DSA Approved Education and Certifications
Residential Interior Design Qualifying CertificationClick here for more
DSA recognizes and has approved the following educational programs for Residential Interior Design.
Residential Interior Design Course
Online Education available through Your Local Colleges and Universities
Earn your R.I.D.E. education and elevate your design aspirations with the Certified Residential Interior Designer course! This course offers enriching, practical coursework designed to refine your skills and help you discover your unique design style through real-life scenarios. With a complimentary invitation to the DSA Student Membership, you will gain access to invaluable templates, resources, and software designed to enhance your coursework and support your path to success!
Upon completing your R.I.D.E. education, you will be eligible to register for the RIDQC exam with the included qualifying exam voucher. The RIDQC certification is a prestigious credential, recognized nationwide for enhancing your professional credibility, showcasing your expertise, and unlocking advanced career opportunities.
Enjoy the benefits of this inclusive course offer. Your Certified Residential Interior Designer course enrollment provides access to your DSA Student Membership, tools to facilitate your R.I.D.E. education, and a voucher to participate in the RIDQC exam. Following this milestone achievement, we are thrilled to welcome you as a DSA Professional Design Member for the following year to celebrate your accomplishments.
Click here to locate your local College or University offering this online educational opportunity.
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Candidates with an interior design education (degree, diploma /certificate) or a Bachelor's degree in architecture may qualify for the RIDQC Exam. These candidates must have their transcripts.
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Rhode Island School of Design
The Residential Interior Design Certificate Program at Rhode Island School of Design prepares students to master every phase of the residential design process, from concept to completion. With a focus on creative and business fundamentals, students gain hands-on experience, opening doors to careers in interior design, visual merchandising, set design, and more.
Click here for more.
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The New York Institute of Art + Design
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.
Certified Home Staging Professional Certification Exam
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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.
Meet Professor Lydia Kimler:
"Taking the RIDQC or the RIDE 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?"
- 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 owend 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 from Certified Members:
“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.
“The Residential Interior Designer course was a wonderful experience for me, a person who has already been in college for three years in an unrelated area of study and wants 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