Are you interested in helping people create stellar living spaces? Do you tend to have a good eye for arranging decor and accent pieces within homes? Well, this may just be the career for you. The interior decorator needs to successfully complete a certification program in order to be considered for most highly – independent positions. Although somewhat similar to the duties performed by interior designers, the requirements are a bit different. Overall, there are several steps involved in becoming certified in this field. One must first voluntarily seek a certification program, receive training from a Certified Interior Decorator approved learning institute, and finally pass the CID entrance exam. Additionally, I feel that it is important to understand the key differences between the role of an interior designer and that of an interior decorator. Without this understanding, one may find themselves entering into an unsuitable career path and not truly gain opportunities to release one’s fullest potential.
Prior to describing the steps that are necessary for pursuing a career in this industry, I would first like to describe the role of an interior decorator to ensure that this career fits the interests and goals of my readers. In summary, interior decorators are responsible for selecting and arranging décor items for the home. This tends to include furniture, lighting, and much more. They tend to work very closely with their clients and seek to ensure that the work done exceeds the expectations of clients’. It is essential to be very flexible and also have the willingness to accommodate others’ schedules often. There tends to be many opportunities for full – time employment and the work hours are usually pretty flexible. The key difference between interior designers and interior decorators is found in the schooling, credentials, job responsibilities, and who they work with. In terms of schooling, interior decorators do not need to have formal schooling, because of what they focus on (aesthetics vs. space planning). Next, in most states and provinces, designers need to pass a required exam and become registered with a governing council. Additionally, designers often interact with architects and contractors, while decorators tend to work closely with furniture manufacturers, upholsterers, and other industry professionals. Having an understanding of the differences that exist between the two roles is a necessary condition for determining which career filed one would be interested in pursuing.
To begin a career in the field of interior decorating, one must first seek certification from Certified Interior Decorators International. Doing so requires that one select the appropriate certification path. Under this path, there are two identifiable ways to become a CID. The first path to designation as a Certified Interior Decorator is to enroll in a CID accredited interior – decorating program. This option includes the use of the CID study guide and membership exam. The other path available to applicants would be to complete a CID approved course of study and apply for the exam separately. If a student chooses the second path to designation, they must submit the program’s curriculum to the Certified Interior Decorator’s International for review. As stated on Certified Interior Decorator’s Internationals’ website, it is found that students tend to perform better by taking the online course, which is also compatible with on iPads. The online program takes, on average, 2-6 weeks to complete. It is made up of 8 total lessons with question and answer reviews after each completed section. The program also consists of a session exam and a final exam that is composed of 50 – multiple choice and true/false questions. The final exam is the entrance exam for all certified interior decorators and costs a total of $895.00. The Certified Interior Decorator’s International association offers a year of free membership for the first year, upon completion of the program and passing the CIP entrance exam. The best advice given to prospective students is to choose a school wisely, to provide the most beneficial experience for the student.
Next, someone that is interested in becoming a Certified Interior Decorator must receive training from an Approved Learning Institute. The coursework involved in a CID, accredited, interior – decorating program discusses topics such as color theory, design elements, lighting techniques, floor plans, various furniture styles, business practices, and the history of interior decorating. Most program lengths vary depending on the institution that one attends. Furthermore, students may be required to purchase additional materials throughout the course of the program that are widely used within the industry. Surprisingly, the amount of time that it takes to complete the program can be as little as 4-5 months, if you are a full – time student and roughly 2 years, if you are a part – time student.
Finally, if you are someone that is interested in following this career path, perhaps the most important step of all is passing the CID exam. Without a passing score on this exam, job opportunities within the profession are somewhat limited, as in other industries. The exam can either be mailed or completed online, as mentioned before. To prepare for the exam, students are able to purchase the official CID study guide prior to taking the exam. Applicants are usually asked to provide formal documentation that serves as proof of graduation from an accredited CID program prior to taking the exam. After completing the exam and earning the certification, applicants will have access to a large network of industry professionals and will then be able to pursue future job opportunities from there.
In summary, pursuing a career in interior decorating can be a profitable field for many, if the necessary steps are taken to be successful. First and foremost, one must attempt to understand the key differences that exist between classifying interior designers and interior decorators. For without this classification, one will not be able to follow the necessary action steps that are required to pursue the desired career. After this is done and one determines that the desired career is in the field of interior decorating, the following action steps are necessary: (1) seek a certification program; (2) receive training from a Certified Interior Decorator approved learning institute; and (3) pass the CID entrance exam. It is when all these necessary action steps are taken that one may begin a successful career path in the field of Interior Decorating.
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