With the popularity of decorating shows on cable TV, the decorating field has seen an upsurge in popularity. The draw is understandable. Interior decorating blends several skills that appeal to artistic types---working with paint in a creative way and putting together a room using the latest decorating techniques. To qualify for this job, people sometimes take on formal study programs rather than learning on the job. The advantages of these programs is that they speed up a participant's learning time and give the participant an opportunity to work with professionals already working in the field.
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Ask several painting or decorating businesses for informational interviews. While you're there, ask about the requirements for the market in which you plan to work. Find out what kind of painting and decorating techniques you need to know. Different businesses will expect you to have different skills depending on what their specialties are. Determine the type of business that you think would be your best fit, and work to acquire the skills necessary to do the job.
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Investigate possible programs locally and online. While all programs offer similar curricula, differences between them do exist. Call the schools you are interested in. This will help answer all of your questions. It may be helpful to take notes while you're looking at the potential programs online and talking to the schools' representatives.
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Decide if you'd prefer an online program or one offered by a local university. The advantage of online certificates is that they cost less compared to a university program, and they allow you to pay in monthly installments. On the flip side, a university may offer financial aid for its program, which allows you to pay for the program up front and often have enough money for living expenses.
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Locate your school records. Some programs require you to have a high school diploma, and university programs usually mandate that you submit records from all of the schools---high school and college---that you attended. Additionally, these records need to be delivered to the school in envelopes sealed by the institution you attended.
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Plan your study time, and set aside a place and time to study. Often, particularly if you're a non-traditional student and taking courses via correspondence, you'll have a number of outside obligations that will make it easy for you to put off your studies. If you have a set time and place to study, it not only keeps your mind in the right place, but it's also easier to communicate your school needs to your family.
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Register with the school you've chosen.
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Look over the syllabus and other course materials as you receive them. This not only helps you develop a supplies list, but it also helps you organize your study times. Be sure to write any important dates on your calendars. You should include dates that papers are due as well as test days and times.
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Buy your course materials. Store them in your study area.
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Check your progress toward graduation periodically. You do this by looking over the course list outline in the catalog or online to ensure that you fulfill all of the graduation requirements. If you are uncertain about anything in your program, you can speak to an adviser at the school. She will give you advice on the progression of your certificate program.
