Interior Design Practice Test: Get Ready for Your Exam!

Interior Design Practice Test

This exam is prepared by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).

They offer an examination of interior designers regarding a demonstration of the minimum level of skill and knowledge needed to practice interior design.

Good luck!

Interior Design Practice Exam

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Question 1
Please mark the term which describes the strips that are applied to a wall or ceiling so other materials may be applied:
A
Lattice
B
Furring
C
Shims
D
Girders
Question 1 Explanation: 
Furring strips are used so materials may be applied to a wall or ceiling.
Question 2
The dB (decibel) measures:
A
Building materials
B
Sound
C
Water weight
D
Natural Light
Question 2 Explanation: 
Decibel or dB measures sound.
Question 3
Please mark the term which describes a horizontal member placed over a large opening to support the load above in a wall that is in the process of building:
A
Stud
B
Keystone
C
Beam
D
Lintel
Question 3 Explanation: 
Lintel is a horizontal member placed over a large opening to support the load above in a wall that is in the process of building.
Question 4
What does the STC (Sound Transmission Class) evaluate?
A
The flame resistance
B
The light refraction
C
The acoustical quality
D
The structural limit
Question 4 Explanation: 
The STC evaluates the acoustical quality of a space or material.
Question 5
What is most important in interior design regarding noise control?
A
Ceiling height
B
Surface Materials
C
Shape of the room
D
Occupancy load
Question 5 Explanation: 
The surface materials are most important.
Question 6
Please mark the term that describes horizontal or vertical members separating the glass surfaces when joining adjacent windows:
A
Mullion
B
Jamb
C
Flashing
D
Muntin
Question 6 Explanation: 
A mullion is a term which describes horizontal or vertical members separating the glass surfaces when joining adjacent windows.
Question 7
Please mark the correct nomenclature which represents the correct order in a case when the designer may need to clarify which panels will be sliding and which one(s) are stationary while specifying sliding glass windows:
A
X = Sliding Panel, O = Stationary panel when viewed from the outside.
B
X = Sliding Panel, O = Stationary panel when viewed from the inside.
Question 7 Explanation: 
When specifying sliding glass windows X represents the Sliding Panel, O represents the Stationary panel when viewed from the outside.
Question 8
What is the minimum allowable thickness for a concrete slab when it is supported directly by the ground?
A
3 inches
B
4 inches
C
5 inches
D
6 inches
Question 8 Explanation: 
The minimum allowable thickness for a concrete slab is 4 inches when it is supported directly by the ground.
Question 9
Please mark the description which describes a Thin Set installation:
A
Setting tile in an adhesive made from cement, fine sand and other chemicals that are not typically greater than 3/16th “ thick.
B
Tile that is set in a mortar base that is 3/4” to 1” thick.
C
Tile that is set with organic mastic over green board.
D
Setting tile in a mud bed over a thin plywood base.
Question 9 Explanation: 
The Thin Set is setting tile in an adhesive made from cement, fine sand and other chemicals that are not typically greater than 3/16th “ thick.
Question 10
What do exits include regarding interior space planning?
A
Building tunnels, exit halls, balconies, roof access panels.
B
Exit doors, elevators, exits through large rooms, vertical exits, hallways.
C
Exterior exit doors, exit stairs, exit ramps, exit passageways, horizontal exits.
D
Exit doors, windows, vertical passages, ramps, corridors.
Question 10 Explanation: 
Exterior exit doors, exit stairs, exit ramps, exit passageways, horizontal exits.
Question 11
What is the name of the instrument for measuring atmospheric humidity?  
A
Vaporizer
B
Psychrometer
C
Homeostatic Chroma Meter
D
Humidifier
Question 11 Explanation: 
Тhe instrument for measuring atmospheric humidity is called psychrometer.
Question 12
What is the function of ballast in a fluorescent fixture?
A
To supply electricity to the fixture
B
To provide rapid start
C
To internal link to combine fixtures
D
To start voltage and operate current
Question 12 Explanation: 
The function of ballast in a fluorescent fixture is to start voltage and operate current.
Question 13
What is the unit for measuring brightness or luminance?
A
Lumens
B
Foot Lamberts
C
Foot Candles
D
Illumination
Question 13 Explanation: 
Foot Lamberts is the unit for measuring brightness or luminance.
Question 14
Please mark the term that describes the vertical members that support the header in construction:
A
Beams
B
Jack Studs
C
Joist
D
Jam
Question 14 Explanation: 
Jack Studs are the vertical members that support the header in construction.
Question 15
What is the minimum shower size you can specify and still meet the code requirement for the interior dimensions of a residential shower?
A
28" x 30"
B
36" x 36"
C
30" x 30"
D
30" x 60"
Question 15 Explanation: 
The minimum code requirement for the interior dimensions of a shower is 30" x 30".
Question 16
Which of the following would a designer recommend if a client requests to have their tub/shower remodeled and want new shower valves with handles:
A
Cross Handles - Standard Valves
B
Lever Handle - Pressure Balance Control Valves
C
Round Handles - Thermostatic Mixing Valves
D
Knob Handle - Standard Valves
Question 16 Explanation: 
The designer should recommend Lever Handle - Pressure Balance Control Valves.
Question 17
What is the minimum size of the swinging door that a designer should specify for the entrance to space, in case of a bathroom remodeling(the depth of the passage inside the bathroom is 21") for a client who wants to plan for the future in the event that both of them may ever find themselves confined to a wheelchair?
A
36"
B
32"
C
34"
D
38"
Question 17 Explanation: 
The interior designer should specify a 36" Door.
Question 18
Maria, a client, has decided she does not want to put a vent hood over her electric range but she wants a wall cabinet above. At what height is the bottom of the wall cabinet above the cooking surface according to the International Building Code?
A
18"
B
24"
C
30"
D
36"
Question 18 Explanation: 
A clearance of at least 30" is required between a cooking surface and an unprotected/combustible surface above it.
Question 19
What is the minimum size that an enclosed toilet compartment can be made in a case when a client wants to have an enclosed toilet compartment in their newly remodeled medium-sized bathroom whose minimum enclosed area needs to be enclosed and yet still meet code requirements?
A
36" x 66"
B
30" x 60"
C
32" x 58"
D
29" x 58"
Question 19 Explanation: 
The size for a separate toilet compartment is 30" x 60" according to the International Plumbing Code.
Question 20
Please mark the best of the following descriptions of a standpipe system:
A
A dry chemical extinguishing system
B
Piping and valves for use as a fire protection system
C
A secondary fire-suppression system
D
A standby alarm system
Question 20 Explanation: 
Piping and valves for use as a fire protection system.
Question 21
Please mark the characteristic(s) of balloon frame construction:
A
It is commonly used today
B
It has studs which are two stories in height
C
It has second-floor joists supported by a ribbon
D
All of the above
Question 21 Explanation: 
All of the above
Question 22
How many inches on center are placed 2x4 studs in wall construction?
A
8”
B
12”
C
14”
D
16”
Question 22 Explanation: 
2x4 Studs in wall construction are usually placed 16 inches on center.
Question 23
Please mark the condition that must be present for efflorescence to occur:   a. presence of salt in the wall b. extremely low humidity c. exposure to water d. contact of water with salt
A
a & b
B
a & d
C
b & d
D
b & d
Question 23 Explanation: 
A and d
Question 24
The purpose of subflooring is:
A
the nonstructural material that lays under the flooring as a vapor bearer to the outside elements.
B
the drywall layer underneath vinyl flooring so there is a smooth finish to work with.
C
the structural material that spans across floor joists, and a base for finished flooring.
D
the cushion layer for carpeting when it’s laid over concrete.
Question 24 Explanation: 
The purpose of subflooring is the structural material that spans across floor joists, and a base for finished flooring.
Question 25
Please mark the characteristic(s) of platform frame construction: a. stud walls are used with platform framing b. Post and panel walls are used with platform framing c. Frame walls are erected on platform framing d. The most common method of wood frame construction is platform framing
A
a
B
a & d
C
b & c
D
c
Question 25 Explanation: 
A & d
Question 26
Please mark the statement(s) which is/are true about knots in lumber: a. Knots may be either tight or loose b. Knots strengthen a piece of lumber c. The portion of a branch or limb that is embedded in the wood d. Knots are caused by improper drying    
A
b & c
B
a & c
C
a & d
D
c & d
Question 26 Explanation: 
a & c
Question 27
Please mark the "regular" width and length of plywood used in typical residential construction:
A
4 feet wide by 12 feet long
B
5 feet wide by 10 feet long
C
4 feet wide by 8 feet long
D
3 feet wide by 6 feet long
Question 27 Explanation: 
4 feet wide by 8 feet long
Question 28
A hole shouldn't be more than______ of joist depth?
A
One half
B
One third
C
One fifth
D
One quarter
Question 28 Explanation: 
One third
Question 29
Please mark one selection which is classified as open grain hardwood:
A
Red Alder
B
Cherry
C
Walnut
D
Maple
Question 29 Explanation: 
Walnut is classified as an open grain hardwood.
Question 30
What is a suspended ceiling?
A
Panels that are directly glued to the ceiling for texture.
B
A series of soffits that surround a room.
C
A finished ceiling hung from the overhead by a series of wires.
D
A series of beams and panels that make up a ceiling system.
Question 30 Explanation: 
A finished ceiling hung from the overhead by a series of wires.
Question 31
Please mark the statement that would help ensure proper drainage:
A
Grade the lot so the land slopes toward the house
B
Use wide roof overhangs
C
Connect downspouts to footing drains
D
Grade the lot so the drainage is away from the house
Question 31 Explanation: 
Grade the lot so the drainage is away from the house.
Question 32
Please mark the description of cladding:
A
The foundation layer of a building in high rise construction.
B
The settling factor of a building after the construction process is complete.
C
The structural load of a building that can handle all weather conditions.
D
The external finish covering the base material on a wall.
Question 32 Explanation: 
Cladding is the external finish covering the base material on a wall.
Question 33
Through what kind of action can moisture travel upwards from lower layers of certain soils?
A
Seepage
B
Capillary
C
Perk
D
High water table
Question 33 Explanation: 
Capillary
Question 34
The minimum slope for flat or corrugated plastic skylights is ____ in 12.
A
2
B
4
C
5
D
6
Question 34 Explanation: 
The minimum slope for flat or corrugated plastic skylights is 4 in 12.
Question 35
Please mark the crucial factor of determining a footing depth:
A
The ambient temperature of the footings at the time of installation
B
The weight of the foundation
C
The distance of the ground to the rock surface below
D
The depth of the frost line
Question 35 Explanation: 
The depth of the frost line is the crucial factor of determining a footing depth.
Question 36
Mark the following statement as true or false: Curtain walls are an example of a non-load bearing wall.
A
True
B
False
Question 36 Explanation: 
True
Question 37
Please mark the reason why vertical joints are normally installed in long lengths of masonry walls:
A
In order to provide nailing access to the wood backing.
B
In order to provide strength to the wall.
C
In order to serve for aesthetic purposes only.
D
In order to control cracks in the wall.
Question 37 Explanation: 
In order to control cracks in the wall.
Question 38
Please mark the construction which utilizes steel I-beams, angles, channels, etc. as the main structure:
A
Wood Frame Construction
B
Structural Steel Construction
C
ICF Construction
D
Modular Construction
Question 38 Explanation: 
Structural Steel Construction
Question 39
Please mark the minimum concrete floor slab thickness when supported on the ground:
A
3 ½ inches
B
4 inches
C
4 ½ inches
D
5 inches
Question 39 Explanation: 
The minimum concrete floor slab thickness, when supported on the ground, is 3 ½ inches.
Question 40
Please mark the trade which is responsible for the installation of dumbwaiters and escalators:
A
General Contractor
B
Roofing Contractors
C
Electrical Engineers
D
Elevator Contractors
Question 40 Explanation: 
Elevator Contractors
Question 41
Please mark the recommended fastening method for hanging cabinets in wood frame construction:
A
Nails
B
Clips
C
Screws
D
Fasteners
Question 41 Explanation: 
The recommended fastening method for hanging cabinets in wood frame construction are the screws.
Question 42
Please mark the type of materials used for the construction of the walls, partitions, floors and ceilings in buildings and structures of Types 1 and Type 2 construction:
A
Heat-treated nonflammable materials
B
Wood frame materials
C
Approved noncombustible materials
D
Heavy timber
Question 42 Explanation: 
Approved noncombustible materials
Question 43
How many inches on center are 2 x 8 wooden joists placed in a typical home, depending on the magnitude of applied loads?
A
6, 10 or 12 inches on center
B
8, 12 or 18 inches on center
C
12, 16 or 24 inches on center
D
10, 12 or 14 inches on center
Question 43 Explanation: 
12, 16 or 24 inches on center
Question 44
Please mark one of the following statements that you consider true regarding working with a non-bearing wall:
A
A wall that contains a door or a window in its construction.
B
Refers to a structural part that does not carry a load.
C
A wall that cannot be moved or altered.
D
A wall that supports a floor and ceiling.
Question 44 Explanation: 
Refers to a structural part that does not carry a load.
Question 45
What is the name of a form that is normally handled towards the end of the project, identifying deficiencies to be corrected by the contractor?
A
Complaint form
B
Work order
C
Punch list
D
Discrepancy order
Question 45 Explanation: 
Punch list
Question 46
Please mark the correct description of POE (Post Occupancy Evaluation):
A
Involves the evaluation of the opinions of the people that use the building and how well the building matches the user’s needs. It identifies ways to improve performance and building design.
B
It is typically conducted within the first three months for the contract to fix any problems that may arise after moving in.
C
It is the evaluation of the architect, designer, sub-contractors and contractor, on how the project performed.
D
Focuses only on the structure of a building and how it is settling and normally not the interior finishes.
Question 46 Explanation: 
Involves the evaluation of the opinions of the people that use the building and how well the building matches the user’s needs. It identifies ways to improve performance and building design.
Question 47
Please mark the term which describes the form that is completed by the supplier that indicates the quantity, the contents/description, destination, weight of contents and the carrier in a shipment:
A
Purchase Order
B
Shipping Transmittal
C
Bill of Lading
D
Invoice
Question 47 Explanation: 
Bill of Lading
Question 48
What should a design firm issue, beside informing the bidders of the changes in the contract documents, if they notice that a large item on a project has accidentally been left off the specifications?
A
They should issue a change order
B
They should issue an addendum
C
They should issue an alternative specification form
D
They should issue a condition change form
Question 48 Explanation: 
They should issue an addendum.
Question 49
A design company is working on a new design project for a client. The company's representatives are now meeting again with their client to go over the concept of the design created by the company's team. They are not finished with the details but will explain the project to their client and follow up their reactions. What is this part of the project called?
A
Design Development
B
Programming
C
Implementation
D
Schematic Design
Question 49 Explanation: 
Schematic Design
Question 50
Please mark the term which describes the situation when the bank project has run into more expenses on the project than were estimated:
A
Cost performance index
B
Cost management
C
Cost overrun
D
Cost forecasting
Question 50 Explanation: 
Cost overrun
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  1. Avatar for kasim Ahmed kasim Ahmed

    i need this exam by pdf

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