IDEX® California Exam Basics

IDEX® CALIFORNIA – THE ONLY INTERIOR DESIGN EXAMINATION REQUIRED IN CALIFORNIA

  • To ensure the IDEX® California Examination is valid, fair, and reliable, CCIDC complies with the guidelines and standards published in The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing as well as the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Exam Validation Policy.
  • All certification candidates must pass the IDEX® California Exam.
    • Designers are examined for competence in Commercial as well as Residential Interior Design, including:
      • California Codes and Regulations
      • Design synthesis
      • Schematics
      • Programming
      • Space planning
      • Design development
      • Working drawings
      • Construction documents
      • Furniture and finish specifications
      • Lighting layout and specifications
      • Contract documents
      • Contract administration
      • Business law
      • Ethics

IDEX® California Exam Dates

SPRING EXAM | May 1 – 31 | Application Packets | Retest Fees are due on or before March 1st  for the Spring IDEX® Exam
FALL EXAM | October 1 – 31 | Application Packets | Retest Fees are due on or before August 1st  for the Spring IDEX® Exam

CCIDC Accepts applications 24/7 – 365 Days per year. Apply today so you don’t miss the deadline, incomplete applications will be pushed to the next exam period. Be sure to prepare early, CCIDC is unable to make exceptions for late submittals.

IDEX® California Requirements

Everything you need to know to take the IDEX® California Examination

FAQ IDEX® California Exam

Q:    When is the IDEX® California exam given?
A:    The IDEX® California examination is given one month in the Spring (May 1 – 31) and a month in the Fall (October 1 – 31).

Q:    What is cost to take the IDEX® California exam?
A:    The cost to take the IDEX® California is $800 for Path 1 and Path 2; and $700 for Path 3 and Path 4.

Q:    What if I failed the IDEX® California? What is my cost to retake it, and when is my registration deadline for the next exam?
A:    For those who already took the IDEX® California and failed, their deadline to register is the next exam’s scheduled  deadline to pay their fees. The cost is $400.00  to take the exam a second time (Candidates who No-Show to the exam, must pay the $500, no-show fee).

Q:    Do you have a study guide? Also, the IDEX® California exam open book?
A:    Yes, the “Official” IDEX® California Study Guide” is a free download that provides background and important information on the exam schedule, rules, release of results, exam format and content. It also contains 22 sample questions and an extensive FAQ section; it is NOT a ‘study manual.’

There is no open book portion of the IDEX® California examination. Whenever there is a question on codes that require a book or table, included on the screen with the question, so no books in the examination room are necessary or allowed.

Q:    I am thinking about taking the IDEX® in the future. If I were to purchase the study materials now, would they become obsolete? How often are the study materials updated?
A:    The IDEX California examination is based upon the most recently adopted version of the California Building Code. When an updated California Building Code is adopted, by local jurisdictions, The CCIDC examination committee will determine what has to change in the examination. It is possible that those parts of the code that affect interior designers will not change and therefore the exam and the study materials will not change.

Q:    Where do I take the IDEX® California exam?
A:    There are over 35, IDEX® California test center locations throughout California. You can find specific site information at: Meazure Learning Internet based testing sites. CCIDC also offers a Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) option for taking the IDEX® California Exam. You can learn more about it at: Meazure Learning Live+ Remote Proctoring

Q:    How much study time is needed to prepare for the exam?
A:    A lot has to do with what you already know and do not know. If you already use and know the California Building Code and Title 24 in your day-to-day practice, then you will require less studying time. Less experienced candidates may require more, and  prep classes may be helpful. The classification system,  gives an idea of the topics that will be covered in the IDEX® California. From this list you should be able to determine your knowledge base and make a suitable decision.

Q:    What do I need to know about taking the exam?
A:    There are general instructions for the testing centers and the Live+ Remote Proctoring provided. Detailed information is also available on the CCIDC website, on the Candidates menu, under IDEX Information.

Q:    I am already Certified. Do I need to take IDEX?
A: No, the exam is for new applicants.

Q:    Can CIDs take the IDEX® California if they want to?
A:    Yes, it is completely optional, but NOT mandatory. CIDs who take IDEX® receive 10 hours of CEU credit (1.0) from CCIDC.

Q:    Do I need to take IDEX® AND a national exam?
A:    Only if you are planning to become a “professional member” of an association such as ASID, IIDA or NKBA (or for regulatory reasons in another state). If not, the only exam required to become Certified in California is the IDEX® California.

Q:    If IDEX® California is available online, does this mean I can take the exam at home on my personal computer anytime I like?
A:    Yes, Candidates have a Live Online Proctoring option for taking the IDEX® California Exam. You can learn more about it at: Meazure Learning Live+ Remote Proctoring or if they prefer they may go to a proctored test center. (See test center cities).

Q:    Does IDEX® California have any design questions or is it only on codes?
A:    Yes, the IDEX® California has design standards, business practices and ethics questions, codes and California rules and regulations including the Civil Code (as it affects interior designers) and one-third .

Q:    How will the public, or an employer know they are hiring a good designer if IDEX® California does not heavily test on design?
A:    The design ability of a Certified Interior Designer comes from their education and/or experience, all of which must be met, before using the title of Certified Interior Designer, not because they merely passed an exam. Passing the IDEX® California Exam assures a client or an employer that the CID knows the law and the codes. All designers prove their design ability with their project portfolio which they build through their education and/or experience. It is important to remember that certification is “minimum competency at entry level” as required by California law. IDEX® California is no different than any other profession which tests “minimum competency at entry level.”

Q:    Will self-employment or employment under a mentor count towards the five (5) years diversified interior design working experience minimum requirement for those without education
A:    Yes, self-employment, mentored or otherwise, Interior design experience is recognized

Q:    How does CCIDC verify self-employment?
A:    Proof of experience is verified through copies of tax returns also letters from CPAs or attorneys attesting to professional services, i.e. bookkeeping, tax returns, setting up corporations, etc., for these individuals.

Q:    I am licensed in another state and moving to California. Is there reciprocity?
A:    There is no direct reciprocity however, Path 3 is for those who have taken and passed one of the national interior design or architectural examinations.
Anyone who wants to become a CID in California will have to take the IDEX® California exam and pass it, whether they are licensed, registered, certified in another state. There is a streamlined application process and fee discount for Path 3 and 4 Candidates.

Q:    Is IDEX® California easier than national exams (CQRID, NCIDQ, NKBA)?
A:    No, because IDEX® tests candidates on specific subjects confined mostly to Health, Safety and Welfare (HS&W) issues and California codes to protect the public. It is a vigorous and thorough examination of one’s knowledge on these issues which are specific to California.

Q:    Why is the NCIDQ not required in California, become a Certified Interior Designer?
A:    The difference between the IDEX® California and the national exams is that the national exams are interior design exams, and the IDEX® California is a “certification” exam.
None of the national exams test candidates on the California Building Code or Title 24 which is different from all other states. Only the IDEX tests for the CBC and Title 24 plus all other laws and codes relevant to interior designers in California.

The NCIDQ does not conform to California law, because it does not allow “experience only” candidates to apply (those with 8 years or more of diversified interior design experience). It also does not meet the definition of “minimum competency at entry level” required by California law, Section 139 of the Business and Professions Code. “Minimum competency at entry level” defined as working five years under a licensed or registered (in our case Certified) practitioner. It also does not allow graduating students to sit for the exam until they have a proscribed amount of working experience. The latter also applies to both the CQRID and the NKBA exams.

Q:    Is there a deadline to turn in my application for the IDEX® California Exam?
A:    CCIDC, Inc. accepts applications 365 days per year, but there are specific registration deadlines for each exam period. Completed application packets, must be received, by the deadline dates in order to take the exam during that testing period.
Anyone needing to re-take the IDEX Exam, must pay their re-testing fees prior to the registration deadline to qualify for the corresponding exam-period.

  • Registration Deadline for the Spring IDEX California Examination is March 1st
  • Registration Deadline for the Fall IDEX California® Examination is August 1st

Q:    Is there any additional information available about taking the Exam?
A:    Yes, Meazure Learning has also provided the following useful information links.

Q:    What should I do if I have other questions about IDEX® California?
A:    For specific questions, contact us.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED TO EACH IDEX® EXAM CANDIDATE UPON CONFIRMATION: 

To be admitted to the examination you must:

Submit your CONFIRMATION NOTICE to the proctor.
Bring current photo identification (Driver’s license, immigration card, passport, State ID card, etc.). You will NOT be admitted without proper identification.
Report on time. 

General Instructions:

  • Smoking is NOT permitted in the examination site.
  • Food and beverages are NOT allowed in the examination area.
  • All personal items including books, notebooks, other papers, all electronic equipment (i.e. cell phones, cameras, etc.), book bags, coats, etc. will NOT be allowed in the exam room and must be left outside of the exam room AT YOUR OWN RISK.
  • Friends and relatives, including children, will NOT be allowed in the examination building.
  • Computer-based testing facilities offer exam services to multiple agencies.
    • There may be other individuals in the testing room with you who are sitting for exams from different organizations.
    • The rules for their exam may be slightly different than the rules for your exam in terms of exam time, and what is and is not allowed at their station.
    • Computer-based tests are delivered via secure internet connections. Internet connections are subject to the local internet providers in the area.
    • While it is not the norm, internet connections can, on occasion, be lost momentarily, requiring the proctor to log you back into your examination.
    • If this occurs, inform the proctor that your connection has been lost and they will assist you in logging back in to your exam.
    • Your exam time remaining will be exactly the same as it was when the internet connection was lost.

Prohibited Items: 

Candidates are expressly prohibited from bringing the following items to the test site:

  • Devices that include the ability to photograph, photocopy or otherwise copy test materials:
    • Cameras, smart/cell phones, tablets, optical readers, etc.
  • Notes
    • Books, dictionaries or language dictionaries
  • Bags
    • Book bags, backpacks, purses, luggage, handbags, etc.
  • Electronic devices
    • Smart/Cell Phones, iPods, mp3 players, headphones, or pagers, calculators, computers, PDAs, watches, etc.
  • Personal writing utensils
    • (i.e., pencils, pens, and highlighters),
  • Food and beverage,
  • Hats, hoods, or other headgear
  • Coats and jackets.
    • Please note that sweaters and sweatshirts without pockets or hoods are permitted.

If the proctor determines that you have brought any such items to the test site, they may be demanded and held by MEAZURE LEARNING testing staff. MEAZURE LEARNING reserves the right to review the memory of any electronic device to determine whether any test materials have been photographed or otherwise copied. If the review determines that any test materials are in the memory of any such device, MEAZURE LEARNING reserves the right to delete such materials and/or retain them for subsequent disciplinary action. Upon completion of the review and any applicable deletions, MEAZURE LEARNING will return your device to you, but will not be responsible for the deletion of any materials that may result from our review, whether or not such materials are test materials. By bringing any such device into the test site in contravention of our policies, you expressly waive any confidentiality or other similar rights with respect to your device, our review of the memory of your device and/or the deletion of any materials. MEAZURE LEARNING, the examination site, and the test administration staff are not liable for lost or damaged items brought to the examination site. 

Environmental Distractions: Examination room temperature can be unpredictable; therefore, we suggest that you bring appropriate clothing with you (e.g. sweatshirt) to help you adapt to a cooler or warmer climate in the examination room. Bring ear plugs if you are sensitive to noise. With any computer or Internet-based program, temporary connection failures or other temporary technical issues may occur. If they occur, summon the proctor and she or he will assist you. Please note that PASS will save your responses and stop the timer during any connection failure so that you do not lose any examination time.

Note: Not every site will be available for every testing window. Once you are approved to take the IDEX® California you will receive a web link with your notice to schedule that lists specifically which sites, dates, and times are available during the testing window for which you are scheduling.

Live+ Remote Proctoring Guidelines

Taking your test at home is a convenient way to achieve your learning goals and demonstrate your knowledge.  Known as Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) or Live Online Proctoring (LOP), this type of testing still involves a proctor who will supervise you during your exam, just like taking an exam at a testing center.  The only difference is that the proctor will observe you using a video feed rather than in-person.

Once you have scheduled your LOP exam, you will need to prepare your computer and your planned testing location to make sure both are ready for a successful testing experience.  Your scheduling confirmation email from Meazure Learning reviews this in detail, and you will also find these links helpful:

 On exam day, you’ll encounter a series of steps as you set up your connection with the proctor and verify the security of the testing environment before the exam begins.  The following links will walk you through this process with information on each step:

Visit the Help Center for additional articles addressing common questions about LOP testing.

EXAMINATION FACTS

Why Doesn’t CCIDC Require National Exams Like the NCIDQ?

CCIDC’s Mission:
To set and uphold professional and educational standards for interior designers in California, while protecting public health, safety, and welfare through compliance and public education.

Statutory Requirement:
Under CBPC § 5800 , certified interior designers must demonstrate competency through education, experience, and examination—focused on protecting public welfare.

Why National Exams Don’t Meet California Requirements

National exams, including the NCIDQ, are not sufficient for California certification because they:

FACT CHECK

Myth: CCIDC does not accept national exams.
Fact: CCIDC accepts national exams like NCIDQ, NKBA, LEED, ARE, NCBDC, CASp and RIDQC. However, all candidates must pass a California-specific exam to demonstrate competency with California codes and regulations.
Applicants with national exam credentials may qualify for a $100 discount on CCIDC application fees.

California’s Solution: IDEX® California

Since 2009, CCIDC has offered one comprehensive exam, the IDEX® California, which tests:

  • California Building Codes (CBC)
  • Title 24 accessibility and energy standards
  • California business practices, ethics, and civil law
  • This exam ensures candidates are qualified to practice specifically in California.

Summary

Requiring a national interior design exam for California certification would be like using another state’s Bar exam for California attorneys—it simply doesn’t fit. California’s unique laws and codes require a unique exam: IDEX® California.

This list of preparation resources is provided for your convenience and includes both the CCIDC Study Guide and independent third-party IDEX® exam preparation programs.

Regarding Third-Party Resources

Disclaimer

The California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse or recommend, any third-party exam preparation companies or organizations. Any contact or other information provided by CCIDC regarding such third-party entities is offered solely as a courtesy to individuals who may wish to utilize their services.

CCIDC does not receive any form of compensation, benefit, or consideration from these third-party organizations in exchange for listing or referencing their information. Inclusion of such information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CCIDC.

No warranty, guarantee, or representation is made by CCIDC that any candidate will pass any examination through the use of CCIDC’s study guide or the materials provided by third-party exam preparation services. Individuals use such materials at their own discretion and risk.

CCIDC expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use of, reference to, or reliance upon the information or materials provided by CCIDC or third-party sources. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and currency of information presented on this website and in CCIDC’s study materials, no assurance is given that such information is complete, accurate, or up-to-date.

The study materials provided have been developed to the best of the knowledge and efforts of all contributors. If you believe any information is inaccurate or requires updating, we encourage you to contact us—your feedback is appreciated.

By using CCIDC’s website and/or study materials, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined in this disclaimer. CCIDC reserves the right to amend this disclaimer and related terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. Users are encouraged to review this disclaimer periodically for any updates or changes.

For any questions regarding this disclaimer, our policies, or terms and conditions, please contact CCIDC directly.

The “Official” IDEX® California Study Guide
A complimentary resource provided by CCIDC

This free booklet offers essential information about the IDEX® California exam. It includes details on the exam schedule, rules and procedures, score reporting, exam format and content, sample questions, and a helpful FAQ section.

Please note: This guide is intended to provide general exam information and is not a comprehensive study manual.

IDEX Prep.com | Online Class | by Deni Mosser, CID

California Codes and Regulations for Interior Designers Resource Manual
California Legislative Coalition for Interior Design (CLCID) | Available in Digital and Hard Copy Versions

Candidate Satisfaction Survey
The CCIDC Board strives for excellence and we want to make sure you are satisfied with our performance and meet your expectations. Please help us serve you better by filling in this CONFIDENTIAL SURVEY.

We appreciate your interest in Certified Interior Designers and CCIDC.

Sincerely,
CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN CERTIFICATION – CCIDC, Inc.

IDEX® California Exam Development

How the IDEX® California Exam is Developed

To develop, administer, and score the IDEX® California Examination, CCIDC works with Meazure Learning, a professional testing company that specializes in the development of certification and licensure exams. CCIDC follows accepted procedures for developing such exams and carefully document each step in the test-development process.

​CCIDC updated its Practical Analysis in 2021 to identify current knowledge and skills that define a minimally competent professional in interior design. During the practice analysis process, the psychometricians from Meazure Learning and International Code Council (ICC)  work with a panel of subject-matter experts to define the overall practice areas and distinct tasks, knowledge and skills required for competent performance.

CCIDC uses the practice analysis to develop a ‘blueprint’ or template, for the IDEX® California Exam. Information from the analysis is used to determine the importance of each area of practice or task and is then translated into the percentage of questions allotted a given area in the multiple-choice sections of the exam.

The question-writing process uses psychometricians from Meazure Learning Corporation and the International Code Council (ICC), along with subject experts to ensure the appropriate content and form. All exam questions are written and reviewed by volunteer subject-matter experts in interior design, architecture, building officials and fire marshals who are trained in developing questions and problems for the exam. During and after development these experts review all of the questions to ensure they adhere to accepted principles for multiple-choice questions and design problems, as well as grammatical and usage conventions.

Questions accepted for use in the exam are judged, by consensus of the volunteers, to meet the following standards:​​

  • The knowledge tested by the question is essential for competent interior design and the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
  • The knowledge tested by the question is either moderately or extremely important in assessing competent interior design.
  • A correct response to the question would moderately or clearly differentiate adequate from inadequate performance for the competent interior designer.
  • The question has a verified reference.
  • The question is appropriate for the competent interior designer.
  • The answer or solution is correct.
  • The answer or solution can be defended if necessary.
  • The other answer choices are incorrect, but plausible to those without sufficient knowledge.

To verify the validity and quality of exam questions, CCIDC pretests new questions and problems before including them as scored items on the exam. Candidates do not know which questions are scored or unscored. The pretest results are analyzed statistically to ensure the quality and reliability of the overall exam.

The IDEX® California Exam is created by selecting the appropriate number of questions from each content area, as specified in the test blueprint. A panel of subject matter experts works with Meazure Learning & ICC psychometricians during test assembly and validation to ensure maximum quality (in accordance with the considerations listed above) and an appropriate mixture of content.

The draft exams are reviewed by Meazure Learning psychometricians, testing experts and subject matter experts for technical accuracy and to ensure integrity.

An exam must have a defensible, criterion-referenced passing score. The score that separates candidates who pass from candidates who fail must be based on the minimum competence required to protect the public from harm. CCIDC works with Meazure Learning psychometricians to determine this cut score, which we define as the level of an interior designer’s ability to practice independently (without supervision) in a manner that will protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

​The exam administration procedures for the IDEX® California Exam ensure consistent, comfortable testing conditions for all candidates, including live online proctoring. Test administration guidelines specify a process for admitting candidates into the exam room, verifying their identity, providing security, allotting testing times, and other important considerations. Testing facilities meet Meazure Learning guidelines for security, proper room size, ventilation, restroom facilities, accessibility, and noise control. Test administration proctors are thoroughly trained in the requirements for administering the test.

​Following each exam administration, Meazure Learning psychometricians conduct systematic analysis studies to ensure the proper function of each question and problem and of the test as a whole. Psychometric analysis also includes extensive reliability analysis as well as other studies that evaluate the quality of the exam.

ATTENTION IDEX® CANDIDATES: Meazure Learning Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) does not accept expired IDs. All test takers without an accommodation are required to present a current, unexpired ID for identity verification.  This LRP policy aligns with Meazure Learning’s Test Center policy.

IDEX® California Exam Pass Rates

CCIDC recognizes that a variety of factors influence IDEX® California Exam pass rates.
Pass rate information is shared as a resource and not intended to be used as an evaluative tool.