IDFX Exam Questions and Answers | Exam-Dumps (Page: 3)

QUESTION: 17

A client has approved concept sketches for a three-dimensional wall treatment. The treatment will be constructed using multiple finishes in an intricate design.
Which document or drawing is MOST important to include in the construction documents and drawings to explain how interlocking finishes should be constructed?

Details in section
Finish specifications
Construction elevations
As-built (record) drawings

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

A three-dimensional wall treatment with interlocking finishes requires precise instructions for construction, especially to show how the finishes are layered, joined, or integrated in a complex design. Details in section (a cross-sectional drawing) are the most important because they provide a detailed view of the wall's construction, showing the relationship between different finishes, their thicknesses, and how they interlock in three dimensions. This level of detail is critical for contractors to execute the design accurately. Option B (finish specifications) provides material information but lacks the spatial detail needed for construction. Option C (construction elevations) shows the wall's appearance but not the internal construction details. Option D (as-built drawings) is created after construction, not during the design phase.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on construction documentation. Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "For complex wall treatments with multiple finishes, details in section are essential to show the construction and integration of materials in the construction documents."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum emphasizes the importance of detailed drawings, such as sections, to communicate intricate construction requirements to contractors.
Objectives:
Develop detailed construction drawings for complex designs (IDFX Objective: Design Communication).
Specify construction details for custom elements (IDFX Objective: Design Application).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Construction Documentation). Ching, F. D. K., Interior Design Illustrated (Section Drawings).

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QUESTION: 18

If a client requires a full-scale representation of a proposed workstation, what would be requested?

Mock-up
Shop drawing
Finish sample
Specifications

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

A full-scale representation of a proposed workstation allows the client to experience the design in real life, including its size, functionality, and appearance. A mock-up is a full-scale, physical model of the workstation, often built to test the design before final production. This is the best option for a client to evaluate the workstation in a tangible way. Option B (shop drawing) is a detailed technical drawing for fabrication, not a physical model. Option C (finish sample) is a small material sample, not a full-scale representation. Option D (specifications) is a written document, not a physical model.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on design communication and prototyping. Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "A mock-up is a full-scale physical model requested when a client needs to evaluate a proposed design, such as a workstation, in real space."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum highlights mock-ups as a tool for client review and design validation, especially for custom or complex elements like workstations.
Objectives:
Use mock-ups to communicate and validate design solutions (IDFX Objective: Design Communication).
Facilitate client review through physical representations (IDFX Objective: Design Process).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Design Communication). Ballast, D. K., Interior Design Reference Manual (Mock-ups).

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QUESTION: 19

When designing a wall with moldings and reveals, what type of detail should be drawn to convey the depth and profile of the reveals?

Plan detail
Vertical section
Elevation detail
Horizontal section

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Reveals are recessed or projecting features in a wall, often used with moldings to create depth and shadow lines. To convey the depth and profile of reveals, a vertical section is the best type of detail because it shows a cross-sectional view of the wall, illustrating the reveal's depth, shape, and relationship to the moldings in a vertical plane. This provides contractors with the necessary information to construct the wall accurately. Option A (plan detail) shows a top-down view, which doesn't convey depth. Option C (elevation detail) shows the wall's appearance but not the internal profile or depth. Option D (horizontal section) shows a horizontal cut, which is less relevant for vertical features like reveals.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on construction drawings. Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "A vertical section is used to convey the depth and profile of wall features such as reveals and moldings, providing a clear view of their construction."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum emphasizes the use of vertical sections to detail wall features, ensuring accurate construction of design elements like reveals.
Objectives:
Develop detailed drawings to communicate wall features (IDFX Objective: Design Communication). Specify construction details for custom wall treatments (IDFX Objective: Design Application).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Construction Documentation). Ching, F. D. K., Interior Design Illustrated (Section Drawings).

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QUESTION: 20

A designer is specifying an acoustical ceiling cloud centered over a conference room table. The ceiling cloud will be 12" [305 mm] lower than the rest of the ceiling.
Where is the BEST location to note the height differences?

Finish plan
Architectural plan
Interior elevations
Reflected ceiling plan

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

An acoustical ceiling cloud is a suspended ceiling element designed to improve acoustics, and its height difference from the main ceiling (12" lower) is a critical detail for construction. The reflected ceiling plan (RCP) is the best location to note this height difference because it is a drawing specifically designed to show ceiling elements, such as lighting, HVAC, and ceiling clouds, from a top-down view as if reflected onto the floor plan. The RCP can include notes or symbols indicating the ceiling cloud's location and its height relative to the main ceiling, ensuring clear communication to contractors. Option A (finish plan) shows material finishes, not height details. Option B (architectural plan) typically refers to floor plans, which don't focus on ceiling details. Option C (interior elevations) can show the cloud's height in a side view but is not the primary location for ceiling layout and height notations.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on construction documentation. Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "Height differences for ceiling elements, such as acoustical clouds, should be noted on the reflected ceiling plan, which is the primary drawing for ceiling design and layout."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum emphasizes the use of reflected ceiling plans to document ceiling features, including height differences, to ensure accurate construction.
Objectives:
Develop reflected ceiling plans for ceiling design (IDFX Objective: Design Communication). Specify ceiling elements and their heights in construction documents (IDFX Objective: Design Application).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Construction Documentation). Ballast, D. K., Interior Design Reference Manual (Reflected Ceiling Plans).

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QUESTION: 21

A ceiling with a high NRC rating of 0.95 will sound.

Reflect
Distort
Absorb
Reverberate

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a measure of a material's ability to absorb sound, with values ranging from 0 to 1. A high NRC rating of 0.95 indicates that the ceiling absorbs 95% of the sound that strikes it, significantly reducing echo and reverberation in the space. Therefore, the ceiling will "absorb" sound. Option A (reflect) would occur with a low NRC rating, where sound bounces back into the room. Option B (distort) refers to altering sound quality, which is not directly related to NRC. Option D (reverberate) means sound continues to bounce, which happens with low sound absorption, not with a high NRC.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on acoustics and material properties. Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "A ceiling with a high NRC rating, such as 0.95, will absorb sound, reducing reverberation and improving acoustic quality in the space."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum covers acoustics as part of building systems, emphasizing the role of materials with high NRC ratings in sound absorption to create comfortable environments.

Objectives:
Understand acoustic properties of materials (IDFX Objective: Building Systems and Technology). Apply acoustic principles to interior spaces (IDFX Objective: Design Application).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Acoustics).
IESNA Lighting Handbook (Acoustical Design Principles).

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QUESTION: 22

In the northern hemisphere, which window orientation would maximize passive solar energy without the use of fans, pumps, or complex controllers?

East
West
North
South

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Passive solar energy relies on the design of a building to capture, store, and distribute solar heat without mechanical systems. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the east, sets in the west, and is at its highest and most direct angle in the south during the day, especially in winter when heating is most needed. South-facing windows maximize passive solar energy because they receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, allowing for optimal heat gain. East-facing windows (Option A) get morning sun but miss afternoon heat. West-facing windows (Option B) get afternoon sun but can overheat in summer. North-facing windows (Option C) receive the least direct sunlight and are not effective for passive solar gain.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on sustainable design and passive solar strategies.
Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "In the northern hemisphere, south-facing windows maximize passive solar energy by capturing the most direct sunlight for heating without mechanical systems."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum includes passive solar design as a sustainable strategy, highlighting south-facing orientations for optimal solar gain in the northern hemisphere.
Objectives:
Apply passive solar design principles (IDFX Objective: Human Behavior and the Designed Environment).
Understand the impact of building orientation on energy efficiency (IDFX Objective: Building Systems and Technology).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Sustainable Design). Brown, G. Z., & DeKay, M., Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies (Passive Solar Design).

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QUESTION: 23

What information is typically shown on a room finish schedule?

Wall base
Door finish
Tile adhesive
Window treatment

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

A room finish schedule is a chart used in construction documents to list the finishes for each room, typically including materials for floors, walls, ceilings, and wall bases. The wall base (e.g., baseboard material) is a standard component included in a room finish schedule because it is part of the room's finish materials. Option B (door finish) is typically specified in a door schedule, not a room finish schedule. Option C (tile adhesive) is a construction detail, not a finish, and is included in specifications, not the finish schedule. Option D (window treatment) may be noted in a separate schedule or specification, as it is considered a furnishing rather than a room finish.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on construction documentation. Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "A room finish schedule typically includes finishes for floors, walls, ceilings, and wall bases for each room in the project."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum emphasizes the role of room finish schedules in documenting finish materials, with wall bases being a standard inclusion.
Objectives:
Develop room finish schedules for construction documents (IDFX Objective: Design Communication). Specify finish materials for interior spaces (IDFX Objective: Design Application).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Construction Documentation). Ballast, D. K., Interior Design Reference Manual (Room Finish Schedules).

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QUESTION: 24

A parti diagram

Shows details about specific areas
Illustrates the functional use of a space
Serves the same purpose as a bubble diagram
Captures a basic idea to communicate a concept

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

A parti diagram is a simple, abstract sketch used early in the design process to capture the core concept or organizing idea of a project. It communicates the fundamental design concept (e.g., a central axis, a grid, or a focal point) in a simplified form, often without specific details. Option A (shows details about specific areas) is incorrect, as parti diagrams are not detailed. Option B (illustrates the functional use of a space) is more aligned with a space plan or bubble diagram. Option C (serves the same purpose as a bubble diagram) is incorrect because a bubble diagram shows spatial relationships and adjacencies, while a parti diagram focuses on the overarching design concept.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on conceptual design tools. Exact Extract: The NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual states, "A parti diagram captures the basic idea or concept of a design, serving as a simplified representation to communicate the overarching design intent."

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum introduces parti diagrams as a tool for conceptual design, used to distill and communicate the essence of a project's design idea.
Objectives:
Use conceptual diagrams to communicate design intent (IDFX Objective: Design Communication). Understand the role of parti diagrams in the design process (IDFX Objective: Design Process).

Reference:

NCIDQ IDFX Reference Manual (Section on Design Process). Ching, F. D. K., Architecture: Form, Space, and Order (Parti Diagrams).

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CIDQ IDFX Exam (page: 3) CIDQ Interior Design Fundamentals Updated on: 12-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 17

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QUESTION: 19

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QUESTION: 21

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QUESTION: 22

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QUESTION: 23

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QUESTION: 24

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CIDQ IDFX Exam (page: 3)
CIDQ Interior Design Fundamentals
Updated on: 12-Feb-2026