How to Get an Interior Design Certification Without a Degree
Interior design is a lucrative and creative field, and many aspiring designers wonder if they can enter the profession without a formal degree. The good news is that you can become a certified interior designer without a traditional college education. With the right certifications, skills, and experience, you can establish a successful career in interior design.
This guide will walk you through the best certifications, alternative learning paths, and tips to start your journey as an interior designer without a degree.
.png)
1. Do You Need a Degree to Become an Interior Designer?
A degree in interior design can be beneficial, but it is not always mandatory to start a career in the field. Many successful designers self-taught their skills or gained expertise through certifications, online courses, and hands-on experience.
When Is a Degree Required?
- Some countries and states require licensing for professional interior designers.
- If you want to work for large firms, a degree might be a preferred qualification.
- If you plan to specialize in commercial design (e.g., office spaces, hotels, hospitals), formal education is often needed.
When Can You Skip a Degree?
- If you plan to work independently or freelance as a home designer.
- If you focus on residential design, home staging, or decor consulting.
- If you gain skills through certifications, online courses, and practical experience.
2. Best Interior Design Certifications Without a Degree
Certifications help build credibility, enhance your skills, and make you more attractive to potential clients. Here are some of the best certifications that do not require a degree:
1. Certified Interior Decorator (CID)
- Offered by Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI).
- Covers interior decorating principles, color theory, furniture selection, and lighting.
- Ideal for those who want to focus on home styling, staging, and decor consulting.
2. Residential Interior Design Certificate (RIDQC)
- Offered by Designer Society of America (DSA).
- Teaches interior design fundamentals, space planning, and furniture design.
- Helps professionals establish their own interior design business.
3. National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
- Recognized in North America but requires work experience.
- Covers health, safety, and building codes.
- Ideal for those looking to work in commercial interior design.
4. LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- Offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
- Focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly design.
- Recommended for designers interested in green building and sustainability.
5. Feng Shui Interior Design Certification
- Offered by various institutions worldwide.
- Focuses on using energy flow and balance to enhance interiors.
- Great for designers interested in holistic home improvement.
3. How to Learn Interior Design Without a Degree
Even without a degree, you can develop the skills and expertise needed to succeed as an interior designer.
1. Take Online Interior Design Courses
Many platforms offer affordable and flexible courses to learn interior design fundamentals. Here are some great options:
- Udemy – Beginner-friendly courses on home decor and interior design basics.
- Coursera – University-level interior design courses from institutions like Stanford and Yale.
- Skillshare – Practical tutorials from industry professionals.
- LinkedIn Learning – Short courses on design principles, color theory, and lighting.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience
- Start by redesigning your own home or offering free design services to family and friends.
- Volunteer to assist experienced designers or work on small projects.
- Offer home staging services to real estate agents.
- Take up freelance gigs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
3. Build a Portfolio
A strong portfolio showcases your design skills and creativity. Include:
- Before-and-after photos of spaces you have designed.
- Mood boards and design concepts.
- 3D renderings or sketches of interior layouts.
4. Use Interior Design Software
Learning design software helps you visualize and present your ideas professionally. Some popular tools include:
- SketchUp – 3D modeling for interior spaces.
- AutoCAD – Used for drafting floor plans and layouts.
- Photoshop & Canva – For mood boards and digital designs.
4. Finding Interior Design Jobs Without a Degree
After earning certifications and building a portfolio, you can start looking for jobs or freelance opportunities.
1. Freelancing & Online Platforms
- Fiverr & Upwork – Offer design services like mood board creation and space planning.
- Houzz & Thumbtack – Find clients looking for interior design consultations.
- Social Media (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok) – Showcase your work and attract clients.
2. Entry-Level Interior Design Jobs
Look for job positions such as:
- Interior design assistant
- Home stager
- Furniture and decor consultant
- Retail store visual merchandiser
3. Work with an Experienced Designer
Consider interning or assisting a professional interior designer to gain experience. Many designers hire assistants to help with client projects.
5. Pros & Cons of Becoming an Interior Designer Without a Degree
Pros
✔️ No need for expensive college tuition.
✔️ Flexible learning options with online courses and certifications.
✔️ Can start freelancing without a license in most places.
✔️ Opportunities to specialize in home decor, staging, or sustainable design.
Cons
❌ Some states require licensing for commercial interior design.
❌ Without formal education, job options may be limited.
❌ Takes more effort to prove credibility and gain clients.
6. Conclusion
Getting an interior design certification without a degree is possible and rewarding. By taking online courses, earning certifications, and building a strong portfolio, you can launch a successful career in interior design.
If you are passionate about creativity, home decor, and space planning, start learning today and take the first step toward becoming a professional interior designer.