California Council For Interior Design Certification

CCIDC, Inc.

Protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public by administering the Certified Interior Designer Title Act.

California Certified Interior Designer’s Title Act

The California Certified Interior Designer’s Title Act is written into law:
California Business and Professions Code, Section 5800 – 5812.

Updates to The Certified Interior Designer Title Act

A Victory for the Interior Design Profession and Certified Interior Designers in California!

On October 10, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsome signed Senate Bill 816 into law. This bill Makes various changes stemming from prior sunset review oversight efforts, including codifying the California Interior Design Council (CCIDC) as the certifying organization for the profession and establishing the Commercial Designation into the Certified Interior Designer Title Act.

Updated Title Act/Law Language

Quick Links

California Certified Interior Designer's Title Act

Debunking False Information

Q: Does California Have “Self” or “Private” Certification for Interior Design?
A: No! Since 1991 California has had a Title Act, written into the California Business & Professions Code.

Q: Is CCIDC a Private Company?
CCIDC is the Non-Profit Board that administers the Certified Interior Designer Title Act; with governmental oversight from the Joint Sunset Review Committee. CCIDC, like other State and Certification Boards, is required to go through the Sunset Review Process.

You Earned the Title CID
Now Use It!

Earning the Title Certified Interior Designer (CID) is a huge accomplishment!

Always use your title, it’s up to CIDs to use their title, not only as a marketing tool, CIDs promote the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public.

What You Need to Know About Using Your Title:

  • 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.

Correct Title Uses:

  • Your Name, Certified Interior Designer
  • Your Name, Certified Interior Designer #00000
  • Your Name, CID
  • Your Name, CID #00000
California Certified Interior Designer's Title Act

Spread the Word!
#ImACID

  • Market yourself as a CID, you’ve earned it!
  • 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, CIDhave achieved the highest level of recognition for the Interior Design profession in California!

Want to Make a Difference in The Interior Design Profession?

Here are some ways you can get involved and be a positive change for the Interior Design profession in California.

IDEX® California Exam

The IDEX® California Exam has been revised and updated!

Revisions to Include:

  • Updated Questions in All Domains
  • Most Recent Codes/Regulations Used
  • Expanded from 3 Domains to 11 Domains
  • Code Related Questions Written/Revised by International Codes Council (ICC)
  • Updated Study Guide Now Available!

The Fall 2023 IDEX® Exam Registration Deadline has passed.
CCIDC accepts application 365 days per year, apply today for the Spring 2024 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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CCIDC DEI Statement

CCIDC welcomes everyone with an inclusion mindset, one that prioritizes growth through listening and learning. No matter where you come from, or how you were designed, we want to create a place where you belong. Our commitment to driving equality and greater business value does not waver. We’re working with employees, stakeholders, and CIDs to move closer to equality for all.

State of California Resources