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NCIDQ Cheat Sheet (IDFX, IDIX, IDPX)

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IDFX Fundamentals

  • Not published of exam
  • Existing Conditions Pre-Design Programming Space Planning FF&E and Finishes Schematics

IDIX Implementation

  • Not published of exam
  • Codes and Life Safety Integration and FF&E Construction Documents Drawing Coordination Specs and Schedules

IDPX Professional

  • Not published of exam
  • Feasibility Studies Scheduling and Budgeting Contracts and Permitting Construction Process Site Observation Closeout

Exam Logistics

  • Not published of exam
  • Routes and Eligibility Fees Codes On Screen Item Types Scoring

Quick Facts

  • Exam IDFX + IDIX + IDPX
  • Owner CIDQ
  • Sections 3 (IDFX, IDIX, IDPX)
  • Total Items 360 (315 scored)
  • Total Time 10 hrs (3+4+3)
  • Pass Score 500 scaled (200-800)
  • Item Types MC, drag-place, fill-blank, hot spot
  • Provider Prometric (center or remote)

Programming Diagram Progression ID

  • Matrix to bubble to stacking to block
  • Adjacency matrix: proximity grid Bubble diagram: graphic version Stacking diagram: floor allocation Block diagram: massing level

Universal Design vs Code Minimum ID

Universal Design

  • Usable by widest range
  • Best-practice goal
  • Can exceed code

Code Compliance

  • Enforceable legal minimum
  • Specific measured conditions
  • Must be met
  • Aspirational vs mandatory floor

On-Screen Code Lookup Picker ID

  • Need egress or occupancy rule → IBC 2021 ( Ch 10 means of egress )
  • Need fixture count ratio → IPC 2021 ( Table 403.1, split by sex )
  • Need one- or two-family rule → IRC 2021 ( Residential-specific code )
  • Need clearance or reach range → ICC A117.1 (2017) ( Accessibility standard )
  • Need HVAC/electrical scope only → ASHRAE, NEC, NFPA ( Conceptual, not on-screen )
  • Searching is slow → Browse by chapter/section ( Faster than keyword search )

Existing Conditions ID

  • Site Analysis Location, zoning, orientation 14%
  • Occupant Load Code-based headcount, not client count
  • Change of Use Triggers permit and CO review
  • Hazardous Materials Flagged before design starts
  • Environmental Impacts Seismic, air quality, weather, sound

Pre-Design ID

  • Evidence-Based Design Research-backed, not opinion 15%
  • Universal Design Widest-range use; can exceed code
  • Market Sectors Workplace, hospitality, healthcare, retail
  • Wayfinding Full navigation system, not just signage
  • Benchmarking Compare against precedent projects

Programming ID

  • Adjacency Matrix Grid of required proximities 16%
  • Bubble Diagram Graphic version of adjacency matrix
  • Stacking Diagram Floor-by-floor function allocation
  • Net Assignable vs Gross Usable area vs usable plus circulation
  • Programmed Occupancy Load Drives exits and egress width

Space Planning ID

  • Primary Circulation Main path; usually the egress route 19%
  • Secondary Circulation Branches off primary into rooms
  • Reflected Ceiling Plan Ceiling mirrored onto floor view
  • Structural Grid Fixed column and bay constraint

FF&E and Finishes ID

  • FF&E Lead Time Order-to-delivery; can govern schedule 16%
  • Hue, Value, Chroma Color, lightness, intensity
  • Material Sustainability Separate issue from indoor air quality
  • Millwork vs FF&E Scope boundary call on a project

Schematics ID

  • Design Concept Statement Qualitative intent, not the program 20%
  • Program Document vs Concept Quantitative record vs qualitative intent
  • Visualization Tools Software, renderings, physical mockups
  • Wayfinding Strategy Part of the refine-intent task

Heaviest Domains Per Section ID

  • CDs 32%, Permitting 28%, Schematics 20%
  • IDIX Construction Docs: 32% IDPX Contracts/Permitting: 28% IDFX Schematics: 20%

IDIX vs Old PRAC ID

PRAC (pre-2026)

  • Hand-drafted practicum
  • Case studies
  • Half-day format

IDIX (2026+)

  • Computer-based items
  • No case studies
  • 130 Q / 4 hrs
  • Design dev now, not drafting

Design-Phase Study Order ID

  • Want design-phase study order → IDFX ( Programming to schematic design )
  • After IDFX content mastered → IDIX ( Design dev + CDs )
  • After IDIX content mastered → IDPX ( CA + project mgmt )
  • Exam scheduling only → Any order allowed ( CIDQ sets no sequence )
  • Early-career, no experience → Start IDFX ( Matches ID coursework )
  • Experienced, all reqs met → Route 1, any order ( Apply once )

Codes and Life Safety ID

  • Exit Access Travel Distance Varies by occupancy and sprinklers 16%
  • Plumbing Fixture Count Split load by sex; round up
  • Fire Barrier Rated wall assembly; IBC 707
  • Smoke Barrier Smoke membrane; IBC 709
  • Smoke Partition Unrated smoke wall; IBC 710

Fire Wall Rating Ladder ID

  • Fire barrier rated; smoke barrier rated; partition unrated
  • Fire barrier: IBC 707 Smoke barrier: IBC 709 Smoke partition: IBC 710, unrated

Fire Barrier vs Smoke Barrier ID

Fire Barrier (IBC 707)

  • Rated wall assembly
  • Stops fire spread
  • Rating set by use

Smoke Barrier (IBC 709)

  • Continuous membrane
  • Stops smoke movement
  • Usually 1-hr rated too
  • Unrated version is a smoke partition

Integration and FF&E ID

  • Plenum Air-distribution cavity; limits combustibles 19%
  • Low-Voltage vs Line-Voltage Data and security vs general power
  • Vertical Transportation Elevators fixed early in layout
  • Furniture Clearances Must not block egress routes

Open Spec vs Closed Spec ID

Open Spec

  • Substitutions allowed
  • Or-equal language
  • Performance criteria option

Closed Spec

  • Only named product allowed
  • No substitutions allowed
  • Manufacturer-specific requirement
  • Allows alternates vs locks product

Construction Documents ID

  • Demolition Plan Separate sheet; remove vs retain 32%
  • Partition Type Assembly and fire rating per wall
  • Keynotes vs General Notes Numbered refs vs sheet-wide notes
  • Finish Transition Detail Where two floor materials meet
  • Critical Elevations Feature wall, wet wall, glazing

Drawing Coordination ID

  • Hierarchy of Information Resolves conflicts, not the designer alone 18%
  • Specialty Consultants Architect, civil, electrical, lighting, mechanical, plumbing
  • Power, Data, Comm Plan Designer locates; engineer sets circuits
  • Signage Coordination Code-required signage design task

Specs and Schedules ID

  • CSI MasterFormat Division 09 finishes, 12 furnishings 15%
  • Open vs Closed Spec Substitutions allowed vs named-only
  • Basis of Design Reference product plus or-equal language
  • Schedule Types Door, finish, hardware, equipment

Completion Milestones in Order ID

  • Substantial, punch list, final completion, payment
  • Substantial: usable, minor items left Punch list: deficiencies to fix Final completion: all obligations done Final payment: released after final

Change Order vs CCD ID

Change Order

  • Owner+CA+contractor agree first
  • Sets price and time
  • Then work proceeds

CCD

  • Owner+architect order first
  • Work starts before price set
  • Formalized later as change order
  • Agree-first vs proceed-first

Feasibility Studies ID

  • Feasibility Study Tests viability before design spend 17%
  • Due Diligence Verify actual as-built conditions
  • Stakeholder Mapping Every interested party, not just client
  • Manage Project Team Roles: owner, CM, code official

Substantial vs Final Completion ID

Substantial Completion

  • Space usable now
  • Minor items still open
  • Starts warranty/occupancy clock

Final Completion

  • All obligations done
  • Punch list cleared
  • Triggers final payment
  • Usable now vs fully closed out

Scheduling and Budgeting ID

  • Critical Path Method Longest chain of dependent tasks 17%
  • Contingency vs Allowance Unknown reserve vs unselected item budget
  • Value Engineering Cut cost, keep required performance
  • Manage Project Schedule Approvals, lead times, phasing

RFP vs RFQ ID

RFP

  • Solicits approach + price
  • For a defined project
  • Scope already known

RFQ

  • Solicits firm qualifications
  • Builds a shortlist
  • Used before fees discussed
  • Price ask vs credentials ask

Contracts and Permitting ID

  • Design-Bid-Build vs Design-Build Separate contracts vs single contract 28%
  • RFP vs RFQ Proposal and price vs qualifications only
  • Bid Alternates Optional priced scope items
  • Permit vs Sign-Off Code review vs owner approval

Construction Process ID

  • Shop Drawing vs Submittal Fabricator detail vs broader review set 21%
  • Change Order vs CCD Agreed change vs ordered-before-agreed
  • CFA vs Strike-Off Dye-lot sample vs pattern sample
  • Facilitate Construction RFIs, submittals, mockups, prototypes

Site Observation Closeout ID

  • Substantial vs Final Completion Usable now vs fully done 17%
  • Punch List Remaining deficiencies before final pay
  • Post-Occupancy Evaluation After-move-in performance review
  • Field Reports Site-visit record of quality and safety

Design-Phase Order LO

  • IDFX then IDIX then IDPX
  • IDFX: front-end design IDIX: middle, construction docs IDPX: back-end, CA + PM

Route 1 vs Route 2 LO

Route 1

  • All 3 sections at once
  • Needs edu + experience done
  • 10 admin window (~5 yrs)

Route 2

  • IDFX first, then IDIX/IDPX
  • Students/new grads can start
  • 4 admin window for IDFX
  • Already qualified vs still qualifying

Eligibility Route Picker LO

  • Meet both education + experience → Route 1 ( All 3 sections together )
  • Final-year student, no experience yet → Route 2 Part 1 ( IDFX only )
  • Route 2 experience now complete → Route 2 Part 2 ( IDIX + IDPX )
  • No qualifying ID degree → ARP ( 8,800 hrs + dossier )
  • Degree outside US/Canada → WES or ECE eval ( Course-by-course )
  • Passed section, application lapses → Reapply + retake all ( Scores void )

Fees LO

  • Route 1 Application $235 non-refundable
  • IDFX Exam Fee $305
  • IDIX Exam Fee $470
  • IDPX Exam Fee $365
  • Annual Renewal $85 per year

Four Item Types LO

  • MC, drag-place, fill-blank, hot spot
  • Multiple choice: most items Drag-and-place: plans/schedules Fill-in-blank: numeric/text key Hot spot: click the point

Codes On Screen LO

  • IBC 2021 Searchable; building code
  • IRC 2021 Searchable; residential code
  • IPC 2021 Searchable; plumbing code
  • ICC A117.1 (2017) Searchable; accessibility standard
  • ASHRAE, ASTM, BIFMA, OSHA, UL Know scope; not on-screen

Common Traps

PRAC vs IDIX

  • PRAC: hand-drafted, case studies ≠ IDIX: computer-based, no case studies

Occupant Load vs Headcount

  • Occupant load is code math ≠ Headcount is the client's number

Contingency vs Allowance

  • Contingency: unknown-cost reserve ≠ Allowance: budget for unselected item

Change Order vs CCD

  • Change order: all three sign first ≠ CCD: work starts before price set

Shop Drawing vs Submittal

  • Shop drawing: fabricator's build detail ≠ Submittal: broader review category

CFA vs Strike-Off

  • CFA: confirms color/dye-lot match ≠ Strike-off: confirms pattern accuracy

Fire Barrier vs Smoke Partition

  • Fire barrier: rated, stops fire ≠ Smoke partition: unrated smoke wall

Last Minute

  • 1. 360 items total; 315 scored
  • 2. IDFX: 115 Q, 3 hrs
  • 3. IDIX: 130 Q, 4 hrs
  • 4. IDPX: 115 Q, 3 hrs
  • 5. Pass score = 500 (200-800 scale)
  • 6. 4 item types on every section
  • 7. Types: MC, drag-place, fill-blank, hotspot
  • 8. IDIX replaced PRAC in 2026
  • 9. No case studies on IDIX
  • 10. No ethics/business-structure domain in 2026
  • 11. On-screen: IBC, IRC, IPC, A117.1
  • 12. IDFX $305; IDIX $470; IDPX $365
  • 13. Renewal = $85/year after passing
  • 14. Angoff method sets passing score

NCIDQ Interior Design Qualification

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