Education · 1 of 5
The path
A degree, two years of supervised work, then a three-part exam and registration.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Visual arts, technological design and math. Build a portfolio; most programs ask for one.
- 2
Degree
4 years
A 4-year interior design degree accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation). TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson), Humber, Sheridan, Algonquin, Kwantlen Polytechnic University in BC, Mount Royal University in Calgary, Manitoba.
- 3
Supervised work
2 years
About 2 years of full-time work under a registered interior designer or architect, logged in set categories. This is a normal paid job.
- 4
NCIDQ (the national interior design exam)
1 to 2 years
Three sections: fundamentals, professional practice and an implementation section (called the practicum until 2026) where you solve code and space-planning problems on screen.
- 5
Registration
After the exam
Join ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario) or your provincial association. Now you can use the registered title.