Certified Interior Designer Commercial Designation

What is the Commercial Designation?

The CID Commercial Designation was created to assist Certified Interior Designers who prepare and submit non-structural, non-seismic commercial tenant improvement plans for building permit approval—without the need for an architect’s or engineer’s stamp or signature—in compliance with California Business and Professions Code Sections 5537 and 5538.

This voluntary designation allows building officials to more easily identify qualified interior designers whose work is within the legal exemption for commercial design.

Please Note:

  • The Commercial Designation is voluntary.
  • It does not guarantee approval or uniform acceptance of plans by all jurisdictions.
  • It serves as a valuable identifier for CIDs with commercial design expertise.
  • It is one step toward improving plan review processes for interior designers.

Background & History

Historically, some building departments have denied submissions from interior designers—even when the scope of work is clearly exempt from requiring architectural or engineering stamps. This has led to unnecessary project delays and increased costs as designers were forced to enlist additional professionals.

The Commercial Designation seeks to reduce this issue by clearly identifying Certified Interior Designers qualified to submit exempt commercial projects, particularly in complex settings such as high-rise office buildings.

Who Should Apply?

This designation is ideal for:

  • Interior Designers engaged primarily in commercial projects.

  • Designers who regularly submit drawings to building departments.

  • Certified Interior Designers seeking a specialized commercial designation on top of their certification.

Eligibility

  • Must be a CID in good standing or a Path 4 qualified candidate.

  • Must pass one of the following exams:

    • ARE

    • CASp

    • LEED (minimum AP)

    • NCBDC

    • NCIDQ

    • NKBA (minimum CKBD)

Note: Path 4 candidates must also pass the IDEX California® Exam.

To obtain the Certified Interior Designer (CID) Commercial Designation, completion of the following International Code Council (ICC) courses is mandatory. These courses are designed to ensure that interior designers possess a comprehensive understanding of the codes, regulations, and standards required for safe and compliant commercial design practices. Successful completion demonstrates proficiency in applying ICC codes within various commercial design contexts, preparing designers to meet industry and regulatory expectations with confidence.

Required ICC Course List (Updated for each code cycle).

  • 2022 California Building Code (CBC) Essentials Overview | Item #: 2022ONL003
  • 2022 CBC Title 24, Part 6 (Energy) Regulation Overview | Item #: 2022ONL009
  • 2022 CBC Chapter 11B – Accessibility in Public Buildings Overview | Item #: 2022ONL007
  • 2022 CBC Means of Egress | Item #: 2022ONL008
  • Introduction to Building Codes (California Specific) | Item #: 2022ONL010CA

For Current CIDs

  1. Submit the Commercial Designation Application (found at the bottom of this page).
  2. Submit proof of national exam passage.
  3. Log in to your CID account.
  4. Pay the $100 application fee.
  5. Receive ICC course discount coupons via email.
  6. Submit proof of course completion within 90 days.

For New Candidates (Path 4)

  1. Apply through Path 4 Certification with Commercial Designation.

  2. Pay the $700 application fee (includes IDEX Exam).

  3. Complete the IDEX California® and ICC courses as required.

  • Certified Interior Designers who earn the Commercial Designation will receive:

    • A unique stamp and ID card marked “Commercial”.

    • Public and building officials can verify designation status on the CCIDC Website through the Verify Certification portal.

CIDs APPLY HERE

Commercial Designation Application (For CIDs)

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Please list email address to send ICC Course information and coupon codes to.
To qualify CIDs must be in good standing (Fees paid + CEUs current).
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
One of the following: • ARE • CASp • LEED (minimum AP) • NCBDC • NCIDQ • NKBA (minimum CKBD)
Clear Signature
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information provided is true, complete, and accurate. Any false or incomplete information will result in immediate disqualification.
Date Application Signed/Submitted to CCIDC
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