| NCIDQ's Mission |
To protect the health, life safety and welfare of the public by establishing standards of competence in the practice of interior design. |
|
| Greetings,
Welcome to our December edition of the QLetter. Thank you for continuing to support NCIDQ and its mission of public protection.
We have a lot of important information to share. Please read on to learn all about our new Web site, our new exam study material, our 2010 Board of Directors and more.
Seasons greetings from NCIDQ! |
|
NCIDQ Set to Unveil New Web Site
 We will be unveiling our
newly redesigned Web site in the coming days! The new design is designed to improve the user experience and
strengthen the NCIDQ brand image.
The new Web site has greater
functionality and appeal and is focused around a more audience-specific
experience, allowing you to search for information you want by determining which
audience group you fall into. You can easily access your MyNCIDQ account, get continuing education information or purchase CE Monographs, view state board and provincial association CE requirements, easily access your CE transcripts and more.
For a sneak peak at what the new Web site
will look like, click here.
NCIDQ is also
adding new features to the Web site. Inside the Q is our new blog that
focuses on all facets of NCIDQ, from insider tips on application process to
special messages from NCIDQ's Executive Director. View the brand-new blog here.
|
Introducing our New Online Shopping Cart
NCIDQ has created an
online shopping cart in order to provide a more convenient, seamless way to
place orders. QShop allows for you to purchase all of NCIDQ's products - such as CE Monographs - through
secure credit card transactions. You can create accounts, track shipments and
manage your orders with ease. |
New Exam Study Materials Now Available
New! Section 3 Practice Design Problem (PDP)
 NCIDQ's new Practice Design Problem (PDP) helps exam candidates prepare for the practicum section of the exam by simulating the actual testing experience.
The
all-new PDP is a complete sample examination that includes all the
exercises candidates will encounter on the actual examination. Now candidates can also purchase online examples of a passing and failing solution.
For more information on the new Section 3 practice materials, click here. To purchase the PDP + Online Solutions, click here.
Pass this information along to those planning on taking the exam or those who are interested in learning more about the study materials. PDPs are available to anyone; you do not have to be an approved candidate to purchase one.
New! Online Multiple-Choice Exam Practice Tests
Sections
1 & 2 practice materials will be available online in early 2010. Please note the multiple-choice
examination is still a paper-and-pencil examination. Only the practice
tests will be delivered on computer. |
ASID and IIDA Members - CE Reporting Period Ends This Year
If you are an ASID practitioner member or an
IIDA professional or associate member, you have until December 31 to complete
the continuing education required to maintain your membership in those
organizations. ASID requires six hours and IIDA requires 10 hours of continuing
education credit every two years.
NCIDQ's monographs are a convenient and affordable way to earn six hours in
health, safety and welfare topics. All NCIDQ monographs are IDCEC approved.
All you need to do is read the monograph when it's convenient for you and
complete a 25-question quiz. No need to travel or be away from the office; you'll
earn six hours (0.6 CEUs) on your schedule! Plus, active Certificate
holders can take a 10% discount! These monographs will become valuable
references for your professional library.
Choose from these titles and now easily purchase on QShop:
|
NCIDQ Celebrates Milestone Certificate Holders
NCIDQ is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. In honor of this accomplishment, we are featuring four milestones in Certificate holder history in our QLetter issues!
This month we are featuring Certificate holder No. 20000, Sarah Dodd and Certificate holder No. 25000, Silja Tikkanen.
Sarah Dodd
Certificate No. 20000
 Proof that it's never too late to go after your goals, Sarah Dodd became an NCIDQ Certificate holder in October of 2004 after working nine years in the industry.
Dodd still remembers exam day for her as being both exciting and terrifying at the same time, but notes that because of her professional education, experience and NCIDQ credential, she now has the confidence necessary to push herself further in the profession. She is about to take the LEED AP exam and continues to evolve her experience in Iowa where she currently practices interior design.
"The NCIDQ credential has given me the vehicle to try different facets of interior design. Designers tend to get pigeon-holed into different categories. I have found that [the credential] has been a valuable marketing tool and has been helpful for me in winning jobs. Never underestimate yourself as an important agent of change for your clients."
Silja Tikkanen
Certificate No. 25000
 Silja Tikkanen passed the exam in October 2008, becoming our 25,000 Certificate holder. Feeling that there is widespread confusion about the definition of interior design, she set out to define herself in the profession by taking the exam. "I felt it was important to establish my own credibility and professionalism as a designer," says Tikkanen.
Tikkanen, who also ran in her first marathon the same weekend as the NCIDQ Examination, felt confident going into the exam, trusting her own experience and knowledge. Now that she has the NCIDQ Certificate, she feels even more confident in her profession. "The NCIDQ credential has given me the confidence in my competency as a designer and has made me more marketable in the field. [The credential] stands as a statement to the design profession that designers not only create solutions that are aesthetically pleasing, but that enhance the human environment by creating functional, safe and efficient spaces."
Her advice to future designers is, "open yourself up to experiences and tasks you may not be familiar or comfortable with. Act as a sponge for knowledge. Real, professional experience teaches you more than any textbook can, so make sure you take advantage of every opportunity, whether it is glamorous or not." | |
|
|
 Office Closed During Holidays
The NCIDQ office will be closed for the winter holidays beginning December 25. The office will reopen on January 4, 2010.
|
QLetter back issues are always available on our Web site.
Sincerely,
NCIDQ
Copyright 2009 National Council for Interior Design Qualification, Inc.
For permission to reprint items from this newsletter, contact us!
NCIDQ and the NCIDQ logo are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Phone: 202-721-0220
Fax: 202-721-0221
|
|
|
