DANA Certification
Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  What is the process for certification?

A:  After you become a member, you can register for certification through our website. If you join DANA and sign up for certification at the same time, you will receive a special discount. You will see this opportunity on your payment page.  

Once you complete the application for certification and make your payment, you will be sent a link to the study manual.  After you've studied the manual (we suggest a minimum of three to six weeks), contact us by email through the website and we will schedule a test date and time for you.

 

Q:    How is the exam administered?

A:    The exam is taken online and is timed.  You can take the exam whenever you are ready – up to one year after certification registration.

 

Q:  What types of questions are on the exam?

A:  The exam consists of multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill in the blank, and one essay question.  The categories cover the wide range of decorating and business topics included in the study manual.

 

Q:   What topics are covered in the study manual?

A:    The DANA Certification Study Manual covers a wide range of decorating and business topics, including: The Elements and Principles of Design, The Decorating Plan, Color, Fabrics, Paint and Wall Finishes, Common Decorating Styles , Flooring, Lighting, Soft Window Treatments, Bedding Basics, Trims, Creating Focal Points, Furniture Placement Basics, Marketing, Sales, Communication, Market Niches, Time Mastery, and more.

 

Q:    Who wrote the study manual?  Who wrote the test questions?

A:    Margarett DeGange, M.Ed., Executive Director of DANA, wrote the training manual based upon her extensive industry experience (including 15 years as owner of the DeGangi School of Interior Decorating).  The test questions were formulated by Margarett DeGange, Nika Stewart (co-Executive Director), and other industry leaders. 

 

Q:    What is the passing grade?

A:    The passing grade is 75%.

 

Q:    What happens if I fail the test?  Can I retake it?

A:    Yes.  You will have another opportunity to take the test at no extra charge.  If you do not pass on the second attempt, an additional fee of $100.00 will be charged to re-take the exam.

 

Q:    What will I receive when I am certified?  What does this entitle me to?

A:    You will receive the designation "Certified Professional Decorator" (CPD).  You can use this designation – and the DANA Certified Professional Decorator Logo – in your marketing materials, on your website, on your business cards, in your portfolio, etc.  The digital logo is provided to you.

As a Certified Professional Decorator, you are also entitled to two free continuing education tele-seminars hosted by DANA.

In addition, your listing on the DANA directory page will be highlighted with a CPD logo for homeowners to see.

 

Q:    What are the career benefits of becoming a Certified Professional Decorator?

A:    Certification adds to your credibility as a decorator and provides instant expert status in the eyes of consumers. It also heightens the opportunity for trust between you and your clients. Your prospects and clients are reassured when you hold professional certification and when you are affiliated with the professional organization for the decorating industry.

Passing DANA's certification exam and earning your CPD demonstrates that you have:

• Learned basic and advanced concepts of interior decorating

• Promised to abide by DANA's Code of Ethics

• Committed to maintain your industry knowledge through  continuing education every year

• Joined an elite community of like-minded decorators who are dedicated to maintaining exceptionally high standards of professionalism

• Expanded your professional contacts, knowledge, and resources through networking opportunities

Homeowners feel more confident using the services of a professional who has achieved these benchmarks.  In this respect, you can also use your CPD designation as a powerful marketing tool.   DANA aggressively markets the organization and its members, and CPDs are highlighted and spotlighted.

 

Q:    When I am certified, can I refer to myself as an Interior Designer?

A:    Many states have criteria that must be met before someone can refer to herself/himself as an “Interior Designer” or refer to their services as “Interior Design” services. This is because the practice of Interior Design deals with much more than interior cosmetics, and involves a knowledge of – and training in – building codes and other components of building structure and materials. Many state governments regulate activity of Interior Designers (more than 28 states), and require a minimum combination of 6 years of formal education (university or design program) in Interior Design and training under the umbrella or mentorship of a state registered or licensed Interior Designer. The CPD designation does not meet any state requirements for qualification as an Interior Designer, and DANA Certified Professional Decorators should not use the designation Interior Designer without a combination of the formal university training and mentorship explained above. For more information on this topic, check your state's specific requirements for becoming an Interior Designer.

The CPD designation allows you to practice Interior Decorating as a profession, which specifically deals with interior cosmetics. The Decorators’ Alliance of North America is the organization that provides Interior Decorators and the Interior Decorating Industry at large with educational opportunities and professional training in the specific field of Interior Decorating.

 

Q:    How long does my certification last?  Are there additional fees to remain certified?

A:   Once you are certified, you will remain a Certified Professional Decorator as long as you are a member of DANA and you take two continuing education teleseminars.  These teleseminars are FREE for certified members.  Although you will still have annual membership dues, there are no additional fees to keep your certification.

 

To begin your certification process,
CLICK HERE