To become a professional interior designer, one must pass a national exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). This exam is generally a requirement of state licensing boards; aspiring designers should note that most states require licensure of interior designers. The educational requirements for this exam can be found at NCIDQ's website.

An important item to consider when selecting an interior design school is accreditation. The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, or FIDER, is a highly-regarded accrediting body for interior design programs. As of July 2005, there were 145 FIDER-approved programs in the United States.

Other factors to look at include the background and experience of the faculty, how current the facilities are, students' access to showrooms and galleries, the success and satisfaction of alumni, and whether or not the program is strictly design or if it incorporates a liberal arts curriculum.

Finally, prospective students should consider the individual requirements of the state they wish to practice. Students should find out whether or not a license is required, and if so, what the licensure requirements are.

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