by Are you a high school student passionate about architecture, home design, or interior planning? The Chief Architect Apprentice Certifications are an excellent way to build in-demand design skills, earn respected credentials, and prepare for your future — all while meeting key standards of high-quality industry-based certifications.
In this article, we’ll cover the following:
1. What are the Chief Architect Apprentice Certifications
2. How are they aligned with industry-based certification standards
3. What are the apprentice certification options
4. How the exam process works
5. Why these certifications matter
What Are the Chief Architect Apprentice Certifications?
Chief Architect Apprentice Certifications are credentials developed by Chief Architect, a leader in professional residential design software. We currently offer two certification options:
- Certified Apprentice of Home Design
- Certified Apprentice of Interior Design
To earn either certification, you must pass a one-hour, proctored, multiple-choice exam that’s closed-book. The exam will assess your foundational skills in architectural drafting or interior space planning.
After passing the exam, you’ll receive an official certificate and a certification logo to showcase your skills and set yourself apart in college applications, job interviews, or portfolios.
Students love how quickly they can design using this software! It is quite powerful and visually stellar to some 3D programs!
Malia Meschko, Lake Pend Oreille School District
How are they aligned with industry-based certification standards?
Both certifications follow established guidelines for meaningful, industry-recognized credentials. They are:
✅ Occupationally relevant: Each exam assesses real-world skills used in architecture, drafting, and interior design industries.
✅ Developed by Chief Architect software: The exams are created and managed by Chief Architect software, and proctored by local instructors, ensuring consistent and professional evaluation of student knowledge.
✅ Accessible for high school students: No college degree or excessive work experience is required — these certifications are designed to be achievable for motivated high school learners.
✅ Industry-recognized: Skills demonstrated through these certifications apply to careers in home design, remodeling, space planning, and more — and are valuable across many regions and job markets.
✅ Capstone-aligned: Ideal for students completing advanced coursework in architecture, engineering, interior design, or CTE programs, these exams serve as strong culminating assessments that reflect occupational readiness.
Apprentice Certification Options
- Certified Apprentice: Home Design – Focuses on foundational drafting, space layout, and residential plan creation using Chief Architect tools.
- Certified Apprentice: Interior Design – Emphasizes interior space planning, finishes, furnishings, and presentation techniques in residential design.
Exam Details
- Format: Online, proctored, multiple-choice, closed-book
- Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: $45 each
- Instructor Access: Free exam offerings may be available for qualifying educators — email training@chiefarchitect.com for more information.
Why These Certifications Matter
Industry-based certifications like these show that you’ve taken the initiative to learn valuable software and design principles. Whether you’re preparing for an internship, technical program, or entry-level job, these credentials signal your commitment and technical ability to future employers or admissions boards.
By earning a Certified Apprentice: Home Design or Interior Design credential, you’re proving that you’re ready to think creatively, work professionally, and design with purpose.
