In this episode of Bevel we dive into a major shift in the regulation of our profession here in Ontario, the kind that could reshape how one qualifies as a Registered Interior Designer.

In 2023, ARIDO, the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario, initiated the Examination Alternative Project, or EAP. At its core, this project responds to an evolving regulatory landscape — one that demands a licensing process that is not only rigorous and accountable but also equitable, transparent, and reflective of Canadian practice.

Traditionally, the NCIDQ exam has served as the standard path to registration. But under Ontario’s Direct Regulation Model — a framework that places ARIDO directly accountable to both the Ontario Association of Architects and the Office of the Fairness Commissioner — ARIDO must ensure that any examination it requires is valid, reliable, and fair. That includes having the authority to develop or revise qualifications where needed, particularly to remove unnecessary barriers to entry.

Enter the EAP: a Canadian-developed alternative to the NCIDQ that maintains professional rigour while intentionally rethinking how competencies are assessed. It draws from previous Canadian frameworks like the Intern Competency Review System and introduces new evaluation methods, including an oral “Entrance Interview” that replaces traditional exam-style gatekeeping.

Equity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords here — the entire project is being audited by an external EDI consultant to minimize cultural, economic, and linguistic bias in both content and delivery. This aligns with the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act and reflects ARIDO’s obligation to create fair access to licensure for all qualified practitioners, not just those who fit the status quo.

While this Canadian option won’t replace the NCIDQ — which ARIDO still recommends for those working in U.S. jurisdictions — it will give candidates meaningful choice.

I sit down with Sharon Portelli, Executive Director at ARIDO to better understand how and why the EAP was developed, what it means for the profession, and why it represents a bold step forward for design regulation in Canada.