Most of the content of the NCIDQ Examination pertains to a common body of knowledge that is generic to the practice of interior design. A well-rounded period of professional practice is the best preparation for the exam. However, you are encouraged to supplement your education and experience by reviewing interior design resources—particularly those focusing on areas in which you may be less skilled or experienced.
The materials listed here can provide a helpful supplement to your understanding. This list does not represent the entire body of information to be used as study material, and NCIDQ does not warrant or guarantee all information contained in these references. Although the list may include more than one reference that covers a content area, one such reference may be enough—and other resources that are not on the list may adequately cover the content area.
Standard Forms and Documents
General familiarity with project forms, contractual agreements and construction documents is important throughout the practice of interior design. These forms are individually or jointly copyrighted and provided by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Examples include:
- Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Designer
- General Conditions to the Contract for Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment
- Forms for change orders, addenda/um, and bonding of bids, performance and materials
Trade Journals/Magazines/Product Manuals
A number of industry publications provide current technical information.
Building Codes
The following building codes are currently in use in various parts of the United States and Canada:
- IBC – International Building Code
- Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- National Building Code of Canada, 1990 edition
Standards
- Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and ADA-ABA (Architectural Barriers Act) Guidelines
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI), "Specifications for Making Buildings and Facilities Accessible to and Usable by Physically Handicapped People"
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standards and Practices
Books
NCIDQ uses a wide variety of books as references when developing multiple-choice exam questions. This list is not exhaustive, but represents books that are frequently used by our exam writers.
Binggeli, Corky. Building Systems for Interior Designers, second edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009.
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Building Officials & Code Administrators, International, Inc. The BOCA National Building Code, 1999.
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Ching, Francis D.K. Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, third edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.
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Ching, Francis D.K. Design Drawing. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.
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Ching, Francis D.K. and Winkel, Steven R. Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code, second edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.
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Coleman, Cindy, editor. Interior Design Handbook of Professional Practice. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2001.
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De Chiara, Joseph, Panero, Julius and Zelnik, Martin. Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning, second edition. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2001.
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Downey, Joel and Gilbert, Patricia K. Successful Interior Projects Through Effective Contract Documents. R.S. Means Company, Inc., 1995.
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Evan Terry Associates, P.C., editors. Pocket Guide to the ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, third edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.
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Farren, Carol E. Planning & Managing Interior Projects, second edition. R.S. Means Company, Inc., 1999.
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Gordon, Gary. Interior Lighting for Designers, fourth edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
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Harmon, Sharon Koomen and Kennon, Katherine E. The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, fourth edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2008.
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International Code Council, Inc. 2006 International Building Code, 2006
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Karlen, Mark. Space Planning Basics, third edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009.
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Lewis, Susan A. Interior Design Sourcebook: A Guide to Resources on the History and Practice of Interior Design. Omnigraphics, Inc., 1998.
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McGowan, Maryrose. Interior Graphic Standards. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
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McGowan, Maryrose and Kruse, Kelsey. Specifying Interiors: A Guide to Construction second edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005.
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Mitton, Maureen. Interior Design Visual Presentation: A Guide to Graphics, Models, and Presentation Techniques, second edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003.
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Peña, William M. and Parshall, Steven A. Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer, fourth edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2001.
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Patterson, Terry L. Illustrated 2006 Building Code Handbook. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2006.
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Piotrowski, Christine M. Professional Practice for Interior Designers, fourth edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.
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Piotrowski, Christine M. and Rogers, Elizabeth A. Designing Commercial Interiors, second edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.
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Rengel, Roberto J. Shaping Interior Space, second edition. Fairchild Publications, Inc., 2007.
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Reznikoff, S.C. Interior Graphic and Design Standards. Watson-Guptill, 1986.
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Willbanks, Amy; Oxford, Nancy; Miller, Dana and Coleman, Sharon. Textiles for Residential and Commercial Interiors, third edition. Fairchild Publications, Inc., 2010.
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