Interior Design Certifications and Certificates

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your skills in Interior Design, you might be overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available. You might also have a lot of questions, such as “Do I need any credentials or certifications to be an Interior Design professional?” Or “Will a certificate help me get a job?” Or “What is the difference between a certificate and a certification?” This article aims to provide answers to these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path toward an Interior Design certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Interior Design?

Interior design refers to the process of designing the interior floor plan of a public, commercial, or private building. This includes both the process of handling the aesthetic design of the interior (decisions related to things like furnishing and paint) and the practical concerns such as how different rooms are connected to one another. This can be distinct from the design of general layouts and building exteriors or it can be done as a part of the initial design phases of the project.

Interior design projects can be technical, creative, or both. While most people think of interior design in the same way they think of interior decorating (and these two fields do often overlap), several technical and technological skills are associated with interior design. Not only will you need to learn how to use applications like AutoCAD or SketchUp to design floor plans, but you’ll also need to learn how to work with clients, how to provide reasonable and actionable floor plans and you’ll need to have a basic understanding of the regulations and laws that govern how different buildings are designed (within reason, an interior designer who specializes in floor plans for commercial buildings probably won’t need to know the laws governing plumbing infrastructure but they should have a good idea how to avoid creating fire hazards in their designs).

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What Can You Do with Interior Design?

There are many ways for interior design to express itself, and just as many ways for you to express yourself or someone else through interior design. Some of the more well-known reasons to implement interior design include self-expression, increased functionality, enhanced comfort, and influence the mood and experience of those using a space. Whether you’re using interior design skills on residential or commercial properties, it is important to make the most of the space and meet not only the needs of those using the space but also work within the parameters of the space itself.

In addition to the more widely recognized uses for interior design, it’s also possible to increase the value of a property. Not only does interior design have some bearing on a property’s curb appeal but also its functionality. Oftentimes, interior design will require some updates and renovations. On such occasions, the quality of materials like flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures will factor into the property value. Likewise, incorporating more energy-efficient elements and market trends can also drive values upward. 

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

While the two words are similar, their definitions are quite different. A certificate is something you earn after completing a course or a program. These programs sometimes include in-course tests to assess comprehension, but many require participants to complete a capstone project to demonstrate mastery of the course material. Certificates are all about completion, and anyone can earn them.

Certification on the other hand requires you to take a standardized test and pass with a certain score or higher to obtain. Some certifications require that you also have a certain amount of work experience before attempting the certification. Typically to earn a certification, you’ll need to put in many practice or study hours to prepare. You’ll even find some certificate courses that are designed to prepare you for taking a certification exam. You typically have to pay for a certification exam, finish it in the allotted time, and complete it in front of a proctor. Scores are often available immediately following the exam, and some certifications will allow you two exam attempts per exam fee.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Interior Design

You don’t have to look too hard to find interior design certifications and certificates. Which of these you choose to pursue, should be decided by your career or learning goals. Here’s a short list of certifications and certificates to get you started.

• Noble Desktop offers an AutoCAD Certification Program that covers basic to advanced AutoCAD skills. You have the option to complete this course by taking the Autodesk AutoCAD certification exam or to receive an extra hour of private tutoring. This certification will help you distinguish yourself in the competitive world of interior design. You will also receive a certificate of completion after taking this certification program. 
• A standard certification obtained by competent and professional interior designers is the NCIDQ certification offered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification. This certification is a requirement to practice interior design professionally in certain regulated jurisdictions throughout North America. 
• Certified Healthcare Interior Designer is offered through the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers. This credential is for architects and interior designers who have expertise in the current codes and protocols protecting and improving the lives of patients, residents, and healthcare providers.
• LEED credentials are for interior designers who understand sustainable design, construction, and operations standards. There are two LEED credentials, the LEED Green Associate for those who have foundational competence in environmentally sound building principles; and the LEED AP with Specialty for advanced professionals who have expertise in both green building principles and a LEED rating system. For the LEED AP credential, you’ll need to pass the LEED Green Associate exam and an exam for a specific LEED rating system.

Should I Get Certified in Interior Design?

Getting certified in interior design is a choice you’ll have to make based on your career goals. If you want to learn interior design so you can spruce up your home or take on a few friends and family projects here and there, you probably won’t need certification. But if you’re looking to make your resume stand out amongst the rest, being certified is definitely one way to do that. Keep in mind that while certifications are advantageous, they may not be required for you to find a job. 

How to Get Certified in Interior Design

Getting certified in interior design will take a lot of practice and experience. While certifications help secure employment and demonstrate your skills, they take time. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of interior design, you’ll need to put those skills to practice through work experience and internships, develop your portfolio, research and choose a certification, and prepare for the exam. Once you’re prepared to take the exam and you pass the certification exam, you’ll have a certification to showcase your skill and expertise. 

You’ll want to make sure that you continue learning. This can look like attending workshops or conferences, online courses, or additional classes to help you stay current with industry trends and software updates. You may also want to consider obtaining additional certifications to further exemplify your dedication to your craft. 

Learn Interior Design with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When you’re choosing an interior design class, you’ll want to look for some key features to ensure you’re getting a worthwhile education that will move you toward your dream career. Classes that fit your schedule and lifestyle will help you stay engaged and make it easier for you to succeed. The curriculum should be tailored to interior design topics that are fundamental and in demand if you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly. Expert instructors who are accessible and care about your success, small class sizes, and free retake options are all features that can propel your learning, help you achieve mastery, and reach your interior design learning goals. Luckily, Noble Desktop meets this criteria and is eager to help you get started with interior design today.

Interior Design classes and bootcamps can be taken as an Interior Design Professional Course Bundle. This course is designed to help you learn the tools and software most often used in this field, including AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, and Photoshop. You’ll also learn how to create floor plans, 3D models, and professional and engaging presentations that get the right people excited about your designs. If you’d like to slow down your learning and master one topic at a time, you can start with this AutoCAD Certificate Program that will guide you from basic to advanced use in eight weeks on a part-time schedule or two weeks on a full-time schedule. This certificate program also includes six hours of private tutoring to further deepen your learning.

Whether you want to get started in the workforce as soon as possible or you’d prefer to take your time mastering each in-demand interior design tool or software, Noble Desktop wants to help you achieve your learning goals. With hard work and dedication, you’ll be on the path to building a great career in interior design.