NCIDQ Test Takers Meet Up - Fall 2020

We had a great discussion about the NCIDQ tests, how to prepare for them, and connecting with others also taking the exams in the near future during our virtual meet up on August 14th. See below for our recording, some recommended tools to use while studying, and a link to get connected to a study group!

Webinar Recording can be found through this link.

  • Study Resources:

    • Practice Exams and study material is for purchase on CIDQ.org.

    • Buy the Interior Design Reference Manual by David Kent Ballast and use it as a reference for your studying. Study all topics thoroughly and evenly. Breaking up the material by chapter is helpful.

    • Sign up for Qpractice www.qpractice.com.

    • Flash cards are great for studying on the go. Check out the App called Quizlet. You can download for free. Create digital flash cards.

    • Consider sharing resources with friends, colleagues or a study group

  • Study Tips:

    • Plan a routine for studying that works for you and stick with it.

    • When you take the practice exams, time yourself for the same length as the actual exam.

    • Memorize code related tolerances. This will help with faster answers for the PRAC

    • Join a weekly study group with your peers. This can help motivate you to maintain your study schedule.

  • Test Day:

    • You cannot wear any bulky jewelry for the exam. They are strict at the testing facility. Wedding rings and bands are ok. No watches. No large earrings.

    • You are given one sheet of paper and pencil to take notes.

    • Do not spend too long on questions you do not know. Flag them and come back to them. Do not spend more than a few minutes on a question. You may find the answer on a new question.

    • Read case studies and questions carefully. Take your time.

    • Remember, for the Fundamental Exam and Professional Exam, 25 questions for each section are pilot questions and do not count. For the Practicum section all the questions count.

    • The test is designed so you do not how you did when completed. You may feel like you did a poor job on the exam only to find you passed. Just know you did the best you can and wait for the results.

  • IIDA Illinois Resources:

    • Study Group – visit the link HERE and complete the Google form. We will follow up and put you in touch with a peer group.

    • Education Fund - apply here

    • Mentorship Program - apply here