FAQ

Q.  What requirements do I need to meet to become a member of The Decorators’ Alliance of North America (DANA)?

A:  To be eligible for DANA membership, an individual must have completed an industry-approved interior decorating, redesign, or design-related course or program, or have enrolled in or completed a college certificate course, or be currently registered in a college or university design or decorating program (a student). Some members may be eligible through their work experience or through other educational experiences not listed on our website with approval from the DANA Executive Staff.

There are many programs that meet the DANA membership requirements. These include courses and programs in the fields of interior decorating, redesign, staging, color consultation, aging in place, home organization, and others. Visit the Join DANA page for a list of eligible programs.

Q.  How can our Interior Decorating or Design related program be listed with DANA as an approved program to meet DANA membership requirements?

A:  If you direct, teach for, or are affiliated with a decorating or design program that you would like to list as an eligible program for DANA membership, email the DANA education staff at Program@DecoratorsAlliance.com. You may be eligible to become a DANA Education Partner.

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-six weeks), you can take the exam at any time.  You have up to one year to take the exam.

Q:    What is the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?

Interior Designer:
The focus of the profession of Interior Design is on designing interior spaces. Interior Designers have knowledge and formal education. They have skills and training in technical areas that involve materials and building codes such as electrical, plumbing, and construction concepts. Many Interior Designers deal with the actual structure of a home or business, and therefore must be accountable to strict government guidelines and  cooperate with state/government agencies. They are trained to read blueprints in order to factor the construction of a home or commercial property into their design plans. They also deal with the cosmetics of an interior space, such as flooring, paint, and soft home furnishings. 

In 28+ states, you must be state registered or licensed to legally call yourself an Interior Designer. To become certified or licensed, you must pass an exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). This is applicable in the U.S. and Canada. After passing this exam, an Interior Designer is also encouraged to follow the professional standards set by the American Society of Interior Designers. Interior Designers must also practice their profession in accordance with the laws and regulations that govern the practice of Interior Design.

Interior Decorator:
The focus of the profession of Interior Decorating is on decorating interior spaces. Interior Decorators deal with interior cosmetics and not with building codes, construction, electrical, or plumbing issues. They have a working knowledge and education in fabrics and textiles, soft home furnishings, window coverings, wall and floor finishes, home accents and art, accessory lighting, sales and marketing, running a business, and many other areas of Interior Decorating.

Although the practice of Interior Decoration does not require formal education, in most cases Interior Decorating professionals must gain the skills sets required to work in the profession, and these come through research, experience, and education. Many Interior Decorators have invested in their careers through informal education. Some have formal education or have attended trade school. Many have university degrees or college certifications in Interior Design or Interior Decorating.  Many Interior Decorators specialize in a particular area such as window treatments, Feng Shui, home organizing, home offices, re-design, children’s rooms, or home staging. Focus areas of Interior Decorating require even more specialized training.

Interior Decorators typically work with the interiors of buildings such as homes and businesses and focus mainly on the surface decorations of the space They may work with an entire building or just a single room. They work to create aesthetically pleasing and functional living and work spaces.