CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN CERTIFICATION
CID Advocacy Alert
AB 2772 Legislative Updates
#AB2772 #YESOnAB2772 #DesignFreedom #ProtectInteriorDesign #California #SaveTheTitleAct #InteriorDesignRights #SupportCIDs #CaliforniaInteriorDesign #NoPublicHarmProven #ProtectSmallDesignFirms #WomenOwnedBusiness #MinorityOwnedBusiness #CareerSaver #TitleAct
#SmallBusinessMatters #ProtectDesignProfessionals #InteriorDesignProfession #CaliforniaDesignCommunity #DesignIndustry #ProfessionalInteriorDesign #SupportCertification #ProtectTheProfession #ReadTheBill #KnowTheFacts #LetDesignersWork #CertifiedInteriorDesigner #CID
The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) administers California’s Certified Interior Designer (CID) Title Act and certifies qualified interior design professionals who have met rigorous standards for education, experience, and examination to earn the title Certified Interior Designer, a designation protected under the California Business and Professions Code.
CERTIFICATION FACTS
California has a Title Act, the same type of interior design legislation adopted in 28 states nationwide. California’s certification framework remains consistent with the most common legislative model used across the United States.
No! Since 1991 California has had a Title Act, a law written into the California Business & Professions Code.
YES! By law, Certified Interior Designers can stamp and submit non-structural/non-seismic plans for review.
As written in Section 5800 of the California Business and Professions Code: An “interior design organization” means the California Council for Interior Design Certification (council), a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code, and consists of Certified Interior Designers whose governing board includes representatives of the public.
CCIDC, like other State and Certification Boards, has governmental oversight and is required to go through the Sunset Review Process.
2027 Open Board Positions
Sustainability Director Position Opening – Effective May 2027
All qualified Certified Interior Designers (CIDs) with a focus on sustainability are encouraged to apply.
Position Title: Sustainability Director
Board Affiliation: CCIDC Board of Directors (Professional Member)
Position Type: Volunteer (Voting Member)
Term Length: 3 Years (2nd Term Option Available)
The Sustainability Director is a Certified Interior Designer whose professional focus is on sustainable and environmentally responsible interior design. This board member provides leadership and expertise in advancing sustainability initiatives within the profession and ensures that environmental stewardship is integrated into the board’s strategic priorities, policies, and programs.
- Certified Interior Designer in good standing with CCIDC.
- Demonstrated experience and primary focus in sustainable interior design.
- Knowledge of sustainable materials, building systems, environmental standards, and relevant certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL, or similar).
- Commitment to environmental responsibility and advancing sustainable practices within the profession.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Attend 3 scheduled board meetings annually (virtual or in-person).
- Participate in committees or sustainability-related initiatives.
- Board liaison/advocate for CIDs whose focus is in sustainability
- Uphold the mission, values, and policies of CCIDC.
Specialty Director Position Opening – Effective January 2027
All qualified Certified Interior Designers (CIDs) with expertise in a specialized area of interior design practice are encouraged to apply.
Position Title: Specialty Director
Board Affiliation: CCIDC Board of Directors (Professional Member)
Position Type: Volunteer (Voting Member)
Term Length: 3 Years (2nd Term Option Available)
The Specialty Director is a Certified Interior Designer who brings expertise in a specialized area of interior design practice or an emerging sector of the profession. This board member provides valuable insight into the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities within their area of specialization and helps ensure that CCIDC’s programs, policies, and strategic initiatives reflect the diverse practice of interior design throughout California.
- Certified Interior Designer in good standing with CCIDC.
- Demonstrated professional expertise in a specialty area of interior design, which may include, but is not limited to, healthcare, hospitality, workplace, education, residential, retail, historic preservation, lighting, kitchen and bath, sustainability, universal design, building codes, accessibility, or other specialized practice areas.
- Broad understanding of issues affecting the interior design profession and the Certified Interior Designer community.
- Commitment to advancing the public health, safety, and welfare through professional interior design.
- Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills.
- Attend 3 scheduled board meetings annually (virtual or in-person).
- Participate in committees or sustainability-related initiatives.
- Board liaison/advocate for CIDs whose focus is in sustainability
- Uphold the mission, values, and policies of CCIDC.
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF INTERIOR DESIGN!
Advocacy Committee Purpose & Mission
Primary Mission: To advance and strengthen the interior design profession in California by monitoring legislation and regulatory actions that affect Certified Interior Designers (CIDs) and their practice.
Secondary Mission: To empower Certified Interior Designers (CIDs) to take an active role in shaping the future of their profession through education, awareness, and advocacy. The committee promotes awareness of how legislative developments impact practice, opportunity, and professional growth across California.
Alignment: This committee connects Certified Interior Designers throughout California to share insights, exchange ideas, and shape advocacy efforts that reflect the profession’s collective voice while maintaining CCIDC’s 501(c)(3) compliance.
The Advocacy Committee meets quarterly via ZOOM, the 1st Thursday of the month 3-5PM Pacific Time.
To join the Advocacy Committee:
CCIDC Advocacy Committee Next Meeting Date: Thursday, February 4, 2027.
All meetings open to the public.
Education Committee Purpose & Mission
Primary Mission: To promote excellence in interior design education across California by engaging educators, students, and Certified Interior Designers (CIDs) in advancing the profession.
Secondary Mission: To increase awareness of the Certified Interior Designer Title Act, provide students with resources as they prepare to enter the profession, ensure CIDs have access to meaningful and relevant continuing education opportunities, and uphold the integrity and quality of the IDEX® California Exam.
Alignment: This committee supports CCIDC’s mission by strengthening education at every level of practice, enhancing public awareness, protecting consumers, and fostering professional development among Certified Interior Designers.
The Education Committee meets quarterly via ZOOM, the 1st Wednesday of the month 3-5PM Pacific Time.
To join the Education Committee:
CCIDC Education Committee Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
All meetings open to the public.
Marketing & Outreach Committee Purpose & Mission
Primary Mission: To elevate recognition and understanding of California Certified Interior Designers (CIDs) by promoting the Certified Interior Designer Title Act through clear, consistent, and engaging educational messaging.
Secondary Mission: To champion the work and value of Certified Interior Designers by providing outreach, tools, and resources that support professional growth; educate design peers, building departments, and jurisdictions; and inspire public confidence in the CID credential.
Alignment: The committee advances CCIDC’s mission by fostering awareness of Certified Interior Designers’ professional standards and qualifications, empowering practitioners, and protecting consumers through education and advocacy.
The Marketing & Outreach Committee meets quarterly via ZOOM, the 1st Tuesday of the month 3-5PM Pacific Time.
To join the Marketing & Outreach Committee:
CCIDC Marketing Committee Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
All meetings open to the public.
CCIDC EVENT CALENDAR
#CID #CCIDC #BoardMeeting #StrategicPlanning #InteriorDesign #California #Certification #CertifiedInteriorDesigner #RegisteredDesignProfessional #InteriorDesigner #DesignProfessional #CalendarOfEvents #TitleAct
MARKET YOURSELF WITH CONFIDENCE AS A CID
- CIDs have the 4E‘s (per state guidelines)
- Education (Minimum of 40 Core Units)
- Experience (2-8 Years Minimum)
- Examination (IDEX® California, the only interior design exam that tests on California Codes and Regulations)
- Ethics (CIDs are held to a strict Code of Ethics.)
- In other words, CIDs have achieved the highest level of recognition for the Interior Design profession in California!
- You have been conferred with the title Certified Interior Designer or CID, the only title for interior designers recognized by the state of California, as written into law (California Business and Professions Code, Section 5800 – 5812).
- You are NOT a CCIDC nor a member of CCIDC. CCIDC is the organization the administers the Certified Interior Designer Title Act in California, not a membership organization or club.
- You are a Certified Interior Designer in California, you may add “in the State of California” or “California” after your certification number.
- You can add the initials of any professional interior design organization (AIA, ASID, IDS, IFDA, IIDA, NKBA, ETC.) you are a member of after your CID appellation/number.
- Under California law, through the Certified Interior Designer Title Act (CA BPC 5812) it is unfair business practice and a misdemeanor to use the title Certified Interior Designer or “CID” unless you have complied with the requirements of the law and are a CID in good standing.
- Your Name, Certified Interior Designer
- Your Name, Certified Interior Designer #00000
- Your Name, CID
- Your Name, CID #00000
YOU EARNED THE TITLE CID…
NOW USE IT!
QUICK LINKS
IDEX® CALIFORNIA EXAM
CCIDC accepts application 365 days per year
Apply today for the IDEX® Exam!
Application Packets are due on or before March 1st for the Spring IDEX® Exam!
Retest fees are also due on or before March 1st to retake the IDEX® Exam in the Spring.
Application Packets are due on or before August 1st for the Fall IDEX® Exam!
Retest fees are also due on or before August 1st to retake the IDEX® Exam in the Fall.
The IDEX® California Exam
A comprehensive Interior Design Exam:
- Only Interior Design Exam That Tests on California Codes
- Current Codes/Regulations
- 11 Domains Covering both Commercial and Residential Design
- California Codes & Regulations
- Occupancy Classification
- Types of Construction
- Fire Protection Requirements
- Means of Egress
- Accessibility
- Building Systems
- Miscellaneous Code Provisions
- Business Practices & Ethics
- Legal Requirements and Responsibilities
- Professional Practice
- Ethics
- Administration
- Design Standards
- Design Standards
- Interior Finishes
- California Codes & Regulations
- Code Related Questions Created With the International Codes Council (ICC)
- Free Study Guide Available!
STATE OF CALIFORNIA RESOURCES
