Free NCIDQ IDPX podcast episodes designed to help you pass the Interior Design Professional Exam. Each episode breaks down concepts on CIDQ’s exam blueprint.
The IDPX focuses on construction administration and project management, with an emphasis on health, safety, and welfare.
The exam covers five content areas:
The IDPX is 115 questions over 3 hours. It’s the professional practice exam of the NCIDQ, covering how projects get managed, contracted, and built.
This is the Architect Exam Podcast, but don’t let the name fool you.
The topics covered in these episodes, from contracts and procurement to construction administration and project closeout, apply directly to the NCIDQ IDPX.
Architects and interior designers share the same foundational knowledge when it comes to health, safety, and welfare.
No need to take notes while you listen. For many episodes, we’ve already made a free two-page set of study notes for you – just go to the episode page and grab them.
The IDPX tests your knowledge of project management and construction administration for interior design projects. The biggest section is Contracts, Procurement, and Permitting at 28% of the exam. You’ll need to understand fee structures, types of agreements, the bid process, change management, site visits, punch lists, and project closeout procedures.
Yes, there’s significant overlap. The IDPX covers contracts, procurement, construction process, and closeout, which are the same topics tested on the ARE’s PcM, PjM, and CE exams. If you’re pursuing both certifications, studying for one directly helps with the other.
Most candidates find the Contracts, Procurement, and Permitting section the most challenging because it covers the broadest range of content at 28% of the exam. Understanding the different types of agreements, fee structures, the bid process, and the permitting workflow takes focused study time.
Cast-in-place concrete creates monolithic structural systems by pouring a concrete mix into formwork on-site. This guide covers span limitations, rebar sizing, construction defects like honeycombing, and when to choose concrete over steel or pre-tensioned...
Understanding what is a change order in construction is essential for every architect, contractor, and project manager. Construction change orders are formal contract amendments that require agreement from all three parties, and they always cost...
The RFI meaning in construction is straightforward: it stands for Request for Information. An RFI in construction is a formal document used during the building process to clarify unclear, missing, or conflicting information in...
Discover why CDT® certification is becoming the strategic advantage for ARE candidates seeking to accelerate their licensing journey. This industry-recognized credential fills critical knowledge gaps, builds professional confidence, and provides the comprehensive project delivery understanding...
The AIA C401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant establishes clear relationships, communication protocols, and liability protection between architects and their design consultants. This essential AIA contract document protects all parties through...
Understanding architect fees and fee structures is crucial for every architecture professional and ARE candidate. This comprehensive guide breaks down typical architect fees, architectural fees per square foot, hourly rates, and contractor pricing methods...
Building code history isn’t written by committees in conference rooms. It’s written in tragedy. Every exit sign, sprinkler head, and panic bar you see exists because someone died when those safety features didn’t. Understanding...
Test day anxiety affects even the most prepared ARE candidates, but the right mindset strategies can transform your exam experience. This comprehensive guide reveals proven techniques to manage test day panic, overcome exam anxiety,...
Construction specifications may not be the sexiest part of building projects, but they’re often the difference between project success and expensive disasters. In this article, we’ll expose the dangerous myths about these critical documents that...
Understanding the financial structure of construction projects is essential for architects. Whether you’re managing a client’s budget expectations, leading your first project, or preparing for the ARE, knowing the difference between hard costs vs soft...
Construction punch lists are the final critical step before project completion, yet there's confusion about who creates them. While many assume architects are responsible, the contractor actually creates the initial punch list - a fact...
In the world of architecture and construction, one truth remains constant: something will always go wrong. No matter how meticulously you plan, how carefully you design, or how thoroughly you prepare your construction documents, the...
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about construction bonds and how they protect your projects. You'll learn the different types of construction bonds (including performance bonds and payment bonds), how surety bonds...
Public works projects and private projects follow completely different rules for procurement, contracts, and decision-making. Whether you’re working with government agencies or private architecture clients, understanding these differences changes how you practice. This guide...