Section 1255.20  Application for Registration

a)         An applicant for registration as an interior designer shall file an application, on forms provided by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Division of Professional Regulation (Division), that includes the following:

1)         Certification indicating the successful completion of the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) examination for an interior design registration meeting the requirements as defined in Section 1255.35 of this Part.

2)         Official transcripts verifying the conferral date of a degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited institution meeting the requirements as defined in Section 1255.30 of this Part or an official evaluation used in satisfying the requirements under Section 1255.31 of this Part.

3)         Certification, on forms provided by the Division, of completion of the required full-time diversified interior design experience, based on applicant’s education as defined in Section 1255.40(g) of this Part.

4)         The fee required by Section 1255.65.

5)         In lieu of items listed in subsections (a)(1), (a)(2) and (a)(3), the Division shall accept certification from the Council for Interior Design Qualifications (CIDQ), if the Division determines the applicant meets all other application requirements of this Section.

b)         An individual who holds an active license as an architect in Illinois pursuant to the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 [225 ILCS 305] shall be issued a certificate of registration as an interior designer without examination, as provided in Section 8(d) of the Act, upon submitting to the Division an application, a copy of the active Illinois architect license, and fee as required in Section 1255.65 of this Part.

c)         If an applicant fails to submit all required items for registration under the Act within 2 years after filing an application, the application shall expire and be denied.  The applicant may, however, make a new application for registration accompanied by the required fee, and furnish proof of meeting the qualifications for registration in effect at the time of new application.

d)         Upon receipt of an application and all applicable supporting documentation in complete order, the applicant's file will be reviewed by the Division or the Board for acceptance.  Upon meeting the necessary education, examination and experience requirements, the applicant, if otherwise qualified, shall be granted a certificate of registration as a registered interior design professional in this State.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 6274, effective April 20, 2023)