Interior Design Licensing Requirements in Florida
Many charlatans call themselves "interior designers," but in Florida you have to prove you really are one by having a license. This is done by obtaining the proper education, and then obtaining a license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. By presenting a license in your place of business, your customers can be assured they are getting professional service, instead of a fly-by-night operator. Does this Spark an idea?
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Licensing Requirements
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Licensing through the Board of Architecture and Interior Design requires you to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) examination. Only after you pass will you be authorized to advertise your services as an interior designer. No reciprocity agreements as of July 2, 2010 exists with other states, which means that licenses are not transferable from another state.You must take and pass the NCIDQ exam (or provide proof) in order to obtain a new license in Florida.
Prerequisites for the NCIDQ Exam
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The NCIDQ exam is rigorous and extensive, testing knowledge acquired by education and on-the-job experience. The NCIDQ states that usually six years of accredited collegiate level learning combined with work experience will enable a person to pass the exam. You have to demonstrate accredited collegiate level work on the application; the NCIDQ does not accept continuing education, audit and non-credit courses. This exam is comparable to the "bar exam" that applicant lawyers must take before they can become full fledged attorneys.
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Continuing Education
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To keep in good standing, the interior designer must demonstrate she is taking continuing education classes. To qualify for license renewal, the design professional must take 20 hours of continuing education within a given biennial (once every two years) renewal period, according t o the Professional Board. These classes must be advanced collegiate level taken at an accredited college.
Professional Responsibility
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Once licensed, you have to demonstrate professional responsibility as an interior designer. Among criteria for professional responsibility are treating customers fairly, applying good ethical practices, resolving any complaints. The last is an important area; if too many customers file complaints with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, you could face license revocation, along with the customers suing you in civil court.
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