DDA Standards for
Education Program
Recognition

Canadian Programs

1. A provincial government recognizes or accredits the program
2. The federal government accepts a tax receipt for tuition paid in the program
3. The program has: (a) a minimum 300 hours of in-class & field trip instruction (not including studio, practicum, project work); or (b) requires a minimum 6 months for completion of a program.
4. The program is offered online and/or through correspondence courses and meets the criterion of #3 (b). For this section it is understood that the program may not meet criteria #1 or #2.

International
Programs

1. The program has: (a) a minimum of 300 hours of in-class & field trip instruction (not including studio, practicum, project work); or (b) requires a minimum 6 months for completion of a program.
2. The program is offered online and/or through correspondence courses and meets the criterion of #1 (b).
3. A “Credential Evaluation” is submitted with the application from World Education Services (https://www.wes.org/ca/) indicating the program meets the criteria of DDA’s standard for recognition.

Other Institutions

1. Graduates of old programs no longer in existence based on comparison to comparable current programs. The applicant will submit the list of courses and number of instruction hours of the program for approval.
2. Graduates of interior design 3-year diploma or 4-year degree programs.
3. Graduates of specialty programs provided that the foundation of the pre-requisite program is met.