Online decorating courses can provide a good introduction to interior-design concepts.
It's important to understand the difference between the work of an interior decorator and an interior designer. That's because completing online courses in interior decorating may allow you to work as an interior decorator but not as an interior designer. Interior designers must be licensed to work in their state because they're often involved in architecture projects that require an understanding of zoning laws and construction standards. Interior decorators make aesthetic improvements that don't require licenses because they aren't involved in making structural changes to buildings.
Career Training
The American Society of Interior Designers suggests that people who are considering online training find out whether the training will bolster their career plans before they enroll. People who have set their sights on becoming interior decorators may find online training beneficial. Yet the ASID says online programs may not give people the training they need to take the National Council of Interior Design Qualification exam, get interior-design licenses or be hired by design or architecture firms. Some state-licensing laws require interior designers to pass the NCIDQ exam.
ASID Membership
Five online programs meet educational requirements for an ASID student membership. They are programs offered by the Academy of Art University, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Westwood College, as well as Rhodec International's diploma and bachelor's programs and Limperts Academy's higher national diploma. Students who complete one of those online programs are eligible for an allied membership in the ASID as well. Interior-decorating students could benefit from an ASID membership by developing professional contacts to advance their careers.
Certificate Programs
According to the ASID, certificates awarded for the completion of online programs could provide a good introduction to interior decorating. The Sheffield School provides a certificate for the completion of its online interior-design program. Rhodec International also offers an online interior-decorator course, which takes 12 months to complete. However, credits from the course aren't transferable to Rhodec's other programs. People who complete such programs and work as interior decorators can join the Interior Design Society. The IDS hosts meetings, educational seminars and special events that may bolster your skills and keep you up to date on industry trends.
Considerations
Interior decorators may find many opportunities are available to them at least through 2018. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of interior designers to grow 19 percent through that year, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Even though the BLS statistics focus on interior designers, the agency reports that homeowners are increasingly remodeling their homes and updating their home decor. Therefore, interior decorators may find a significant amount of work if that trend persists.
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