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How do I become an Interior Designer or Interior Decorator?

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Interior Designer

In B.C., interior designers are not regulated or licensed by the provincial government. However, many interior designers in BC choose to complete NCIDQ certification - National Council for Interior Design Qualification - as governed by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ).

NCIDQ certification requires:

  • completion of Bachelor’s degree from a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited interior design program
  • successfully passing NCIDQ exam
  • completion of 3520 hours of qualified interior design experience

After receiving NCIDQ certification, designers usually apply to become a ‘Registered Member’ of the Interior Designer’s Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC). When IDIBC grants registration, a designer may then use the title Registered Interior Designer (R.I.D.).

Designers who have completed their Bachelor’s degree but are still preparing for NCIDQ examination may choose to register with IDIBC as an ‘Intern’ member.

Internationally Trained Interior Designers

Eligibility for NCIDQ Certification / Registration with Interior Designer’s Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC)

Candidates with an interior design education (degree, diploma or certificate) or Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in architecture earned abroad may qualify for the NCIDQ Exam and possibly for registration with IDIBC.

  • candidates must have their transcripts translated and evaluated by an education evaluator
  • education must include 60 semester credits of interior design coursework
Approved Evaluator - Available through the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Interior Decorators

In B.C., interior decorators are not regulated or licensed by the provincial government. Some form of post secondary education is usually required by employers, either a college certificate or diploma in interior decoration. Decorators may choose to seek ‘Accredited Membership’ with the Decorators & Designers Association (DDA Canada) by fulfilling one of these three requirements:

  • completion of a certificate or diploma program from a DDA Canada recognized educational institution 
    OR
  • completion of courses in the area of decorating or design and a minimum of 5 years’ work experience in the industry plus a portfolio and letters of reference
    OR
  • minimum of 10 years’ work experience in the design/decorating field plus a portfolio and letters of reference

Source: WorkBC Career Profile for Interior Designers & Interior Decorators