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Interior Design Reference Manual: A Guide to the NCIDQ Exam
Successful exam preparation depends on studying with the best resources, and the Interior Design Reference Manual offers the most complete preparation available for the NCIDQ exam – preparation that has enabled thousands of other candidates to receive their certifications.
Prepare to pass the NCIDQ exam with Updated code references to reflect the 2006 IBC and current and proposed ADA Accessibility Guidelines Sample problems in the same format as the exam, with multiple-choice for Parts I and II, and a design practicum for Part III More than 320 exam-like practice problems, with complete explanations of the answers A 2-part sample design practicum, similar to the graphic section of the exam Study guidelines to effectively focus your preparation
What's new in the 4th edition Updated to reference the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) New section on Fabric Quantity Calculations Updates to section on Finishes Updates to section on Mixed Occupancy and Occupancy Separation Updates to section Accessory and Incidental Use Areas Updates to section on Corridors Updates to section on Doors Updates to section on Signage and Alarms Revisions to key tables and figures
Prepare to pass the NCIDQ exam with Updated code references to reflect the 2006 IBC and current and proposed ADA Accessibility Guidelines Sample problems in the same format as the exam, with multiple-choice for Parts I and II, and a design practicum for Part III More than 320 exam-like practice problems, with complete explanations of the answers A 2-part sample design practicum, similar to the graphic section of the exam Study guidelines to effectively focus your preparation
What's new in the 4th edition Updated to reference the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) New section on Fabric Quantity Calculations Updates to section on Finishes Updates to section on Mixed Occupancy and Occupancy Separation Updates to section Accessory and Incidental Use Areas Updates to section on Corridors Updates to section on Doors Updates to section on Signage and Alarms Revisions to key tables and figures
619 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 30, 2024
Even better the second time
January 16, 2019
I passed all 3 sections of the NCIDQ on the first try with this book.
September 17, 2021
i spent so much time reading this i might as well get the credit for it.
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October 10, 2020UGGHHHH
October 25, 2020
Disclaimer: I have the 6th edition: revised for IBC 2015; however the ISBN pulls up this book, so I have added my review here, as well.
Review:
There are some minor typing errors and the PRAC information is still set for the old style testing method, but it is otherwise filled with useful information. It's easy to understand and breaks the material out well. One thing, which is good and bad, is that it repeats full sentences throughout.
This is good because if you are looking in a specific chapter for information, it's all there and you don't have to bounce around from chapter to chapter to collect all the pieces. It's also good because it means you can read the book in any order or even just certain chapters and still understand the material.
It's bad because if you read the whole book cover to cover, you'll re read a lot and it makes the book much longer. And for anyone cramming for the exams, longer isn't exactly better if you're short on time.
Some nice things about the actual layout of the book and some potential tips:
* The margins are wide so you can take notes, draw diagrams, and scribble in lists and abbreviations. I use the Sharpie S-Gel pen because it doesn't bleed through the pages (a few spots but not really) like many other pens do.
* The back of the book has a few blank pages for you to add in notes etc. I printed out the blueprints for all three exams on matte white sticker paper and stuck those on 3 pages in the back for quick reference. I also printed some of the IBC charts and put those in back as well
Review:
There are some minor typing errors and the PRAC information is still set for the old style testing method, but it is otherwise filled with useful information. It's easy to understand and breaks the material out well. One thing, which is good and bad, is that it repeats full sentences throughout.
This is good because if you are looking in a specific chapter for information, it's all there and you don't have to bounce around from chapter to chapter to collect all the pieces. It's also good because it means you can read the book in any order or even just certain chapters and still understand the material.
It's bad because if you read the whole book cover to cover, you'll re read a lot and it makes the book much longer. And for anyone cramming for the exams, longer isn't exactly better if you're short on time.
Some nice things about the actual layout of the book and some potential tips:
* The margins are wide so you can take notes, draw diagrams, and scribble in lists and abbreviations. I use the Sharpie S-Gel pen because it doesn't bleed through the pages (a few spots but not really) like many other pens do.
* The back of the book has a few blank pages for you to add in notes etc. I printed out the blueprints for all three exams on matte white sticker paper and stuck those on 3 pages in the back for quick reference. I also printed some of the IBC charts and put those in back as well
March 1, 2018
This book is extremely informative in regards to preparing for the NCIDQ exam. Would recommend for exam preparations. However, the book gives a general overview of various topics and does not go into in depth detail.
October 25, 2020
Great in general for studying for the NCIDQ Exam; covers a wide range of content that is critical for passing the exams. All in all though, real world experience and knowledge of code is what will get you through the test. This book admittedly has a bit of fluff.
October 5, 2021
Definitely can't rate this on an enjoyment level but it did present information clearly and in a well organized manner. Hopefully it's prepared me well for the NCIDQ!
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May 1, 2026If I have to read a whole textbook to study, I’m at least gonna count it on goodreads 🤷🏻♀️
March 15, 2014
Well...I'm not reading this book for fun. It is a required reading for the professional licensing exam I am taking (NCIDQ). It's a cumbersome read...dry at time, but I must say I am reviewing important information that I may not necessarily deal with on daily basis. If you are considering taking the exam or want to review the nitty gritty on the subject of interior design, read it.
February 1, 2008
Crappy sample questions...lots of wordy sentences...so annoying to read!!!!
March 12, 2008
I'll let you know if it helps me pass the test....
January 28, 2009
I really wanted to give this book one star because it took forever to get through. It definitely has good info for the NCIDQ test, however after April 3rd I never want to see it again.
March 2, 2010
Got this as study material for NCIDQ, but wish I read Professional Practice instead. Good reference book, though.
September 15, 2010
Is it over yet?
September 18, 2011
It's ok...but with the new NCIDQ format...it's not the best anymore. All of the info is pretty much the same however the organization has changed.
January 6, 2015
I'm so happy to have finished reading this book. Very informative but dry.
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August 13, 2008We'll see how much I've learned in about 6 months...
May 12, 2016
For the NCIDQ
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October 15, 2018I blame this and the NCIDQ on the abysmal number of books I’ve read this year. Here’s to hoping I don’t have to look at this ever again.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
















