NCIDQ IDPX EXAM |ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS|BRAND NEW 2026-2027
UPDATE|GRADED A+
Question 1
Where would it be best to call out the frame material on an entry door?
A. door schedule
B. finish schedule
C. hardware schedule
D. finish plan
CORRECT ANSWER
A: Door Schedule
Question 2
When would be most appropriate for an interior designer to use the prefix letter 'I' when
numbering a set of construction drawings?
A: 'I' should be used for interior design sheets when an architect's drawings are included as
part of the drawing set
B: 'I' should be used for small interior design projects only
C: 'I' should never be used; the letter 'A' should always be used for any sheets pertaining to
either architectural or interior design
D: 'I' should always be used for all interior design sheets in a drawing set
CORRECT ANSWER
A: 'I' should be used for interior design sheets when an architect's drawings are included
as part of the drawing set
'I' is most commonly used when architectural drawings are also included in a drawing set,
as a means to easily distinguish between architectural and interiors work.
1
,Question 3
What is the best way for an interior designer to ensure that the exact product desired will
be used in the final design?
A: Require that the contractor submit samples of all items before purchasing.
B: List the information in a proprietary specification.
C: Show the configuration of the product on the drawings, and call it out specifically.
D: Write a closed, descriptive specification.
CORRECT ANSWER
B: List the information in a proprietary specification.
A proprietary specification calls out one single item by brand name, manufacturer, and
model number.
Proprietary specifications are the most restrictive as they give the interior designer
complete control over what is to be installed in a project. Sometimes the specifications
include an "or equal" clause (referred to as a "base-bid specification"), which means the
substitution of other products will be allowed if the contractor thinks they are equal to
the one specified.
With a proprietary specification, the interior designer can also require that a sample be
submitted to further verify that the item meets the project needs, but requesting a
sample alone is not the best way.
Question 4
Which of the following is generally NOT considered FF&E?
A: vertical blinds
B: wall-to-wall carpeting
2
,C: a commissioned sculpture bolted to a wall
D: vending machines built into an opening
CORRECT ANSWER
B: wall-to-wall carpeting
Carpeting is a finish item (like paint or ceiling tile) that is attached to the construction
and is typically part of the construction contract. Even though a sculpture is physically
attached to the construction, it is commissioned directly with the artist and may be
included in the FF&E budget. Vertical blinds are sometimes included in the construction
contract but not as commonly as wall-to- wall carpeting is. Vending machines can also be
part of a construction contract, but if there is both a construction and FF&E contract,
they are usually part of FF&E. Although all four of the items mentioned may be part of
either contract as the client wishes, the question asks which is generally not.
Question 5
In which type of construction specification is the term "approved equal" most likely to be
used?
A: Performance specifications
B: Descriptive specifications
C: Base-bid specifications
D: Proprietary specifications
CORRECT ANSWER
C: Base-bid specifications
A base-bid specification calls out a proprietary material or product but allows
substitutions. An interior designer can use the term or "approved equal".
In a base-bid specification to ensure that any substitutions submitted are of equal quality
and gives the chance for the interior designer to review and approve any substitutions
prior to being incorporated into the bid.
3
, Question 6
When specifying the method by which two veneer pieces are to be applied, the most
pleasing result is usually obtained with a:
A: random match
B: balance match
C: slip match
D: book match
CORRECT ANSWER
D: book match
Only book matching and slip matching refer to the ways individual veneer pieces can be
laid up next to each other. Of these two options, book matching is generally considered
the preferred, most pleasing match.
Question 7
What type of drawing is shown in this image?
CORRECT ANSWER
Millwork section
Question 8
What does the phrase "or approved equal" mean in a specification?
A: The client must agree to the use of a product selected by the contractor.
B: The interior designer and client can permit the substitution of an alternate product if they
feel it is better than the one specified.
4
VERIFIED ANSWERS|BRAND NEW 2026-2027
UPDATE|GRADED A+
Question 1
Where would it be best to call out the frame material on an entry door?
A. door schedule
B. finish schedule
C. hardware schedule
D. finish plan
CORRECT ANSWER
A: Door Schedule
Question 2
When would be most appropriate for an interior designer to use the prefix letter 'I' when
numbering a set of construction drawings?
A: 'I' should be used for interior design sheets when an architect's drawings are included as
part of the drawing set
B: 'I' should be used for small interior design projects only
C: 'I' should never be used; the letter 'A' should always be used for any sheets pertaining to
either architectural or interior design
D: 'I' should always be used for all interior design sheets in a drawing set
CORRECT ANSWER
A: 'I' should be used for interior design sheets when an architect's drawings are included
as part of the drawing set
'I' is most commonly used when architectural drawings are also included in a drawing set,
as a means to easily distinguish between architectural and interiors work.
1
,Question 3
What is the best way for an interior designer to ensure that the exact product desired will
be used in the final design?
A: Require that the contractor submit samples of all items before purchasing.
B: List the information in a proprietary specification.
C: Show the configuration of the product on the drawings, and call it out specifically.
D: Write a closed, descriptive specification.
CORRECT ANSWER
B: List the information in a proprietary specification.
A proprietary specification calls out one single item by brand name, manufacturer, and
model number.
Proprietary specifications are the most restrictive as they give the interior designer
complete control over what is to be installed in a project. Sometimes the specifications
include an "or equal" clause (referred to as a "base-bid specification"), which means the
substitution of other products will be allowed if the contractor thinks they are equal to
the one specified.
With a proprietary specification, the interior designer can also require that a sample be
submitted to further verify that the item meets the project needs, but requesting a
sample alone is not the best way.
Question 4
Which of the following is generally NOT considered FF&E?
A: vertical blinds
B: wall-to-wall carpeting
2
,C: a commissioned sculpture bolted to a wall
D: vending machines built into an opening
CORRECT ANSWER
B: wall-to-wall carpeting
Carpeting is a finish item (like paint or ceiling tile) that is attached to the construction
and is typically part of the construction contract. Even though a sculpture is physically
attached to the construction, it is commissioned directly with the artist and may be
included in the FF&E budget. Vertical blinds are sometimes included in the construction
contract but not as commonly as wall-to- wall carpeting is. Vending machines can also be
part of a construction contract, but if there is both a construction and FF&E contract,
they are usually part of FF&E. Although all four of the items mentioned may be part of
either contract as the client wishes, the question asks which is generally not.
Question 5
In which type of construction specification is the term "approved equal" most likely to be
used?
A: Performance specifications
B: Descriptive specifications
C: Base-bid specifications
D: Proprietary specifications
CORRECT ANSWER
C: Base-bid specifications
A base-bid specification calls out a proprietary material or product but allows
substitutions. An interior designer can use the term or "approved equal".
In a base-bid specification to ensure that any substitutions submitted are of equal quality
and gives the chance for the interior designer to review and approve any substitutions
prior to being incorporated into the bid.
3
, Question 6
When specifying the method by which two veneer pieces are to be applied, the most
pleasing result is usually obtained with a:
A: random match
B: balance match
C: slip match
D: book match
CORRECT ANSWER
D: book match
Only book matching and slip matching refer to the ways individual veneer pieces can be
laid up next to each other. Of these two options, book matching is generally considered
the preferred, most pleasing match.
Question 7
What type of drawing is shown in this image?
CORRECT ANSWER
Millwork section
Question 8
What does the phrase "or approved equal" mean in a specification?
A: The client must agree to the use of a product selected by the contractor.
B: The interior designer and client can permit the substitution of an alternate product if they
feel it is better than the one specified.
4
