Illinois Code § 8

§ 8.

Application requirements for registration. (a) Each applicant for registration shall apply to the Department in writing on a form or electronically as provided by the Department. The Department may require an applicant, at the applicant's expense, to have an evaluation of the applicant's education in a foreign country by a nationally recognized evaluation service approved by the Department in accordance with the rules adopted by the Department. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, each applicant shall take and pass the examination approved by the Department. Prior to registration, the applicant shall provide substantial evidence to the Board that the applicant has completed the education and work experience requirements to sit for the NCIDQ examination administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification, has successfully passed the NCIDQ exam, has maintained an active NCIDQ certification, and: (1) is a graduate of a 5-year interior design or architecture program from an accredited institution and has completed at least 2 years of full-time diversified interior design experience; (2) is a graduate of a 4-year interior design or architecture program from an accredited institution and has completed at least 2 years of full-time diversified interior design experience; (3) has completed at least 3 years of interior design or architecture curriculum from an accredited institution and has completed 3 years of full-time diversified interior design experience; or (4) is a graduate of a 2-year interior design or architecture program from an accredited institution and has completed 4 years of full-time diversified interior design experience. (b) In addition to providing evidence of meeting the requirements of subsection (a), each applicant for registration as a registered interior designer shall provide substantial evidence that the applicant has successfully completed the examination administered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification. (b-5) Each applicant for registration shall pay to the Department the required registration fee, which is not refundable, at the time of filing the application. (b-10) Each applicant for renewal or reinstatement of registration under this Act shall have completed continuing education as set forth by the Department by rule. The Department shall consider the recommendations of the Board in establishing requirements for continuing education requirements but shall be no less than 10 hours of continuing education in the areas of health, safety, and welfare every 2 years. (c) An individual may apply for original registration prior to passing the examination. The individual shall have 3 years after the date of filing an application to pass the examination. If evidence and documentation of passing the examination are received by the Department later than 3 years after the individual's filing, the application shall be denied and the fee forfeited. The applicant may reapply at any time, but shall meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication. (d) Upon payment of the required fee, which shall be determined by rule, an applicant who is an architect licensed under the laws of this State may, without examination, be granted registration as a registered interior designer by the Department provided the applicant submits proof of an active architectural license in Illinois. (Source: P.A. 102-1066, eff. 1-1-23; 103-1044, eff. 1-1-25.)