How to Become an Interior Designer in the United States

If you enjoy playing with colors and have an eye for design, then a career in interior design may be for you. There are some similarities between interior decorators and interior designers, but there are also many differences. Unlike an interior decorator, you need a degree and experience to become an interior designer. An interior designer is able to work with large companies and contractors to design buildings from the ground up, while interior decorators usually decorate an existing space.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. You can get a degree in Interior Design from a major university or community college. You can also complete an online program. Make sure that the program you join is accredited by The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). You can visit the CIDA website to find a list of accredited Interior Design Programs.

2. Once you have a degree in Interior Design, you need to gain qualified work experience. The type of degree you got will determine the amount of experience you need. You need to have a combined total of about 6 years of experience and schooling, so you will need four years of experience if you got a two year degree and two years of experience if you got a four year degree.

3. The next step is to get your Interior Designer Certification. Certification is not required, but it can help you gain credibility and make it easier to get licensed to practice in your state. You need to take the test offered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)to get certified. You can visit the NCIDQ website to find testing dates and locations.

4. Some states require Interior Designers to be licensed before they can practice. You will have to show that you have a degree, suitable experience, and in some states, your certification. You also may have to take a test. If you move to a new state, you will have to get a new license.

Tips & Warnings

• Different types of experience count differently toward the required total. The NCIDQ website has information about how to count your experience hours.
• Check with your state’s licensing department before you begin any Interior Design program to make sure you can fulfill the requirements.

Resources

• How to Work Part Time as a 2010 Census Taker
• How to Write a Resume That Will Get Noticed
• How to Become a Professional Interior Decorator
• How to know if You are About to be Laid Off
• More Articles by Analana

[mlt34]

on 8/21/2009 Good tips, I'll need to pass this one on to my sister.

[sonni57]

on 6/30/2009 Thanks for the good interior design job info.

[greatgreat8]

on 6/30/2009 great information, thanks 5*

[lindsey23]

on 6/29/2009 Thanks for making the distinction between interior design and interior decorating. Not enough people do! You have my respect. :) Good info, too!