Hey all,
I’m taking IDFX in a couple of days and starting to freak out a little.

I first took it in April 2025 and missed passing by 9 points. I took it again in 2026 after the exam changed, and that time I only used the Interior Design Reference Manual and KLSY- no Qpractice. I actually thought it felt easier, but I ended up missing passing by about 50 points bc I definitely was studying based on what I remember the 2025 version was like..
This time, I’ve been studying entirely through Qpractice lessons and quizzes. It just hit me that I haven’t touched the Interior Design Reference Manual at all this round, and now I’m second-guessing myself.
I took tomorrow off to review. For anyone who’s taken the updated IDFX, would you spend that last day reviewing Qpractice lessons and weak areas, or try to skim the reference manual? Has anyone passed using only Qpractice?

I’m taking IDIX in two weeks, and I could really use some advice from those who have taken it. For context, I have 7 years of professional experience, and this is the last exam standing between me and extra letters at the end of my name.

Unfortunately, a close friend passed away three weeks ago after spending much of his final month in the hospital. Between visiting him, grieving, and trying to keep up with life, studying pretty much went out the window. I forced myself to lock in again about two weeks ago, and it’s been rough.

My QPractice scores have been all over the place and scored a humbling 98/130 on the full-length practice exam. I’m overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material and struggling to figure out what to prioritize and how deeply I need to know everything.

I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted, but I’m fighting hard to get through these last two weeks. Burn out is real but I want to pass SO badly and never study for this exam again. 😭 I have a family and desperately want to pass but the odds are looking grim and i haven’t fully accepted that, yet.

For those who have taken IDIX:
Did you pass, and how prepared did you feel?
If you used QPractice, what were your practice exam scores?
Was the actual exam comparable to QPractice?
What would you prioritize with two weeks left?

Any advice or firsthand experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve had to tell myself that my friend wouldn’t want me crying over him instead of studying. He cheered and celebrated me passing the PX over the summer while going through chemo… it may sound dumb but I want to pass this one for my friend. Myself and my family too… this year has been a kick in the teeth.

I’m taking IDPX a week from tomorrow, I’m really nervous about cost estimating questions for wall covering and carpet and then also the AIA documents. Also project delivery methods🥲 so I guess all of it? Has anyone taken it this October yet? Is there mostly questions about contract documents, fee structures etc or also a lot of cost estimating? I don’t want to misuse my time studying the wrong material. I took IX last week and felt like a lot of questions weren’t on anything I studied 😩

My exam is coming up and I’m not sure what content to focus on. Any specifics?

I’m scheduled to take my idfx exam but now sure what to expect. I bought the PPI2PASS study material any advice on which sections are needed most for the exam?

Has anyone taken the IDPX yet. I haven’t heard much about it but studying for it is going to take me out… everything is so wordy. Anything I should hone in on?

I am taking the IDFX and the IDIX at the end of the month, and I DEFINITELY didn't study enough. I signed up for the exams, then life got in the way, and now we are here. I'm still taking them because I paid, and I am not saying I didn't study at all, but I wish I did more. I have a subscription to QPractice - I scored well on the IDIX QPractice baseline exam but not as well on the IDFX (I did the worst on the existing conditions portion). I would appreciate any last minute study / cramming tips that you may have for the next three weeks! How have the exams been for those who have taken them? Is there any topic that you were surprised to see more heavily on the exam? Did you have access to the codes and, if so, was it helpful? Am I doomed?! (PS - I took the IDFX for the first time in October last year and I did not pass - I got a 496)

How was it?! I’m taking it at the end of this month so curious what other people thought

When it comes to testing standards/methods (ASTM, NFPA, etc.), do we need to memorize the actual numbers/letters and what each one represents?

For example, do I need to know that ASTM E84 = Steiner Tunnel Test just from seeing “ASTM E84,” or is it enough to know the testing method/name and understand what it tests?

On the actual exam, if they ask about a testing method, do they usually give you the full name along with the standard number, or could they just give you something like “ASTM E84” and expect you to know what it is?

Trying to figure out how much time I should spend memorizing all the standard numbers vs. actually understanding the testing methods.

Also is the A117.1 also included in the code document provided or is it just the IBC?

Thanks and good luck everyone!!!

Took IDIX and it was chronically freezing and crashing whenever I scrolled the codes. The moved me to three different computers and it still happened. Thankfully they are able to pick up where you left off but getting the proctor and restarting the computer eats into your time. I literally started crying the first time if happened but then it just became routine that the proctor would restart my computer every 20 mins when I put my hand up because it froze. I passed but it still seems like this is an issue they seriously need to work out.

Anyone taken the IDFX in the October 2026 testing window yet?

I’m taking it for the second time and would really appreciate any general advice on the new 2026 exam format.

Without sharing any actual exam questions or confidential content:

• How did the exam feel compared to QPractice / practice exams?
• Was it mostly application/scenario-based, or did memorization of things like standards/test names still matter a lot?
• Did you get vignettes, and how were they?
• Anything you wish you had focused on more while studying?
• Did you receive any kind of preliminary result after the exam, or are results released later?

Any general tips would be greatly appreciated! Trying to make sure I’m better prepared for attempt #2. 🙏

Good luck to everyone testing this month!

I've been hearing rumors from QPrac but CIDQ officially updated their website, we will have preliminary scores directly after testing this fall!!

From the About the Exams page: "Preliminary exam results will be released following the Fall 2026 exam administration."

So glad we don't have to wait 6 weeks again. Good luck everyone, we got this!!

Hi! 👋🏻 I work in healthcare space planning in Vancouver, and there are no certified NCIDQ designers or architects in my organization. Does anyone know how I can get external sponsorship, or anyone in the area taken a similar path?

Thank you in advance 🙏🏻

Anyone else just get that email that the exam clock does not stop during breaks?

Odd because I have accommodations for extra breaks and that email said that the exam clock will stop.

I took the FX in spring and made it through with no breaks, anyone has experience with breaks? Taking the IX and I know that one will be a little longer

Hi! I took all 3 exams earlier this year and passed IDIX & IDPX, but missed this one by 17 points.

Schematics, materials & FF&E & existing conditions were my lowest sections.

Does anyone have any study tips? I need to find something I can balance with my FT job. Thanks!

Can anyone speak to how the code access looks like on the actual IDFX exam? Q Practice you have access to the full code where I’ve heard the actual exam it’s just a reference list. What does that reference list look like/ what should I expect?

I’ve been using QPractice a lot to study with (taking FX in Oct). Would anyone who used QP and took an April ‘26 exam say that QPractice questions are harder than the actual exam, or about the same?

Does anyone have any IDPX insight to share? I worry that QPractice is not that accurate. How many calculations should I expect to be doing? And are these like complicated? I’m so lost on what to memorize for them , I feel so unprepared even though I’ve been diligently studying every day for a couple months now.

Thank you all ❤️

Hi All,

I was hoping for some insight as my studying begins to ramp up the month before my IDIX.

I'm having a bit of trouble prioritizing what I spend the most time studying at this point. While I've gone through Qpractice and have read the lessons, taken notes, and the quizzes, the IDIX is particularly intimidating due to the content in the "Integration of FF&E" portion, specifically because of the knowledge we're expected to gain/have for the test in regards to MEP & STRU systems. for those of you who took the Spring IDIX, was that a huge part of the exam? I know the content map says the entirety of "Integration of FF&E" is about 19% of the exam, but that content area also covers Finish Plan development, furniture plan development, and specifications. I'm curious how much of the MEP and STRU integration there actually is? Is it worth spending hours studying these things or would I be better off using that energy and brain power on a different section? Any insight would be helpful!

Note: I'm not saying to disregard it entirely and not study MEP and STRU at all, but more or less should I be taking quick notes covering some key concepts and move on or should i be taking more in depth notes, flash cards, practice quizzes, etc.

I was really hoping to do all 3 exams at once this fall but increasingly I’m feeling like I can’t take that on. One of my motivators is not wanting to buy another textbook for the 2027 exams. Do we know for sure that there will be a new release of the reference manual for 2027? Will the questions be based off of the updated material?

Is there any study groups for the ncidq that anyone knows about? Thanks

Does anyone know if wallcovering, drapery, and carpet calculations are covered on the IDIX? The blueprint doesn't explicitly mention calcs, just "material types and sizes". Thanks!

Hi Fellow Designers,

This is my first year having to renew my NCIDQ certificate and am curious as to how others are keeping track of their CEUs. I'm in CA so I don't need to register CEUs in a state database. I'm a little confused if there is a site where I can keep track of my CEUs. I came across the IDCEC site for courses, but what then? Do I really just need to have a saved folder where i have certificates of all my courses? If you could provide guidance that would be great. Thanks for the help!