Pathway to Licensure

There are two pathways to become a Licensed Interior Designer. The most common pathway is through the Intern Interior Design Program (IIDP), however interior designers who meet experience and certification requirements may qualify for licensure through the Experienced Interior Designer Pathway (EIDP). No matter your path to licensure, we are here to help guide you through the process. Inquiries regarding the pathways can be sent to one of the appropriate email addresses listed below (see point 7).
 

Becoming a Licensed Interior Designer, AAA via the Intern Interior Design Program (IIDP)

1. Complete a Bachelor of Interior Design Degree from a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) program.
    
2. Apply to the AAA IIDP (approval takes 3 weeks).
   • Upon approval you are now an "Intern Interior Designer, AAA".
      
3. Select a mentor to advise and guide you through the IIDP.
    
4. Select a supervisor to direct your work.
   • Your supervisor must be a Registered Architect (RA) or Licensed Interior Designer (LID) within a firm/organization registered with the AAA.
   • Your supervisor cannot also be your mentor.
      
5. Log experience hours using the IIDP logbook.
   • You need to complete the 3,520-hour work experience requirement under the supervision of a RA or LID.
      
6. Pass the national CIDQ (NCIDQ) exams and submit a copy of your NCIDQ certificate to the AAA.Complete required legislation courses.
    
7. Upon completion of the IIDP requirements, apply to become registered as a LID with the AAA.
   • For more information, please contact:
     [email protected] if your last name falls within A-L
     [email protected] if your last name falls within M-Z
      
8. Complete required legislation courses
   • All new AAA members must complete the Architects Act course and an Alberta Building Code course as part of licensure requirements.
      
9. Pass the oral interview to validate your experience, professional judgement and competency to practice as a LID in Alberta.
    
10. After passing the interview, your name will appear on the AAA website for 15 days to allow for public notification.
     
11. After the 15-day period, you are now a LID and may use the designation "Licensed Interior Designer, AAA". You can now:
    • Own a stamp/seal
    • Apply for a firm licence or permit to practice
    • Vote on bylaws
    • Join AAA Council
    • Volunteer for AAA boards and committees

LID Licensure Pathway

Illustrated road map to becoming a Licensed Interior Designer, AAA via the Intern Interior Design Program.