Interior Design Certification Information for Building Departments

Guidance for Building Departments and Plan Review Officials
The California Certified Interior Designer Title Act, Business and Professions Code Sections 5800 through 5812, establishes the legal definition, qualifications, and scope of Certified Interior Designers (CIDs).

Under Business and Professions Code Section 5800, a Certified Interior Designer is defined as:

“A person who prepares and submits nonstructural or nonseismic plans to local building departments that are of sufficient complexity so as to require the skills of a licensed contractor to implement them, and who engages in programming, planning, designing, and documenting the construction and installation of nonstructural or nonseismic elements, finishes and furnishings within the interior spaces of a building, and has demonstrated by means of education, experience and examination, the competency to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the public.”

This statute confirms that Certified Interior Designers are recognized design professionals within a defined legal scope.

Information About Certified Interior Designers

CIDs are authorized to prepare and submit qualifying interior construction documents directly to local building departments.

  • Nonstructural interior partition layouts
  • Accessibility compliance details within interior scope
  • Life safety and means of egress layouts (nonstructural)
  • Reflected ceiling plans and finish plans
  • Interior alterations not affecting structural or seismic systems
  • Code-compliant documentation requiring licensed contractor implementation

The California Certified Interior Designer stamp indicates that the plans or drawings were prepared by a professional certified under California’s Interior Design Title Act. Certified Interior Designers are authorized by state law to prepare and submit nonstructural and nonseismic interior construction documents for permitting, including interior space planning, reflected ceiling plans, finish plans, nonstructural partitions, accessibility compliance within the interior scope, and related specifications.

The CCIDC stamp confirms that the designer holds a valid California certification and is legally permitted to prepare drawings within the scope defined by the Title Act. The stamp does not authorize structural or exterior building design, which remain under the authority of licensed architects or engineers as required by law.

For verification of certification status, certification numbers may be confirmed through CCIDC.

Certification is administered by CCIDC

Certified Interior Designer (CID) Non-Certified Individual
Protected title under California law No title protection
Verified education and diversified experience No statutory qualification standards
Passed a comprehensive code-based examination No examination required
Demonstrated competency to protect public health, safety, and welfare No verified competency

The Title Act clearly distinguishes interior scope from architectural and engineering licensure.

  • No structural or load-bearing system design
  • No seismic system modifications
  • No architectural or engineering practice unless separately licensed
  • No contractor services unless separately licensed

California Interior Design Legislation Overview

Certified Interior Designer’s Title Act – California Business and Professions Code – Section 5800 – 5812

Title Act Vs. Practice Act

  • A “practice” act regulates a group of actions or “practices” that can only be carried out by persons licensed to carry out those particular practices. For example: Only a licensed engineer can design a bridge. So a practice act regulates a group of practices, and then defines (through proof of education, experience, and testing) and subsequently “licenses” or “Registers” the group of individuals that are qualified to carry out those practices. So, if an interior designer tried to design a bridge, they are breaking the law because they are not a licensed engineer.
  • A “title” act regulates a group of people that use a certain “title,” without affecting the ability of others in the industry to conduct business in their particular practice. But in order to be allowed to use that title, the state requires that those people prove that they have a certain level of experience and education relevant to the particular title being regulated. For example, in California, Interior Designers must meet the minimum qualifications set by the state to become a Certified Interior Designer.
  • A title act regulates only a title and provides a list to the public of the “certified” (not licensed) individuals that meet the required qualifications to use that title. In California, anyone can refer to themselves as an “Interior Designer”, without any education or experience. Interior designers would be in violation of the Title Act ONLY if they use the title “Certified Interior Designer,” “Registered Interior Designer,” or “Licensed Interior Designer (or in current law, the title “interior architect” or any other currently regulated title) when conducting business as an interior designer.