NCIDQ-IDFX Exam Format | NCIDQ-IDFX Course Contents | NCIDQ-IDFX Course Outline | NCIDQ-IDFX Exam Syllabus | NCIDQ-IDFX Exam Objectives

Exam Code: IDFX
Exam Name: NCIDQ Interior Design Fundamentals Exam
Scored Questions: 100 scored questions
Unscored Questions: 10 pretest questions
Total Question: 110 questions
Time Allotted: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes)
Passing Score: Scaled score of 500 (out of 800)
Exam Format: Computer-based
Exam Type: Multiple-choice questions

I. Programming and Site Analysis 10%
- Demonstrate appropriate use of:
- analysis tools (e.g., spreadsheets, site photographs, matrices, bubble diagrams, graphs, behavioral based analytics)
- Demonstrate understanding of:
- research methods (e.g., observations, interviewing, surveying, case studies, benchmarking, precedent studies)
- the site context (e.g., location, views, solar orientation, zoning, historical information, constraints, change of use, transportation)

II. Relationship between Human Behavior and the Designed Environment 10%
- Demonstrate understanding of:
- human factors (e.g., ergonomics, anthropometrics, proxemics, psychological, physiological, social)
- universal design (e.g., accessibility, ability level, inclusivity, special needs, aging population, bariatric, pediatric)
- contextual influences (e.g., environmental and ecological, social, cultural, aesthetic, hierarchy of needs)
- Demonstrate knowledge of:
- sensory considerations (e.g., acoustics, lighting, visual stimuli, color response, scent, tactile, thermal comfort)

III. Design Communication Techniques 10%
- Ability to apply:
- data and research (e.g., charts, infographics, analytics)
- conceptual diagrams (e.g., parti diagrams, bubble diagrams, adjacency matrices)
- planning diagrams (e.g., stacking/zoning diagrams, block plans/square footage allocations)

IV. Life Safety and Universal Design 20%
- Demonstrate understanding of:
- life safety (e.g., egress, fire separation, fire-rated partitions and doors, and A/V alarms location coordination)
- universal design (e.g., inclusive design, accessible design)

V. Interior Building Materials and Finishes 10%
- Demonstrate understanding of:
- textiles (e.g., types, testing standards and codes, applications, installation methods, estimating, technical specifications)
- floor coverings (e.g., types, transitions, testing standards and codes, applications, installation methods, estimating, slip resistance, technical specifications)
- wall treatments (e.g., types, testing standards and codes, applications, installation methods, estimating, technical specifications)
- window treatments (e.g., types, testing standards and codes, applications, installation methods, estimating, technical specifications)
- ceiling treatments (e.g., types, testing standards and codes, applications, installation methods, estimating, technical specifications)
- acoustical products (e.g., types, testing standards and codes, applications, installation methods, estimating, technical specifications)
- wayfinding and signage (e.g., types, testing standards and codes, applications, installation methods, estimating, technical specifications)

VI. Technical Specifications for Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment and Lighting 15%
- Demonstrate understanding of:
- life safety elements (e.g., flammability, toxicity, slip resistance, accessibility and egress clearances, fixed and loose furniture, indoor air quality, code compliance)
- sustainability and environmental impact (e.g., recyclability, cradle to cradle, embodied energy, carbon footprint, material sourcing, ratings and certifications)
- materials and technical specifications (e.g., color fastness, abrasion resistance, cleanability, reference standards, ANSI/BIFMA)
- light fixture selection and specification (e.g., general, accent and task lighting; color temperature, color rendering, lamp types, energy load)

VII. Construction Drawings, Schedules, and Specifications 20%
- Demonstrate understanding of:
- code required information (e.g., egress, accessibility, specialty codes, fire/life safety, occupancy, plumbing calculations)
- appropriate measuring conventions (e.g., scale, unit of measure, dimensioning)
- construction drawing standards (e.g., annotations, hatch patterns, line types, symbols, north arrow, section cuts, cross referencing)
- Understand and develop:
- general information sheets (e.g., general conditions and notes, drawing index, legend, symbols, location, consultant, contact information)
- demolition plans
- floor plans (e.g., partition plan, construction plan, dimension plan)
- reflected ceiling and/or lighting plans (e.g., supplies, returns, ceiling types, heights, monitoring and detection devices, switching, controls)
- furniture plans
- finish plans
- elevations, sections, and details (e.g., partition types, enlarged plans, custom details and assemblies)
- power, data, and communication plans
- schedules (e.g., finish, equipment, plumbing, lighting, door, window, hardware, accessories)
- millwork (e.g., construction techniques, coordination with Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment, and utilities, substrates, shop drawings, material selection, accessibility)

VIII. Professional Development and Ethics 5%
- Demonstrate understanding of:
- professional ethics (e.g., code of ethics, consumer protection, health, safety, welfare, social responsibility)
- professional development (e.g., professional organizations, continuing education)