STEP

Self-Teaching Excercise For The Pre-Professional

STEP is an ASID program created for interior designers who plan to take the NCIDQ exam. Offered to ASID members and non-members alike, the STEP workshop provides participants the opportunity to experience exams and practicum exercises patterned after the newest NCIDQ format. Through this process, designers can analyze their own skills and adequately assess which areas require further preparation. The workshop, comprised of 20 hours of instruction presented over a 2-1/2 day period, is conducted periodically nationwide. Click here for a calendar of upcoming STEP classes.

Participants are encouraged to have their STEP workshop experience six to twelve months prior to taking the NCIDQ exam so that skill areas that require further preparation may be studied. Participants are given a workbook and exercises covering the practicum section of the NCIDQ exam. In addition, multiple choice sections similar to those in the NCIDQ exam are administered and reviewed during the workshop. For additional information about the NCIDQ application process, eligibility for the exam, and registration fees, please contact NCIDQ at (202) 721-0220 or visit them on the Web at www.ncidq.org.

The recommended equipment includes:
Sketch media and pencils (H or 2H)
Pencil sharpener (silent)
Eraser (manual)
Architect's scale (6" or 12"; 1/8", 1/4" & 1")
Triangle (45 & 30/60 degree or adjustable)
Templates (furniture, fixtures, circles, etc. 1/8" scale, commercially prepared)
Drafting tape or dots
Tracing paper (pad or wide roll)
Calculator (non-programmable)
Paper for taking notes
No. 2 pencils for scan sheets
Highlighter(s)
Drafting brush
Eraser shield
NCIDQ Exam Guide (optional)
Study materials (optional)
One pad of 1/8" scale grid paper (optional)
Colored markers or pencils (optional)
Sticky notes (optional)
Rolling-ruler or straightedge (optional)
White Out (optional)

The new format of the NCIDQ practicum exam does not require the use of a drafting table. CAS (Columbia Assessment Systems), the company contracted by NCIDQ to administer the exam, sets up testing sites in facilities that most likely have only flat surfaces. The new practicum format also does not provide candidates with a choice between specialties, i.e. residential, commercial, hospitality. There is only one practicum format available.

The course is offered several times throughout the year. Registration may be made via e-mail at asid@anet.com, or by phone to the ASID Illinois office at (312) 467-5080 during business hours. If a workshop is not currently available near you, contact the IL Chapter STEP Chair for future dates, or call ASID Headquarters at (202) 546-3480 or e-mail education@asid.org.