California Council For Interior Design Certification

To protect the health, safety and welfare of the public through administering the Certified Interior Designer Title Act.

The IDEX® California Exam Has Been Revised and Updated!

The Updated version of the IDEX® California Exam is available for the October 2021 testing period.

Revisions to Include:

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

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.

California Certified Interior Designer's Title Act

Q: Does California Have “Self” or “Private” Certification for Interior Design?

A: No! California has a Title Act, written into the California Business & Professions Code. CCIDC is the Non-Profit Board that administers the Title Act; with government oversight from the California Department of Consumer Affairs. CCIDC, like other State and Certification Boards is required to go through the Sunset Review Process.  

Verify Certification of an Interior Designer

The only guarantee that the person you are hiring is qualified is to hire someone who is a “Certified Interior Designer or CID.” Certification is title act written in to the California Business and Professions Code and protected by law to prevent anyone using that title that has not complied with the law.

“Certified Interior Designer or CID” is qualified to prepare and submit nonstructural or nonseismic plans consistent with Sections 5805 and 5538 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. CIDs, qualified through education, experience, examination and ethics, prove the competency to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

To verify if your designer is certified or check the status of a Certified Interior Designer, click the check mark icon above.

Learn How to Become a Certified Interior Designer

Why should you become a Certified Interior Designer (CID)?

  • California’s Certified Interior Designers Law is a Title Act..
  • It is the only legally recognized title for interior designers in California.
  • Only Certified Interior Designers have proven their education, experience, and passed an examination relevant to California.
  • Every Certified Interior Designer is required to sign and abide by the CCIDC Code of Ethics and Conduct when they apply, giving their promise of professionalism to their clients.
  • Interior design certification demonstrates a commitment to professional practice through education, experience and examination.
  • Greater knowledge decreases risk of legal liability.
  • Increased client confidence in your abilities.

For more information click on the light bulb icon above.

Hire a Local Certified Interior Designer - CID

Most people think all interior designers are licensed or certified; but this is not true. In California, anyone can use the title “interior designer”; “Certified Interior Designer” is the only legally recognized and protected title for interior designers in the state of California. A Certified Interior Designer is a competent design professional who may prepare and submit non-structural; non-seismic construction documents and specifications to local building departments for the purposes of plan check.

Certified Interior Designers have demonstrated through education, experience and examination their knowledge of the California Building Code as it relates to space planning, life safety, flammability and disabled access code issues, under the provisions of Chapter 3.9 of the Business & Professions Code, Section 5800 – 5812. CCIDC – California Council for Interior Design Certification is the organization responsible for administering the requirements of the Certified Interior Designers Title Act.

To find a CID in your area, click on the magnifying glass icon above.