What Is Required in Texas to Be a Licensed Interior Designer?
There's more to being an interior designer than just decorating, although choosing colors and furniture for a space is part of the job. From floor to ceiling, interior designs transform commercial and private spaces with the needs of their clients in mind. Due to the complexity of the work, Texas registers interior designers (equivalent to licensing in other states) once they meet educational and work requirements.
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Education
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The first step to become a registered interior designer in Texas is to earn a bachelor's degree from a Council for Interior Design Accreditation-accredited school or a National Architectural Accrediting Board-accredited school. There are NAAB- and CIDA-accredited schools throughout the United States, including 13 in Texas. You can attend any accredited school.
Experience
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Texas requires a two-year internship to register as an interior designer. You must work at least 20 hours per week to receive credit. You can set up your internship through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards' Intern Development Program. Apply for the IDP any time after you've completed your third year of college. The IDP will connect you with a supervisor and a mentor, and you're expected to file a report on your experience at least every six months.
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Exam
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Once you've completed six months of your internship, you can take the Architectural Registration Exam. Even though it's a national exam, you have to apply for the exam through the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. You'll pay a fee, complete an application, and provide proof of employment and proof of citizenship. Once you pass one part of the exam, you have five years to complete the rest.
Registration
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Once you've passed the exam and completed your internship, your score will be sent to the TBAE, which will contact you with instructions. In general, you'll need to report any criminal history, read and understand the guidelines for being an interior designer in Texas, and pay a registration fee. Once you've registered, you can officially call yourself an interior designer.
Reciprocity
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If you're licensed or registered as an interior designer in another state, you can apply to register in Texas by completing a form and submitting a fee. In addition to the application, you must submit a certificate of standing, certified transcripts and proof of your legal status. You can apply online or by mail.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Interior Designers
- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Interior Designers: Registration by Exam
- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Interior Designers: Accredited Education
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation: Accredited Programs
- Texas Society of Architects: Become an Architect
- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Interior Designers: Interior Design Exam After Education and Six Months' Approved Experience
Resources
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