doing research into different topics related to interior design, reading books and articles, watching tutorials, or attending free webinars, you can gain valuable skills that will help you succeed as an interior designer. Additionally, networking with other professionals in the industry can give you access to resources that may otherwise be unavailable to those without a formal education or certification.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs an interior design assistant certificate depends on their individual goals and ambitions for their career in the industry. If your goal is simply to have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of interior design then having a certificate may be beneficial; however, if your goal is to become a successful professional in the field then gaining experience through internships or self-directed learning may be more useful than obtaining a formal certification.

Related: Interior Design Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Interior Design Assistant Certifications

Q1: What is an Interior Design Assistant Certification?

A1: An Interior Design Assistant Certification is a professional qualification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities in the interior design field. It demonstrates competency in areas such as space planning, color theory, furniture selection and placement, lighting design, and materials specification.

Q2: How do I become certified as an Interior Design Assistant?

A2: To become certified as an Interior Design Assistant, you must complete a recognized program of study and pass a certification examination. Programs may include coursework in drafting techniques, basic design principles, furniture selection and placement, lighting design, building codes and regulations, space planning and CAD software.

Q3: What are the benefits of obtaining an Interior Design Assistant Certification?

A3: Obtaining an Interior Design Assistant Certification can help to boost your career prospects by demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in the field. It can also provide you with access to industry networks and professional resources that can help to advance your career.

Q4: How long does it take to obtain an Interior Design Assistant Certification?

A4: The length of time it takes to obtain an Interior Design Assistant Certification depends on the specific program of study you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, most programs require between one to two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Q5: Is there a continuing education requirement for maintaining my certification?

A5: Yes – most certifying organizations require professionals holding their certification to complete ongoing continuing education courses in order to maintain their credentials. Generally speaking, these requirements will involve completing at least 20 hours of approved continuing education credits every two years.