In order to get started as an interior designer, you will need to acquire an associate degree or certificate in interior design, both of which generally take two to three years to complete. With a certificate or associate degree, you will usually qualify to work as an assistant to an interior designer. If you wish to become more than an assistant, you will need to also work toward earning your bachelor’s degree. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can then participate in an apprenticeship program.
Currently there are approximately 250 postsecondary institutions that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. In order to be accepted into one of these programs, you generally need to submit samples of your design abilities in the form of sketches. If you are working toward a bachelor’s degree, it is advisable to select one of the 145 schools that are accredited by the National Council for Interior Design.
