Certified Decorating Professional ®
Become a Certified Decorating Professional ® (CDP) today!
SCHOOLS AND TRAINING

A student of the Certified Decorating Professional ® programs must complete a minimum of 3 days of studio training or enroll in the (basic) home study program. Upon completion of either course, the student must pass a final exam and complete a final project for review in order to be certified. Once a student has completed the necessary requirements, they may use the designation CDP or Certified Decorating Professional ® when marketing their services.
Approved Schools & Programs
CERTIFIED DECORATING PROFESSIONAL ® COURSE OUTLINE



Certified Decorating Professional ®


Chapters / Module I

1. Definining Interior Decorating
  • Creating a Niche
  • Exploring Service Options

2. Design Principles
  • Form Follows Function

3. The Art of Arrangment
  • Floor Planning
  • Furniture Placement
  • Focal Points



Chapters / Module III

7. Pattern and Texture
  • Textiles and Fabrics
  • Finishing Touches

8. Color Theory and Practice
  • Color Basics
  • The Color Wheel
  • Color Psychology
  • Color Schemes
  • Correcting Color
  • Color Consulting

9. Lighting
  • Fixtures
  • Planning




Chapters / Module V

13. Working With Clients
  • Communication
  • Service Options
  • Pricing

14. Working With the Trade

15. Resource and Style Guide
  • Measurements and Guidelines
  • To The Trade Resources








Chapters / Module II

4. Blending Styles
  • History of Architectural Styles
  • Working With Existing Styles
  • Furniture Glossary

5. Surface Finishes
  • Flooring, Fixtures, Materials

6. Windows and Walls
  • Window Treatments
  • Wall Coverings



Chapters / Module IV

10. The Art of Accessorizing
  • Art Installation and Groupings
  • Bookshelves and Tablescapes
  • Placement Techniques
  • Organic Materials

11. Decorating Room by Room
  • The Basics and Details
  • Creative Solutions

12. The Decorating Plan
  • Working With Clients
  • Consulting
  • Presentation
  • Forms




Business by Design and Redesign and Staging supplements are available.
IN THE STUDIO

The Certified Decorating Professional ® program(s) will equip you with the right tools and techniques to offer your clients affordable and creative solutions. You will work with a variety of materials including paints, fabric and accessories. From tabletop to bookcase, you will be able to create an array of looks while learning the design principles behind proper placement. Once you return home, you will also receive access to the virtual classroom (online study materials) filled with additional information and photographs that work side by side with your other study materials.

WHAT MAKES OUR HOME STUDY PROGRAMS DIFFERENT?

The CDP program(s) provides many hands-on projects for the student to complete which are thoroughly reviewed and critiqued by the instructor.

We go above and beyond other home study programs by offering unlimited access to the instructor. You will not receive taped or recorded instruction. You will receive written and live telephone instruction, review and project critiques that will allow you to interact on a more personal level. The virtual classroom allows you to review information both with your instructor and on your own time.

MATERIALS TO HAVE ON HAND (For Home Study)

You will need access to a computer Camera for taking pictures (preferably digital). Miscellaneous materials, including a ruler, double-sided tape or glue stick, scissors and 25’ measuring tape Magazine and catalog pictures. Fabric samples (To include in project assignments. Minimum yardage: less than 1/8 yard per sample required). And color card samples (Readily available at your local home improvement store).

PROJECT ASSIGNMENTS FOR REVIEW/CRITIQUE
  • Space Planning Exercises
  • Additional Mock Client Design Plan
  • An Interior Redesign of Two Rooms
  • Accessory Placement Exercises
  • Color and Fabric Boards
  • Module Review Questionnaires
  • Final Design Plan and Exam

The Fine Print: The course fee covers all materials, time spent reviewing materials, and correspondence with the instructor. Students will be responsible for mailing all project assignments. The manual is emailed in pdf format for you to print and/or view on your computer screen. Additional forms/assignments may be sent to the student in Word format for easy delivery.





Certified Decorating Professional ® is a registered trademark filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Academy of Design and Decorating
Peterborough, NH

School of Interior Redesign
Milford, CT

Home Study Programs:

Newbury Design School
Certified Decorating Professional ®

Home Study Materials:
  • A 300+ page manual (in pdf format)
  • A magnetic room kit
  • A color wheel, paint deck, and paints
  • 2 space planning kits
  • Final exam and certificate

Studio programs and materials vary. Please contact the school or instructor for more details.