Licensing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Certified Interior Designers
- How do I apply for certification?
- What are the certification requirements?
- How long is the interior designer certification valid in Maryland?
- What are the requirements for renewal?
- How much is my annual renewal fee?
- My certification has expired. How do I get it reinstated?
- How do I apply for certification by reciprocity?
- How long does it take to get certification by reciprocity?
- How do I request a verification of my certification to be sent from the Maryland board to another state board?
- How long does it take to process a verification request from another state?
- How do I go about getting my name changed or corrected?
- What is the procedure for change of contact information?
- What are the continuing education requirements for in Maryland?
- Can I request an extension to complete my CEUs?
- Do I have to turn in my CEU transcripts?
- I completed more than the required 10 hours this licensing term. Can I apply the excess hours that I earned to my next licensing term’s CEU requirement?
1. How do I apply for a certification?
Before applying for certification, applicants must first ensure that they meet the experience and education requirements set by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ). The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination is administered by the CIDQ. State approval is not required to sit for the NCIDQ. For specific information on the examination fees, application, and administration please visit the CIDQ’s examination page.
After Passing the NCIDQ Examination you can visit the Board of Certified Interior Designers website to pay the $76.00 certification fee along with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee, submit required documents (Word), and apply for certification.
More information can be found on the licensing page.
2. What are the certification requirements?
To qualify for a certificate, an applicant must be an individual who meets these requirements.
The applicant must:
- Be of good character and reputation,
- Be at least 18 years old,
- File an application and pay a nonrefundable application fee,
- Have satisfied education and experience requirements necessary to qualify for the National Council of Interior Design Qualification Examination, or its equivalent, as determined by the board; and
- Have passed the National Council of Interior Design Qualification Examination, or its equivalent.
3. How long is the interior designer certification valid in Maryland?
Certification is valid for two years. Expiration dates are different for each individual. To maintain certification you must complete the required CEUs and apply for renewal prior to your license expiration date.
4. What are the requirements to apply for renewal?
To renew your certification, simply go to the renewal page to pay your $76.00 fee and fill out the application. You will need your registration number and password to complete the renewal. There is no need to resubmit documents that were needed for the original license since the board has them on file.
Note: There is no need to submit proof of CEUs unless you are notified that you have been selected for audit.
5. How much is my annual renewal fee?
$76.00
6. My license has expired. How do I get it reinstated?
Certified interior designers who are past their expiration date must apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement fees are $100.00 plus the $76.00 application fee. CEUs must be completed to apply for reinstatement.
7. How do I apply for certification by reciprocity?
To be certified by the state of Maryland through reciprocity you must meet all of the qualifications that are required for initial certification. Your certification can be processed after:
- Filling out the application for reciprocity,
- Paying the Maryland reciprocal certificate fee of $76.00 along with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee,
- Filling out the Support Form for Application for Certification via Reciprocity (Word). E-mail the form to board staff or mail to 1100 N. Eutaw St, Room 121, Baltimore, MD 21201,
- Request that the original certifying board sends verification to the Maryland board; and
- If applicable, request official transcripts sent to the board directly from the college or university attended.*
* Note: The board may grant a waiver under this section only if the state in which the applicant is licensed or certified waives the examination of certified interior designers of this state to a similar extent as this state waives the examination requirements for individuals licensed or certified in that state.
8. How long does it take to get a certification by reciprocity?
Typically, it takes no more than one month to obtain a license by reciprocity, depending on the board’s receipt of the required verifications.
9. How do I request a verification of my certificate to be sent from the Maryland board to another state board?
Contact the board staff to request a verification of your Maryland certification be sent to a board in another state. Once you contact our staff they will assist you in meeting the requirements of the reciprocal state.
10. How long does it take to process a verification request from another state?
Our goal is to process a verification request within one week if we have all the needed information to process the request.
11. How do I go about getting my name changed or corrected?
All requests for name changes must include all applicable court documents as well as photo ID that includes your correct legal name. You can fax your request to us at 410-962-8483, or you can e-mail it.
12. What is the procedure for change of contact information?
Licensees may update their addresses online at Maryland Department of Labor's website. The licensee's registration number and password are required. Requests for changes of address, daytime phone number or email can be faxed (410-962-8483) or e-mailed. These requests must be in writing, not by telephone.
13. What are the continuing education requirements for licensed certified interior designers in Maryland?
To qualify for renewal of a certificate, a certificate holder must earn during each two-year certificate term at least one continuing education unit in two or more courses that the board approves. A continuing education unit consists of 10 hours of study. Of the 10 hours of required CEU, one hour must focus on principles of green (sustainable) design, as defined in COMAR 09.18.03 as follows:
The design process that utilizes an integrated approach aimed at:
- The conservation of energy, water, and raw material resources;
- The prevention of environmental degradation; and
- The overall creation of healthy, livable, and productive environments.
- Your green design course must be approved by both IDCEC and the U.S. Green Building Council.
14. Can I request an extension to complete my CEUs?
The board may issue a certificate renewal to a certificate holder who has not fully complied with the continuing education requirements set forth in these regulations if the certificate holder's failure to fulfill the requirements was due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Military service on extended active duty with the armed forces of the United States;
- Physical or mental disability, illness, or other similar extenuating circumstances, as supported by an appropriate documentation from a licensed or certified health care professional; or
- Other good and valid causes, as may be determined by the board in the board's sole discretion.
15. Do I have to turn in my CEU transcripts?
You do not need to send us your transcripts unless you have been notified that you are being audited. If you are selected for audit you will receive additional instructions for sending in your documentation.
16. I completed more than the required 10 hours this licensing term. Can I apply the excess hours that I earned to my next licensing term’s CEU requirement?
You may not carry excess CEUs over to the next licensing period.