In California, Do Interior Designers Need To Have A License?

California’s Certified Interior Designers Law is a Title Act, the only legally recognized title for interior designers in the state. To become a Certified Interior Designer (CID), candidates must have a minimum of six years combined accredited interior design education and experience (or a minimum of eight years combined interior design). The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) is the private entity that regulates the designation CID.

In California, anyone can call themselves an interior designer, but to use the title “Certified Interior Designer”, an individual must meet certain qualifications. To become a licensed interior designer in California, one must acquire a minimum of a two-year associate’s degree in interior design with at least 40 semester hours. The Certified Interior Designer Title Act is written into law, and certification is not a license or registration (Practice Act).

In March 2012, California assemblywoman Fiona Ma introduced a bill (AB 2482) that would require a license to practice “registered interior design”. Although licensing is not required in California, many interior designers choose to complete a licensing examination to demonstrate their education in their field. In addition to meeting educational requirements, applicants must also show proof of having two years of experience, additional testing, background clearance, and other necessary requirements.

California does not issue functional interior design licenses, but instead has enacted a Title Act for interior designers. This publication serves as a general guide to the Sales and Use Tax Law and Regulations as they apply to interior designers and decorators.

Can you call yourself an interior designer without a degree?

Interior designers must consider their state’s regulations when choosing their career path. Some states require minimum standards for residential and commercial interior design, while others have no certification requirements. In states with such requirements, an associate’s degree, at least two years of work experience, and certification through the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) may be required. This flexibility allows for the possibility of moving to another state with similar regulations in the future.

However, it is possible to work in residential interiors without an interior design degree. Vicente Wolfe, an award-winning interior designer from New York City, demonstrates that it is possible to work without one. As a refugee from Cuba, Wolfe began his career in the late ’70s, working with clients like Julianna Margulies, Twyla Tharp, Prince and Princess von Furstenberg, and Clive Davis.

The biggest advantage of being self-taught is not having to follow the rules that most designers learn in school. This allows for a better sense of individuality and spontaneity in his work, which has a large appeal. Wolfe believes that knowing better about his work and the rules would have allowed him to be more bold and successful in his career.

What states require NCIDQ certification?

The educational and professional experience prerequisites for regulated jurisdictions across North America are presented in alphabetical order. It should be noted that NCIDQ certification is a prerequisite for licensure or registration in all jurisdictions except California. This information is current as of September 2023. It is imperative to consult the relevant jurisdiction directly for the most recent requirements.

Is NCIDQ necessary?

In the United States and Canada, individuals engaged in the practice of interior design are required to obtain a license or registration, document their formal education and training, and earn the NCIDQ certification. These requirements are intended to ensure that professionals in this field possess the necessary qualifications and experience to practice safely and competently. In contrast, individuals engaged in the practice of interior decoration are not required to complete any formal training or obtain a license or registration.

What is the Title Act for interior design in California?

The Title Act, enacted on January 1, 1991, established the title of “Certified Interior Designer” in the California Business and Professions code. This designation is granted to interior designers who meet the required education, experience, and examination requirements, as administered by the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC). The CIDC is subject to the sunset review process enacted by both the Assembly and Senate of the California legislature, reviewed every 5 years, or as determined by the legislature for compliance with the statute they administer.

If found to be out of compliance, the CID may be subject to sunset (elimination). The CID is the private entity that regulates the designation CID, “certified interior designer”. Qualifications for certification include education, experience, and passing the IDEX exam administered by CID. However, the CID is not universally accepted by local building officials throughout the state.

Can you practice interior design without a license in California?

California does not require licensing or registration for interior designers, but the Certified Interior Designer’s Title Act is the only recognized law. Consumer information includes answers to common questions, verification of certification, hiring a local CID, enforcement actions, small claims guides, and filing complaints. Those interested in becoming a CID can apply, find information on the IDEX® California exam, student brochure, payment information, refund policy, foreign transcript evaluation, CCIDC administrative rules, and bylaws. The CID also has a code of ethics, design limitations, and information on errors and omissions insurance.

What is the difference between interior designer and decorator NCIDQ?

Interior design is the study of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building, while decoration is the decoration of a space. Interior designers apply creative and technical solutions that are functional, attractive, and beneficial to the occupants’ quality of life and culture. They coordinate with the building shell, acknowledge the physical location and social context, adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and promote environmental sustainability. The process follows a systematic methodology, including research, analysis, and knowledge integration, to satisfy the client’s needs and resources.

Does California require Ncidq certification?

The NCIDQ Examination is a prerequisite for obtaining a license to practice interior design in all US and Canadian jurisdictions, with the exception of California. It is the sole examination recognized by state and provincial regulators, thereby enabling practitioners to engage in the practice of various interior design disciplines. Those who have obtained certification are able to gain recognition and visibility within the industry.

Do you need a license to design a house in California?

In California, one does not need to be a licensed architect to design a single family home or up to four units as long as it is no more than 2 stories tall. This is in accordance with the North Carolina Supreme Court decision regarding the Board of Dentistry, which found in favor of teeth whiteners, stating that their practice does not constitute the practice of dentistry. The decision has led to many boards across the country putting on hold any action against non-licensed practitioners, even if they are clearly in violation of state regulations governing the practice of architecture.

They will only take action against licensed architects, not unlicensed designers practicing architecture. The Attorney General’s office is responsible for taking action in cases where life and limb are at risk, and fines are often reduced upon appeal by the person violating the regulations. The author’s opinions are based on their experience as a practicing architect in New Jersey for 26 years.

Can I take the NCIDQ exam without a degree?

It is a misconception that graduation from a CIDA-accredited program is a prerequisite to sitting for the NCIDQ examination. Nevertheless, it is an expedient method of substantiating that the requisite educational standards have been met for examination eligibility.