Getting Started

Participation is voluntary in most jurisdictions, but state boards, provincial associations and employers may mandate enrollment in IDEP for verifiable, diversified interior design experience.

• Identify your supervisor and select a mentor.
• Download the IDEP Application, IDEP Supervisor and Mentor Agreement and IDEP Verification Form.
• Submit all three forms, a sealed copy of your college transcript(s) and the application fee to NCIDQ. We will review your application, confirm your acceptance into the program and send instructions on how to document your hours in your online IDEP Log.
• Use your IDEP log to begin keeping records of hours worked in the IDEP competency areas.
• Document previous acceptable work experience (up to three months before the date you submitted your application) in your IDEP log.

• $85 due with application.
• $85 due at midpoint of the program.
• $85 due at completion of the program.

IDEP Log

Experience is tracked in the online IDEP Log and submitted to NCIDQ for review. Your supervisor must verify the accuracy and completeness of your Log before you submit it to NCIDQ. Your supervisor must meet regularly with you to discuss and sign off on your work. Your mentor must meet or confer with you regularly (in person, by phone or e-mail) to discuss your ongoing experience and alternatives, if needed, to fulfill the experience in the six competency areas.

Note: Over the course of the program, you may have more than one employer, more than one supervisor and/or more than one mentor.

A full-time employee can expect to complete the program in approximately two or three years, depending on the hours required for your formal education program level.

You will track your hours of experience in your log in these six competency areas:

• Programming
• Schematic Design
• Design Development
• Contract Documents
• Contract Administration
• Professional Practice

The definition of "experience" includes:

• Working directly in a competency area.
• Observing others who are engaged in such work.
• Attending lectures, seminars and continuing education courses. This type of professional development can be used to fulfill no more than 10% of the total required hours.

APPLY NOW! Download the application forms.