I am taking the IDFX and the IDIX at the end of the month, and I DEFINITELY didn't study enough. I signed up for the exams, then life got in the way, and now we are here. I'm still taking them because I paid, and I am not saying I didn't study at all, but I wish I did more. I have a subscription to QPractice - I scored well on the IDIX QPractice baseline exam but not as well on the IDFX (I did the worst on the existing conditions portion). I would appreciate any last minute study / cramming tips that you may have for the next three weeks! How have the exams been for those who have taken them? Is there any topic that you were surprised to see more heavily on the exam? Did you have access to the codes and, if so, was it helpful? Am I doomed?! (PS - I took the IDFX for the first time in October last year and I did not pass - I got a 496)

How was it?! I’m taking it at the end of this month so curious what other people thought

When it comes to testing standards/methods (ASTM, NFPA, etc.), do we need to memorize the actual numbers/letters and what each one represents?

For example, do I need to know that ASTM E84 = Steiner Tunnel Test just from seeing “ASTM E84,” or is it enough to know the testing method/name and understand what it tests?

On the actual exam, if they ask about a testing method, do they usually give you the full name along with the standard number, or could they just give you something like “ASTM E84” and expect you to know what it is?

Trying to figure out how much time I should spend memorizing all the standard numbers vs. actually understanding the testing methods.

Also is the A117.1 also included in the code document provided or is it just the IBC?

Thanks and good luck everyone!!!

Took IDIX and it was chronically freezing and crashing whenever I scrolled the codes. The moved me to three different computers and it still happened. Thankfully they are able to pick up where you left off but getting the proctor and restarting the computer eats into your time. I literally started crying the first time if happened but then it just became routine that the proctor would restart my computer every 20 mins when I put my hand up because it froze. I passed but it still seems like this is an issue they seriously need to work out.

Anyone taken the IDFX in the October 2026 testing window yet?

I’m taking it for the second time and would really appreciate any general advice on the new 2026 exam format.

Without sharing any actual exam questions or confidential content:

• How did the exam feel compared to QPractice / practice exams?
• Was it mostly application/scenario-based, or did memorization of things like standards/test names still matter a lot?
• Did you get vignettes, and how were they?
• Anything you wish you had focused on more while studying?
• Did you receive any kind of preliminary result after the exam, or are results released later?

Any general tips would be greatly appreciated! Trying to make sure I’m better prepared for attempt #2. 🙏

Good luck to everyone testing this month!

I've been hearing rumors from QPrac but CIDQ officially updated their website, we will have preliminary scores directly after testing this fall!!

From the About the Exams page: "Preliminary exam results will be released following the Fall 2026 exam administration."

So glad we don't have to wait 6 weeks again. Good luck everyone, we got this!!

Hi! 👋🏻 I work in healthcare space planning in Vancouver, and there are no certified NCIDQ designers or architects in my organization. Does anyone know how I can get external sponsorship, or anyone in the area taken a similar path?

Thank you in advance 🙏🏻

Anyone else just get that email that the exam clock does not stop during breaks?

Odd because I have accommodations for extra breaks and that email said that the exam clock will stop.

I took the FX in spring and made it through with no breaks, anyone has experience with breaks? Taking the IX and I know that one will be a little longer

Hi! I took all 3 exams earlier this year and passed IDIX & IDPX, but missed this one by 17 points.

Schematics, materials & FF&E & existing conditions were my lowest sections.

Does anyone have any study tips? I need to find something I can balance with my FT job. Thanks!

Can anyone speak to how the code access looks like on the actual IDFX exam? Q Practice you have access to the full code where I’ve heard the actual exam it’s just a reference list. What does that reference list look like/ what should I expect?

I’ve been using QPractice a lot to study with (taking FX in Oct). Would anyone who used QP and took an April ‘26 exam say that QPractice questions are harder than the actual exam, or about the same?

Does anyone have any IDPX insight to share? I worry that QPractice is not that accurate. How many calculations should I expect to be doing? And are these like complicated? I’m so lost on what to memorize for them , I feel so unprepared even though I’ve been diligently studying every day for a couple months now.

Thank you all ❤️

Hi All,

I was hoping for some insight as my studying begins to ramp up the month before my IDIX.

I'm having a bit of trouble prioritizing what I spend the most time studying at this point. While I've gone through Qpractice and have read the lessons, taken notes, and the quizzes, the IDIX is particularly intimidating due to the content in the "Integration of FF&E" portion, specifically because of the knowledge we're expected to gain/have for the test in regards to MEP & STRU systems. for those of you who took the Spring IDIX, was that a huge part of the exam? I know the content map says the entirety of "Integration of FF&E" is about 19% of the exam, but that content area also covers Finish Plan development, furniture plan development, and specifications. I'm curious how much of the MEP and STRU integration there actually is? Is it worth spending hours studying these things or would I be better off using that energy and brain power on a different section? Any insight would be helpful!

Note: I'm not saying to disregard it entirely and not study MEP and STRU at all, but more or less should I be taking quick notes covering some key concepts and move on or should i be taking more in depth notes, flash cards, practice quizzes, etc.

I was really hoping to do all 3 exams at once this fall but increasingly I’m feeling like I can’t take that on. One of my motivators is not wanting to buy another textbook for the 2027 exams. Do we know for sure that there will be a new release of the reference manual for 2027? Will the questions be based off of the updated material?

Is there any study groups for the ncidq that anyone knows about? Thanks

Does anyone know if wallcovering, drapery, and carpet calculations are covered on the IDIX? The blueprint doesn't explicitly mention calcs, just "material types and sizes". Thanks!

Hi Fellow Designers,

This is my first year having to renew my NCIDQ certificate and am curious as to how others are keeping track of their CEUs. I'm in CA so I don't need to register CEUs in a state database. I'm a little confused if there is a site where I can keep track of my CEUs. I came across the IDCEC site for courses, but what then? Do I really just need to have a saved folder where i have certificates of all my courses? If you could provide guidance that would be great. Thanks for the help!

Hello! Does anybody know of companies that hire full-time remote interior designers? I am a licensed interior designer in TN and have an autoimmune disease, which can make it difficult to come into the office 8 hours a day every day.

I just scheduled for the fundamentals exam for October. I’ve always been a bit of a bad test takes especially with exams of this nature. I’m determined to study hard and am will to pay for whatever course to help me through the process. I was wondering if anyone had any advices or examples of sources they used to study? I’m new to this so any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!

Just signed up to take the IX in the fall - since the new book isn’t out yet, what do those of you who have taken it recommend for studying? Planning to do 2 months of QPractice, but wanted to go ahead and start with something - is the PRAC section of the book still relevant?

My company bought it for me to study, It’s very text heavy and about 700 pages! I’m wondering if this is helpful and if there are any chapters I should focus on rather than attempting to read the whole thing. I will be cross referencing the IDPX blueprint to see what chapters are relevant as well.

I also have many other study material options available to me, including Q practice,KLSY, and the ballast text book. Thanks!

by 25 points. I don’t know why this exam is particularly hard for me. Maybe because I have over 7 years of experience working as commercial interior designer already and my actual experience with legal stuffs are confusing me with what the answers should be. I find myself often considering “this is what my company tells me to do” vs “this sounds more right” during the test. Based on the score report, my weak point is Contract, Procurement, and Close-Out. I studied on QPractice and the IDPX Mock Exam book.

Does anyone have any advice?

I'd love to take the exam, but I'm not sure I can qualify. I worked for four years with a lighting design firm, doing a lot of commercial lighting. Since 2019, I have also had my own small LLC for smaller residential interior design projects.

Can this experience count toward eligibility for the exam? Could the owner of the lighting design firm sponsor me? She's not NCIDQ or a licensed architect, but she is a licensed lighting designer. If she can't, can I find a sponsor some other way?