CID Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CID facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the term 'luminous efficacy' measure in lighting design? → Lumens produced per watt of electricity consumed
2. A neutral gray wall appears to take on a slight green tint when placed next to a red sofa. This effect is called what? → Simultaneous contrast
3. Cool colors like blue and green are often used in small rooms because they do what? → Recede and make the space feel larger
4. What is 'greenwashing' in the context of sustainable materials? → Misleading claims that exaggerate a product's environmental benefits
5. What is the purpose of a mood board in the decorating process? → To visualize colors, materials, and style before purchasing
6. Which document outlines the scope of services, fees, schedule, and responsibilities between an interior designer and client? → Letter of agreement / design contract
7. In ergonomic workstation design, optimal monitor placement for reducing eye and neck strain is: → At or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away
8. Which color scheme uses three colors that are equally spaced around the color wheel? → Triadic
9. Which wood joinery method is generally considered the strongest for load-bearing furniture construction? → Mortise and tenon joint
10. What is the minimum clear width of an accessible route per ADA? → 36 inches
11. Which principle ensures that all elements in a room appear to belong together as a unified whole? → Harmony (unity)
12. Which window treatment best maximizes daylight while preserving daytime privacy? → Sheer or light-filtering curtains
13. The visual 'weight' of an object in a composition is influenced by all of the following EXCEPT which? → The object's price
14. A space designed with variety but no unifying thread typically suffers from a lack of: → Harmony
15. What is the minimum clear width required for residential doorways under ADA guidelines? → 32 inches clear opening (36-inch door typically required)
16. What does the acronym FF&E stand for in interior design procurement? → Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
17. Which lamp type is most energy-efficient and has the longest rated lifespan among modern lighting options? → LED
18. A decorator wants to make a low-ceiling room feel taller. Which technique works best? → Hang curtains high near the ceiling and use vertical lines
19. Asymmetrical balance is achieved by doing what? → Balancing different objects of equal visual weight
20. What is the maximum height for an ADA-compliant light switch or operable control above the finished floor? → 48 inches
21. Which lighting layer provides overall illumination for a room? → Ambient lighting
22. In design, 'form' most accurately refers to what? → The three-dimensional shape of an object
23. Which phenomenon explains why a small paint chip chosen from a sample card often appears much more saturated once applied to a full room wall? → Area effect (large-area color amplification)
24. Which certification specifically targets water-efficient plumbing fixtures? → WaterSense
25. A designer must specify seating for a busy hotel lobby. Which upholstery consideration is most critical? → High durability and commercial-grade abrasion and cleanability
26. An independent trader's entire business revenue is considered personal income. → FALSE
27. With regard to sole traders, drawings are not an allowable expense. → TRUE
28. What does a building's occupancy classification primarily determine? → Applicable code requirements for fire safety and egress
29. What does 'texture' contribute to an interior scheme? → Tactile and visual depth that prevents a flat look
30. Which document establishes minimum energy efficiency requirements affecting interior lighting and envelope design? → IECC (International Energy Conservation Code)