CID study guide
CID · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CID - Certified Interior Designer, often associated with the NCIDQ credential - is a professional certification for interior designers who want to demonstrate competence beyond entry level. It signals that a practitioner can program and plan space, apply building codes and accessibility standards, specify construction and materials, coordinate lighting and mechanical systems, produce documentation, and manage a project. The CID study guide has 6 sections and about 1,934 words.
01Space Planning and Programming
This domain tests how you turn a client brief into a quantified, testable space program and then into a layout that works. Expect questions on net vs.
308 words, about 2 min02Codes, Standards, and Regulations
This domain tests applied code literacy: occupancy classification, occupant load, egress capacity and arrangement, fire-resistance and interior-finish limits, and accessibility. You are expected to know how the IBC, NFPA 101, ADA Standards, and referenced standards interact, and when a local amendment controls.
365 words, about 2 min03Construction, Materials, and Specifications
This domain tests how finishes and assemblies are selected, detailed, and written into enforceable documents. Expect questions on CSI MasterFormat organization, three-part specifications, performance versus prescriptive language, submittals, fire-rated assemblies, and durability/maintenance.
304 words, about 2 min04Lighting, Electrical, and Mechanical Systems
This domain tests coordination of building systems with interior design. Expect lighting metrics and calculations, lighting power density, controls, electrical load basics, HVAC distribution, and ceiling/space coordination.
337 words, about 2 min05Design Communication and Documentation
This domain tests whether you can produce clear, coordinated, buildable documents. Expect drawing types and scales, dimensioning, schedules, symbols, BIM coordination, revisions, and the difference between design drawings and construction documents.
307 words, about 2 min06Professional Practice and Project Management
This domain tests business and delivery knowledge: contracts, fees, schedules, risk allocation, insurance, and ethics. Expect questions on delivery methods, standard of care, scope changes, and project controls.
313 words, about 2 min