Interior design certification can actually be acquired online through numerous institutions that offer design consultation. If you have a passion and a little bit of experience under your belt, then it is worth applying for the test through a place like Design4life, they have tests available for a small fee.
You go to a college that offers a degree in interior design.
Interior design doesn't require a degree, but it doesn't hurt to have one either. Or at least a bit of training and experience. Design courses at your local community college are an excellent bet, and can offer you the connections to get the right certification for the job you want in the future.
However, you can call yourself a Design Consultant, Interior Decorator or just plain Designer without having any degree or certification. You just don't have the clout that comes with it. If you aren't an actual Interior Designer and you call yourself that, especially in print (ads, business cards, etc.) you can get sued and will never be allowed to become an interior designer.
Only 25 of the 50 states require licensing for Interior Designers as of 2007. Interior Designers work with other high level professionals such as architects and engineers and create plans and documents for colorful indoor schemes. The National Council for Interior Design (NCID) issues an exam that is part of the qualification for certification. The NCID is responsible for accrediting certification programs throughout the country. An organziation that works on improving the industry of Interior Design is the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
An online site that specializes in interior design software is www.homedesignersoftware.com/interior/. After you figure out how you want to design, then you can go to Home Depot to buy your supplies.
There are a number of schools that offer interior design courses. You could take just a course or two, or you go right ahead and get a degree. http://www.schoolofinteriordesign.org/interior-design-courses.html
Interior design is different than interior decoration. Programs in interior design are generally offered by colleges and universities that have architecture schools, though some art schools offer programs as well. This site lets you search interior design programs by city or state: http://www.interiordesignschools.org/
Artistic Interiors Certification is a designation that recognizes professionals in the interior design field who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and creativity in their work. This certification often involves meeting specific educational and experiential criteria, as well as passing an examination. It aims to enhance credibility and showcase a commitment to quality and innovation in interior design practices. Certified individuals may have access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
There are several good sites to go to when inquiring about interior design. I have found one called www.theinteriordesigninstitute.com. They offer classes on interior design. Home Depot does not do a course on interior design specifically, but they do have classes on paint and how to match certain color together. They also have classes on how to design with paint.
The National Counsel for Interior Design Qualification provides certification. You can look at their website (http://www.ncidq.org/) for details and study materials for the exam.
I don't believe that having a bachelor's degree in interior design with help you when it comes to being in law school, but I think that you can still go to law school.
If you want to be an interior designer, there are a few schools in Central California that offer beginner interior design classes. First go to local colleges to see what course offerings they have.