Interior design is a creative and technical profession that focuses on designing functional and aesthetic interior spaces. In California, interior designers are required to be licensed in order to legally practice interior design and call themselves “interior designers.” Here is an overview of California’s laws and regulations for interior design licensing
Why Licensure is Required in California
California instituted licensure requirements for interior designers in 1990 through the passage of Senate Bill 1606. This law established the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC) to oversee the licensing and regulation of the interior design profession in the state.
The goal of licensing interior designers in California is to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Interior designers make decisions about building materials, furnishings, lighting, layouts, accessibility, and more—all factors that can impact fire safety, structural integrity, and occupant wellbeing. Licensure helps ensure interior designers are qualified, experienced, and held to rigorous standards.
California Interior Design Title Act
California’s interior design regulations are contained in the Interior Design Act, which is part of the California Business and Professions Code (Sections 5800-5812). This act is also referred to as a “title act.”
The key components of California’s title act law are:
- Only individuals who have met educational, experience, and examination requirements established by the CCIDC can use the title “certified interior designer” or “registered interior designer.”
- Unlicensed individuals may still practice interior design services, but they cannot use the titles “certified interior designer,” “registered interior designer,” or advertise their services using the phrase “licensed interior designer(s).”
- There are no restrictions on interior design services that can be offered based on licensure status. Both certified interior designers and unlicensed designers can provide full interior design services.
Requirements for Licensure
To become a licensed interior designer in California and use a protected title, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Education: Minimum 4-year interior design degree from an accredited institution or equivalent interior design education and experience.
- Experience: Minimum 2 years (3,840 hours) of diversified interior design experience under a certified interior designer.
- Examination: Pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.
- Continuing Education: Complete 10 hours of continuing education annually.
The CCIDC reviews all applications for licensure and grants the “certified interior designer” and “registered interior designer” titles to qualified applicants.
Scope of Practice for Licensed Interior Designers
Certified interior designers can provide the full range of interior design services, including:
- Analyzing client needs, goals, requirements
- Developing concepts and themes for interior spaces
- Creating schematic drawings, physical and digital renderings, and specifications
- Designing and specifying building materials, furnishings, fixtures, equipment
- Overseeing construction, fabrication, installation, and completion
- Conducting project management, budgeting, and timeline planning
- Ensuring compliance with codes, regulations, sustainability
- Managing teams of designers, technicians, contractors
There are no limitations on the interior design services that can be legally provided based on licensure status. However, only certified interior designers can stamp and seal drawings for permit filing purposes.
Enforcement of California’s Interior Design Law
The CCIDC is tasked with enforcing the Interior Design Act and investigating complaints against unlicensed individuals improperly using protected titles or advertising their services deceptively. Violations may result in cease and desist orders or administrative fines.
The CCIDC also oversees disciplinary actions against certified interior designers who violate laws and regulations. Disciplinary actions can include probation, license suspension or revocation, citations, and fines.
Exemptions to California’s Interior Design Licensing Law
California’s interior design title act does include certain exemptions. The licensure requirements do NOT apply to:
- Architects licensed by the California Architects Board
- Individuals who do not charge a fee for interior design services
- Employees of architectural or design firms providing services under the direct supervision of a certified interior designer
- Interior merchandising and home staging activities
- Individuals who offer interior decorating services but not full interior design services
Should You Become a Certified Interior Designer in California?
For designers who want to fully practice interior design in California, licensure provides the legal right to use the coveted titles of “certified interior designer” and “registered interior designer.” Certification demonstrates to clients advanced qualifications, expertise, and professionalism.
However, the time, effort, and cost of becoming licensed may not be right for all interior designers, especially those focused on residential interior decorating. Unlicensed designers can still legally offer interior design services in California as long as they do not use restricted titles or advertise themselves deceptively.
Overall, California’s interior design licensing law aims to protect public safety while allowing both certified and uncertified individuals to participate in the interior design profession. Anyone considering a career in interior design in California should carefully review the licensure requirements to decide if becoming a certified interior designer is right for them personally and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Interior Design Licensing
Here are answers to some common questions about California’s requirements for licensed interior designers:
Q: How long does it take to become a certified interior designer in California?
A: It typically takes 2-5 years after finishing an interior design degree to gain the required work experience and pass the NCIDQ exam for licensure. The total timeline varies based on each applicant’s education and career path.
Q: What is the cost to become a licensed interior designer in California?
A: Between education expenses and the costs of the NCIDQ exam, initial license fee, and continuing education, becoming certified costs thousands of dollars. The specific cost depends on the school and duration of education.
Q: Can I call myself an interior designer in California without a license?
A: Yes, you can offer interior design services without a license, but you cannot use the titles “certified interior designer” or “registered interior designer” or represent yourself as “licensed” without certification.
Q: Do I need to be licensed to design residential interiors in California?
A: No, a license is not required to design private residences. Only the protected titles are limited to certified interior designers.
Q: Does California license interior designers from other states?
A: Yes, California offers reciprocity licensure to interior designers certified in other states if their requirements are equivalent to California’s standards.
Q: What happens if I illegally use a protected interior designer title without certification in California?
A: You may face civil penalties including fines and formal cease and desist orders. Criminal prosecution is unlikely for a first offense.
Conclusion: Evaluating California Certification for Interior Designers
Becoming a certified interior designer in California demonstrates the highest levels of competency, expertise, and ethical standards in the field. It provides the right to use respected titles that identify you as a premier design professional. Before committing to certification, designers should thoughtfully assess their career goals, preferred work settings, and readiness to meet California’s fairly rigorous licensing requirements. While optional, certification can be a valuable asset for interior designers who regularly work on large commercial projects or interact with architects, contractors, and government entities. By protecting public health while elevating interior design as a licensed field, California’s interior design regulations strive to establish credibility and standards for this creative, multi-faceted profession.
