If you have a good eye for design and love working with people, then you may want to become an interior designer. An interior designer is different from an interior decorator. There are no education requirements or license to be an interior decorator, while the interior design field is regulated. You must be certified and, in many states, obtain a license before they can work as an interior designer.
General information on education and experience
Before you can be certified as an interior designer, you must be at least six years of combined education and work experience.
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Accredited Programs
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) supports programs that meet certain quality standards. Attend an accredited program is not required to obtain certification as an interior designer, but with the accreditation makes it easier for licensure in some states.
Education
Interior design programs are available at many major universities and specialized small schools. Some programs are even available online. The interior design education generally takes two to five years.
Experience
After graduation, you need to gain experience before taking the certification exam. The amount of qualified work experience you need depends on the degree you have. An associate degree requires an additional 7,040 hours of work, a three-year degree requires an additional 5,280 hours of work and a four-year degree requires an additional 3,520 hours of work.
Certification
Having won the interior design education and work experience required, you can take the examination given by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) for certification.
License
Some states require you to register to obtain a license to practice interior design in that state. You will need to verify your education, experience and certification, and may have to take a test.