Scoring Sections 1 & 2

The two multiple-choice sections (Sections 1 and 2) are scanned and scored by computer. Scores are reported on a scale ranging from 200 to 800, with the passing point anchored at 500. NCIDQ prepares new versions of the examination regularly and uses statistical equating procedures to ensure that all versions are equal in difficulty.

Scoring Section 3

All practicum examinations (Section 3) are scored at the same time. NCIDQ assembles groups of volunteer grading coordinators and graders twice a year to score the examinations. All graders are interior design professionals who must complete a rigorous training program before each grading session. The training process includes specific criteria that all graders must understand and with which all graders must comply. NCIDQ monitors each grader’s performance for compliance with the standards.

Click here for information on the 2010 exam scoring.

Beginning in 2010, NCIDQ will grade practicum examinations in a single grading session following each exam administration. NCIDQ has changed its grading process as well. Starting in 2010, NCIDQ allows the graders to use some professional judgment when scoring exams. The graders are trained to look at the entire solution to see if a candidate has demonstrated his or her competence in the area being tested. This means that a candidate who overlooks a requirement or who makes a minor error can still pass the exam if his or her overall solution demonstrates the required knowledge. For instance, one door swing in the wrong direction might not be enough to cause a candidate to fail the solution if he or she has demonstrated an understanding of other life safety codes such as corridor length, barrier-free egress, etc. However, a solution in which all the doors swing in the wrong direction indicates a lack of knowledge of life safety codes and would likely not be considered a passing solution.

Similarly, if a candidate has the majority of the required spaces correctly shown and scaled but makes a minor error on one, this alone would not be an automatic fail. If the candidate demonstrates an overall understanding of the required knowledge and skills, then the grader’s application of the grading criteria would mean that the solution would still pass. Click here to learn how graders score the NCIDQ Examination.

Each part of the test is scored separately by at least two independent graders who do not know the other grader’s score. Graders specialize in Part A, Part B or Part C of the examination, so that a total of six graders are involved in scoring each candidate’s examination (two graders for Part A, two different graders for Part B and two different graders for Part C). If the two graders disagree on whether a solution is passing or failing, the exercise receives an automatic third scoring by a grading coordinator to resolve the difference.

Candidates record only their control number on their drawing sheets and envelope of materials. This control number ensures candidates’ anonymity, thus eliminating bias that might occur if a grader were to recognize a candidate. Likewise, graders record only their Certificate numbers on the score sheets for the same reason. Once the score sheets are scanned, the graders can be identified by Certificate number to statistically evaluate their performance.

All NCIDQ grading processes are developed and maintained to ensure that the NCIDQ Examination is fair, valid and reliable.