Rosie Wurster, RID, NCIDQ, an Associate IV at Abel Design Group, volunteers on the IDIX Writing Committee, where she helps develop and review exam questions.

Rosie was looking for a new way to volunteer when the NCIDQ exam development committee caught her attention. She applied and was selected to write questions for the IDIX exam. “Our goal is to make each question clear, accurate, and relevant to current interior design practice,” she says.

“I actually think my professional experience influences my work on the exam more than the other way around,” Rosie says. Navigating code requirements, coordinating with other disciplines, and working through unexpected design issues give her a sense of what designers face on the job. Those experiences help her contribute to questions that reflect what designers encounter in practice.

Volunteering is also a way for Rosie to advocate for the profession. “I think a lot of people don’t realize how much technical knowledge goes into interior design,” she says. Designers have to understand building codes, accessibility, and space planning, and know how those pieces fit together. Helping evaluate that knowledge is one way Rosie can support the growth of the profession and give its technical work more visibility. Designers interested in volunteering can learn more and apply through NCIDQ’s website.

For anyone studying for the exam, Rosie keeps her advice practical. “Believe in yourself, make a study plan, and be consistent.” She suggests setting aside time each week to prepare. When exam day comes, her advice is to “take a breath and trust what you know.”

And if you’re still deciding whether to pursue certification? “Go for it!” Rosie says. “Certification can open new doors, strengthen your credibility within the industry, and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.”