There are a number of good Continuing Education resources for design and architecture professionals out there. We eventually plan to offer a Continuing Education Resource Center for design trade and other professionals here at InteriorDesignPartners.com, so please check back regularly for updates in this space.

 

In the meanwhile, we've recently published a list of good online resources for interior designers, architects, and landscape architects who may be seeking CEUs or other continuing education opportunities.

 

Check it out here.

 

 

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) recently announced its pass rates for each of its three Fall exam sections. The NCIDQ reports that more than 1,200 interior designers passed their exams and became certificate holders in 2008! Here are the results from the Fall exam:

• Section I (Principles and Practices of Interior Design): 71%
• Section II (Contract Documents and Administration): 66%
• Section III (Schematics and Design Development): 66%

Beware that the Spring 2009 (late) registration deadline of February 15th is fast approaching. The February 1st registration deadline has already come and gone. And the deadline for applying for the Fall 2009 examination is June 1st, with registrations due by August 1st.

 

Click here for NCIDQ's latest exam schedule.

 

Designers, the Boston Residential Design and Construction (RDC) convention and trade show that's scheduled for April 1-2 not only provides an opportunity for you to learn about the latest design innovations and to network with your peers and prospective clients, but you can also take advantage of their Design Firm Showcase.

 

Convention attendees can view the portfolios of residential work by architecture, landscape architecture and interior design firms in print and on a 50-inch digital display rotating slide show. You can be one of those featured designers. Here's the RDC link that describes the event, and here's a PDF that describes the eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and entry fees for the Design Firm Showcase call for portfolios.

 

All entries must be received at the Boston Society of Architects office by 4:00 PM on March 2nd. Instructions for how and what to submit are provided in the aforementioned PDF.

 

 

As many of you may know, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) is responsible for administering all aspects of the LEED Professional Accreditation credentialing program, including exam development, registration, and delivery. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) continues to handle all development of the LEED Rating System and offers LEED-based educational programs.

 

Well, some significant changes are underway that will affect currently recognized LEED Accredited Professionals as well as individuals and businesses that wish to become newly accredited. New credentialing standards and certification designations were announced in November 2008 in order to address the fact that LEED AP credentialing had become somewhat watered down, both because of the sheer number of certified LEED APs (77,000+ at last count) and because the accreditation program did not require periodic retesting or continuing education. This has changed with the recently updated standards.

 

I recently came across this article which I think sums up nicely the changes that are happening with regard to the LEED program.