RIDQC Certification Exam - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

•Q:IS THIS AN OPEN BOOK EXAM?

•A:

No, this is not an open book exam.

•Q: DO I TAKE THE EXAM IN PERSON OR ONLINE?

•A:

The exam is proctored online through an online portal. The proctoring fee is $60. which must be paid at the time of scheduling

•Q: After I test, will I receive the results immediately after taking the exam?

•A:

No, the results are not immediate since a human must read the essays.
This process can take 24-48 hours, depending on the number of testers that day.

•Q: I AM ENROLLED IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE AT NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR ART AND DESIGN. CAN I TAKE THE EXAM WHEN I GRADUATE?

•A:

Yes, they offer an exceptional curriculum. NYIAD graduates are approved to take the RIDQC exam.

Q: Are there any good reference books that you would suggest adding to my library as a professional?

•A

There are two books worth adding to your library. They are both excellent reference books covering many residential interior design topics.
"HOME" New York School of Interior Design: Home: The Foundations of Enduring Spaces
"The Finer Things"Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details by Christiane Lemieux (Author)

•Q: I am writing to ask about the Exam, specifically the "essay" questions. Please advise.

•A:

The essays are random practical questions and questions concerning the definitions studied. There are only 4-5, depending on your Exam. The question may include an image and the question: "How would you improve this room?"
Alternatively, the question may refer to something relating more to a definition already studied at the end of each chapter. The response can be short.
It is not formal writing.

•Q: I AM INTERESTED IN TAKING AN INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THE COURSE IS APPROVED FOR THE EXAM?

•A

To determine whether your course is approved, we will need more details. Please email us at support@ridqcexam.org

•Q: I RECENTLY SIGNED UP FOR THE RIDQC CERTIFICATION. SHOULD I START STUDYING FOR THE EXAM DURING MY COURSE?

•A:

No, we suggest that students wait until they have completed their course to begin studying for the exam.

•Q: ONCE I HAVE PASSED THE EXAM, AM I REQUIRED TO TAKE A RENEWAL EXAM IN THE FUTURE?

•A:

No, we suggest you take at least 10 continuing education credits every 2 years. DSA periodically monitors members' CEU class credits. Not taking them could result in DSA contacting you to catch up on your credits if you are part of a member audit. To remain a member in good standing and RIDQC certified, you will be asked to complete the CEUs in a much shorter period. DSA is very flexible about what is accepted; please click the link for more. We believe that continuing education is a lifetime goal as a professional. Please visit the DSA (Designer Society of America) website and click the "Education tab" Choose the "professional rewards" drop-down. option www.dsasociety.org

•Q: WHILE TAKING THE EXAM, DO I NEED TO ANSWER EACH QUESTION OR CAN I LEAVE ONE THAT I AM NOT SURE OF AND GO BACK LATER DURING THE 2 HRS?

•A:

You can return to unanswered questions while taking the exam.

•Q: Hello, I am testing on a Mac computer, and the ProctorU testing site requires a Guardian Browser. Is this something that I can use on my Mac?

•A:

Guardian is compatible with Mac, and we have successfully proctored hundreds of exams with Macs on Guardian.
Please ensure the test taker uses the correct download link for Macs, not Windows.
They should be able to download it from their test taker profile, but it might be helpful to send this link to them: https://guardian.meazurelearning.com/
On that webpage, you can see the “Download for Mac OS” links; they will need to determine if they are using an M1 Mac or an Intel Mac to select the correct download. Here’s a guide on how to determine which Mac processor they’re using: https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/articles/11508047674765-How-do-I-identify-my-Apple-processer-
https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/articles/11508047674765-How-do-I-identify-my-Apple-processer-

•Q: MY STATE REQUIRES A STATE EXAM TO PRACTICE COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN. IS THIS THE STATE EXAM?

•A:

No, this is NOT your state exam. Some states require a state exam for commercial interior design and for the ability to pull plans. Those states may require passing the NCIDQ or the CCIDC in California.

Earning the RIDQC provides you with a Residential Interior Design Certification. You will not be licensed for commercial interior design or granted the ability to pull plans or permits.

Some states require a state test for interior designers to separate the students who have had 4 or more years of college and have met the requirements listed in those states. Some states "Title" this designer as "registered," some title the state tested designer as" licensed," and some use the title "certified." Many don't have the title act or state test. Example: NY and NJ use the title "Certified" for their designers who have taken the state exam after 4 years of college/or meeting state requirements and who have passed their state exam. Therefore NY and NJ students can not use the title "Certified" even though they have been certified through us. They must clearly state "Residential Interior Designer" certified with RIDQC (not to be confused with the state exam after 4 years of schooling).

If you are moving forward as a professional, credentials will provide that extra layer of professionalism. You will also be listed on the DSA site as a Residential Interior Designer and allowed to use the RIDQC and the DSA logos.
You can state Residential Interior Designer/certified with RIDQC. You can also use the logo for RIDQC after passing the exam.

•Q:Hi, I'm a bit confused. Where they have designers from other countries, is this recognized in Canada specifically?
I understand the value of education, but I want to ensure I invest in the proper areas. Will I be Certified in Canada?
I do not want to be put in a position where I advertise this credential, and the board comes to me and says it's not valid and has to remove from my website, etc.
I appreciate the help./h5>

•A:

This is a common confusion for students everywhere, including in the US.?
Some states/ provinces regulate titles; some do not. Our exam is offered through colleges and universities, regardless of state laws, as long as they follow title laws correctly and do not mislead the public. If the title is regulated in your state or province, it is to make it clear that you should not be pulling permits without an architect, licensed contractor, electrician, and or plumber. This certification does not teach structural or permitted changes.

What is regulated is the use of titles in individual states or provinces. The term "licensed," "registered," or "certified" - Interior designers are regulated in some states and provinces.?
You may not pull plans or practice commercial?design in some states without taking the NCIDQ. (CIDA approved schooling 4-6 years followed up with the passing of the NCIDQ exam, a 1-2 year process.)?

This is not the NCIDQ,?nor does?it qualify as credits towards the NCIDQ. (A state or province exam - allows pulling permits and making structural changes.)
There is a difference.?
We are focussed on Residential Interior Design. RIDQC
What is regulated is the use of specific titles in some states and provinces. The term "licensed," "registered," or "certified" - Interior designers are held in some states. You may not pull plans or practice commercial design in some states without taking the NCIDQ. (CIDA approved schooling for 4-6 years followed up with the passing of the NCIDQ exam, a 1-2 year process.)?

We are a "Residential" Interior Design Certification. You must hire architects and contractors to pull plans and make structural changes.
More below to help clarify:

If you are interested in pulling permits, creating electrical plans, and making structural changes without an architect or contractor, you may want to consider your state or province contracting license course and exam.

The RIDQC is focused on Residential Interior Design only.
This exam does not suggest structural changes without contractors and or architects. Licensed contractors should always be hired to pull permits.

RIDQC was approached in 2003 to design an exam for students who decided not to attend college for 4 to 6 years but sought recognition in the field of residential interior design as a professional. The colleges and universities sought a third-party credential to validate the student's education in residential interior design.
This credential has been utilized as a third-party exam to confirm education for residential interior designers in over 3,000 colleges and universities.
This credential does not certify one to make structural changes in any country, including the US. without the hiring of a licensed contractor and or architect.

If your area is regulating the title "Certified" and you decide to test with the RIDQC. Please pay attention to listing your credentials accurately in "Residential Interior Design Qualifying Exam/ Certified by RIDQC.
You must never confuse or mislead the public.