Professional Credentials
Several professional credentials and certifications are available
in the Interior Design industry in addition to becoming a state Certified Interior Designer. Typically, these certifications are a way to further enhance your skills and resume, but not necessarily required for entry level employment in the industry.
LEED Green Associate credential
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building, community and home project types, LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
College of the Canyons is one of only a few colleges in the United States to offer for-credit Sustainable Design and LEED Green Associate prep courses through its Architecture program and serves as a USGBC authorized LEED testing center. More information on the LEED Green Associate credential can be found here.
Certified Interior Designer (CID) State of California
Although entry level positions in the Interior Design industry might not always require a degree or state recognized Certification, to be competitive in the employment market it is recommended that you have at least a 2-year Associates Degree and initial internship experience. If you would like to work at a large, national or international design firm (or for career promotion), you will likely need to also earn a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture.
Both the Certificate of Achievement Interior Design and the Associate of Science Degree Interior Design offered at College of the Canyons provide students with a solid foundation for pursuing Interior Design certification in the state of California including the acquisition of in-demand internship skills as well as academic coursework for students wishing to transfer with advanced standing to a 4-year Interior Design or Interior Architecture Bachelors degree program. More information on the requirements for becoming a California Certified Interior Designer can be found here.
