Registration by Examination or Reciprocity

On this page...

Back to top

Exam

Before your application for registration with the Iowa Board, you must:

Method of RegistrationEducationWork Experience
Method 14-year baccalaureate degree from an interior design program or a substantially equivalent program2 years of acceptable full-time work experience in the performance of interior design services
Method 23-year certificate, degree, or diploma from an interior design program3 years of acceptable full-time work experience in the performance of interior design services
Method 32-year certificate, degree, or diploma from an interior design program or substantially equivalent program4 years of acceptable full-time work experience in the performance of interior design

Items you will need to complete your Iowa application

  • Official transcript from an accredited education provider.
  • NCIDQ exam scores
  • NCIDQ certification number, including the certification and expiration dates
  • Work verification forms from all work experiences

Complete and submit the Iowa application

  • Complete the on-line application, uploading required documents.
  • Submit the application for review.
  • Once you receive notice the application has been approved, log into your account and pay the required fees.  
Back to top

Reciprocity

Items you will need to complete your Iowa application

  • Official transcript from an accredited education provider.
  • Obtain letter(s) of good standing from state licensing boards in which you hold an active certificate or license. It should confirm passing the NCIDQ exam.
  • Documentation showing a current NCIDQ certificate number, including the certification and expiration dates.
  • Work verification forms from all work experiences

Complete and submit the Iowa application

  • Complete the on-line application, uploading required documents.
  • Submit the application for review.
  • Once you receive notice the application has been approved, log into your account and pay the required fees.  

List of Potentially-Disqualifying Criminal Convictions

In accordance with Iowa Code section 272C.15(2), the department provides the following list of specific convictions that may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license, permit, or registration. In addition, any offense specified in the laws of another jurisdiction or prosecuted in a municipal, federal, military, or foreign court that is comparable to a conviction listed herein may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license or registration.

Please be advised that just because you have been convicted of one of the offenses listed does not mean you are automatically prevented from obtaining a license or registration. The following offenses are only disqualifying if:

  1. The actions taken in furtherance of the offense are customarily performed within the scope of practice of the profession; or
  2. The circumstances under which the offense was committed are circumstances customary to the profession. 

Additionally, even if your conviction is disqualifying, you are entitled to submit proof of rehabilitation to the licensing authority to demonstrate your current fitness to safely practice in the profession.

If you are interested in applying for a license, permit, or registration and have been convicted of an offense on this list, you may petition the licensing authority for an eligibility determination, or submit all relevant information as part of your application for licensure or registration, pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 481. If you have questions about what criminal history information to include with your license or registration application or how to submit a petition for eligibility determination, please contact staff for assistance.
 

Back to top