In 2004, NCIDQ updated the education and work experience requirements to qualify for the exam and earn the NCIDQ Certificate. Previously, the eligibility requirements were described in years (example: 4-year degree and 2 years of work experience). This was confusing for many applicants who attended school part-time or worked part-time.

The 2004 changes restated the requirements in terms of academic credit hours and work experience hours, so that prospective applicants could finish the requirements on their own schedule. Many applicants have found the new requirements helpful, but some have been confused by the specific details.

To help future applicants understand our rules, we have clarified the eligibility routes and updated our Web site with new information and graphics. A visual chart showing the five eligibility routes to the exam will help your employees and students find their own route to the exam.

Please note that the requirements have NOT changed. They have simply been restated in terms that applicants can better understand.

NCIDQ receives hundreds of questions each week--about state/provincial licensing, the NCIDQ Examination, continuing education and other components of the interior design career path.

We have updated our online FAQs to address many of your questions, and we encourage you to read them and send us your feedback!

Many of you have asked: How do I display my NCIDQ credential? View the FAQ to find out!

Exam jurors, please save the date for your jury center this spring!

• April 20-21: Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, San Diego, Toronto
• May 11-12: Phoenix

NCIDQ staff will e-mail you individually in March to confirm your attendance. Thank you for volunteering!

Last year, we recruited volunteers to score practicum exams in the seven cities listed above. If you sent in an application last year and didn't hear back from us, please e-mail us to let us know.

Irving D. Schwartz, AIA, FASID, died on February 1, 2007 after a battle with cancer. A longtime Dallas resident and founder of IDS/B, a hospitality design firm, Irv Schwartz played an instrumental role in the founding of NCIDQ.

In addition to his longtime service to ASID and the Texas Association for Interior Design, Irv volunteered on the NCIDQ Board of Directors for 12 years, serving as President in 1982-83. He was the second recipient of NCIDQ's Louis S. Tregre Award, in 1992.

The NCIDQ Board and staff extend their condolences to Irv's family. He will be missed.