DSA recognizes and has approved the following educational programs for Residential Interior Design.

RIDQC Certification Exam

Residential Interior Design Certification

The RIDQC Interior Design Certification (exam only; does not include education)

This option is available to:

  • Design individuals who have successfully passed a complete course in interior design through colleges, universities, and approved educational institutions.
  • Individuals who have practiced interior design professionally for five years or more. Candidates should have work experience in interior design. Hands-on experience in the field of interior design.

Please email support@ridqcexam.org

to find out if your education and/or experience qualifies you as a candidate to test for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification Exam.

Click here for more








The New York Institute of Art and Design "NYIAD" has been approved by the Designer Society of America. Students who complete this course are qualified to participate in the RIDQC certification exam.





Residential Interior Design Education

R.I.D.E.-Certified Residential Interior Design Course 

Elevate your design aspirations and transform spaces. 

This comprehensive interior design certification course will provide invaluable insights and foundational principles for building a successful design business. Students who complete this course will receive a R.I.D.E.-certified status as well as a free, one-year membership to DSA.


Achieving the R.I.D.E.-certified status is endorsed by the Designer Society of America (DSA). This achievement strengthens your professional image and highlights your achievements.

Click here for more






Colleges and Universities



Candidates with an interior design education (degree, diploma, or certificate) or a Bachelor's degree in architecture may qualify for the RIDQC Exam. These candidates must have their transcripts.

CHSP Certification Exam

Certified Home Staging Professional. The Home Staging Certification Exam is available to individuals looking to advance their education and career as Home Staging professionals. This certification is offered to individuals seeking credentials as a Professional Home Stager.



                                                                                   




CONTINUING EDUCATION. SHAPING THE FUTURE.

Continuing education strengthens the interior design profession by improving individual attitudes, competencies, knowledge, and skills in specific subject areas essential to interior design.

IDCEC will help you register your CEUs and keep track of them. This company also provides an extensive list of CEUs available across the nation.


IDCEC





Professor Lydia Kimler on the importance of professional certification.


FROM A PROFESSOR

"Taking the RIDQC (Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification) or the RIDE (Residential Interior Design Exam) is an essential conclusion to a rigorous course of study. The exam validates the knowledge base of the newly trained residential interior designer. Many professionals have mandatory exams which must be passed before the new doctor, teacher, lawyer, nurse, etc., can practice the craft for which the individual is trained. By voluntarily taking the RIDQC, the candidate for certification demonstrates a high level of professionalism. This nationally recognized exam gives the residential interior designer a prestigious credential that gives flexibility in the marketplace and expands the horizons for the new professional. After all the hard work and training in an extensive course of study, why not take the RIDQC?"


RIDQC Certification Link

LYDIA KIMLER, M.S., NBCT, DSA

INTERIOR DESIGN INSTRUCTOR, Formerly of ERWIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE

LYDIA KIMLER RECEIVED HER MASTER'S DEGREE IN INTERIOR DESIGN FROM FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY IN 1981. SHE HAS OWNED HER OWN CONSULTING BUSINESS AND HAS WORKED AS A DESIGNER FOR A LOCAL DESIGN STUDIO. SHE HAS TAUGHT DESIGN FOR HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND NOW FOCUSES FULL-TIME ON TEACHING INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES.


Testimonials: 
“You don't have to take our word for how wonderful it is to be a DSA member or part of the Residential Interior Design program. We love to share the testimonials we receive, and below are some excerpts. The satisfaction and success of the 10,000-plus students DSA has helped is something we take great pride in. After all, helping these creative minds build the career of their dreams is exactly why we do this!” 
“When this interior design program presented itself through my unemployment, I leaped at the opportunity as interior design has always been a secret passion for as long as I can remember. Did I mention I love this program!” -- Tina F 
“I just wanted to take a moment to express gratitude for all your feedback on all of my submissions. Your thoughtfulness and input meant a lot to me. The program was great. Thank you for everything!” -- Melanie D
“It's been such a pleasure learning from you. I am inspired and motivated to do more. Thanks for your great feedback and all I've learned throughout this class. It's been a pleasure taking this journey with you. At one point, I thought I wasn't going to make it, but thanks to you, I can say I DID IT!” -- Kate C.
“Thank you for creating the R.I.D.E. program and for your dedication to helping students like me gain the knowledge needed to pursue a career in residential interior design. Your kindness and encouragement made my program journey very enjoyable, and I truly learned a lot! I appreciate the emphasis you have placed on creating a sustainable design (something I have never thought about before starting the program) that is now instilled in me.” Katherine M
“I just wanted to thank you for your instruction in this course personally. Before starting this program, I was a schoolteacher and knew the curriculum instruction workload. I appreciate your promptness and personalized feedback on all of the assignments! I am very much looking forward to working in this field.” --Tiffany 
“I just wanted to thank you for everything and let you know how much I enjoyed your class! As a former college instructor, you are very good at boosting your students while allowing them to shine. I was injured on the job and had lost a bit of myself. Once I started this class, your comments helped me gain my identity and self-confidence back.” -- Rochelle B. Sierra Bay 
“It has been my pleasure to take the Certified Residential Interior Designer course under your direction. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy learning about all that this new career path entails, but I also value and feel honored to have been a recipient of your professional expertise in the field. While I know that I still have much to learn, I do feel somewhat prepared to jump in and begin the learning process.” -- Michelle J
“Last week I sent you an e-mail about trying to finish the class by June 30. Well, I have decided not to try to rush through the course. I'm enjoying it too much! It has been a great experience for me. Maybe my artistic side is trying to re-emerge. I'm going to request an extension to have time to learn more about interior design. I don't know why I thought I could complete three courses with everything else going on day to day. Thank you so much for your encouragement.” -- Mary Ann
“The Residential Interior Designer course was a wonderful experience for me, a person with already three years of college in an unrelated area of study, wanting to enter the interior design field. The instructor, Natasha Lima-Younts, was extremely helpful; she was eager to share her professional knowledge and experience. I particularly enjoyed how the course was written, in a spirit of friendliness and optimism, and still informative yet easy to read. The included textbook is a valuable addition to the course, with a vast, comprehensive information source. I would recommend this course to any residential interior designer.” -- Lubomir Alexander Sloboda