When looking for the right kind of course that suits your needs, whether its for a new career or updating your skills, it can be a bit of a minefield knowing which is the right one for you. Here we give an outline of Floristry qualifications but please be aware that these titles and sometimes their criteria can change very quickly, so always check with the College or Training provider before embarking on new venture.
You’ll be learning hands on……..
City and Guilds NPTC
The City and Guilds qualifications were formed from over a period of some years. These are currently the most widely recognised by industry professionals when applying for work.
In 2018 changes took place to the L2 and L3 qualifications into the new ‘Technicals’ which fall in line with the style of L4 and L5. They all have exams.
These qualifications are known for their high floristry skill level combined with academic and business knowledge.
- City and Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry
- City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry
- City and Guilds Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry (ICSF) (HDF)
- City and Guilds Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry (NDSF) (MDPF)
Note:
ICSF stands for Intermediate Certificate Society of Floristry and the letters still appear on the City and Guilds paperwork. Once the qualification is gained HDF are the letters you can use after your name for this qualification.
NDSF stands for National Diploma Society of Floristry and the letters and the letters still appear on the City and Guilds paperwork. Once the qualification is gained MDPF are the letters you can use after your name for this qualification.
The older style L2 and L3 are still accepted for Institute of Professional Florists membership (although they are no longer taught) they are:
- City and Guilds L2 National certificate in Floristry
- City and Guilds L2 National Diploma in Floristry
- City and Guilds L3 Advanced National certificate in Floristry
ICSF and NDSF certificates are accepted for IoPF membership but it is encouraged that CPD be sought as the modern qualifications contain updated ideals, techniques and design schema which was not covered in the older style qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Nationals
These qualifications have been created for students who have finished GCSE and wish to pursue a vocational qualification. They are equivalent to National GCE A levels
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Floristry (1 GCE A level)
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Floristry (2 GCE A levels)
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Floristry (3 GCE A levels)
Note:
The older style are still accepted for Institute of Professional Florists membership (although they are no longer taught) they are:
- Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Award
- Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate
- Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Diploma
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in England have now been rewritten and are called Trailblazer apprenticeships in accordance with government specifications. They are proving a popular way to learn with great standards being achieved. Time is spent at work ‘on the job training’ as well as at a college or with a training provider. To Learn more CLICK HERE
- Level 2 Apprenticeship in Floristry
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in Floristry (Under development currently)
The older style work based apprenticeships, whilst no longer available within England, are available for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Floristry
- Level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Floristry
Training Schools
Some Training Schools offer the City and Guilds qualifications in individual units known as modules. This can be advantageous if you can not undertake an entire course at once.
Degrees
These are a fairly new addition in floristry education. Entry to these courses can be gained with the same criteria as other degree courses. No previous floristry experience is necessary. The courses have a focus on academic value.
- Foundation Certificate in Professional Floristry and Floral Design
- BA (Hons) Professional Floristry and Floral Design
Please note:
There are qualifications within colleges which are classed as ‘Leisure’ courses or which can be used as CPD (Continued Professional Development) for the Institute of Professional Florists. These will not be accepted as accredited courses for our Institute of Professional Florists membership as they do not provide the necessary coverage of all the skill sets.
They may be labeled in levels such as L2 or L3 but do not convert to the same levels as the above qualifications. They are perfect for initially finding out if you enjoy floristry but should not be confused with the industry accredited courses should you wish to use them to gain employment or set up your own business.
Such courses include but are not limited to:
City and Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 certificate in Design and Craft (Floral Display units)
Open College Network (OCN) Level 1, 2 and 3
Online Courses: Many skills can be gained virtually however the courses offered online which are not linked to a professionally recognised course, as indicated in the above sections, are not monitored for quality of floral design work and will not give you a good grounding.
Floristry schools courses (Day, Week or Intensive)
Day workshops
A course which awards a certificate of attendance
If you are unsure, for further information or assistance please contact us on info@britishfloristassociation.org
*Please note other qualifications are available but are not widely recognised within the floristry community. Be also aware of courses which do not offer qualifications but are attendance based or web based. These courses can be classed as CPD (Continuous professional development) but you will not be able to use them as a qualification to join the IoPF for instance.
Other florist related experiences.
BFA FleurEx
BFA FleurEx is the UK trade show for professional floristry, featuring demonstrations and masterclasses run by world-class floral designers (which contribute to CPD). You’ll also find inspiration, engaging trade exhibitor stands and the opportunity to compete in floristry competitions. Something for florists of all levels can be found at this event.
BFA Vision
BFA Vision is the annual spring floristry business conference. Featuring an engaging programme of inspirational speakers and business motivated workshops (which contribute to CPD) on essential commercial topics to re-energise your business mind.
European Floristry School
A bi-annual event where you can unleash your hidden floristry potential - the European Floristry School delivers workshops by the finest designers in the world. Introducing new concepts and sharing a range of designs including bridal work, you will walk away with newly developed skills in creating fabulous floral art. Usually suitable for florists with a Level 3 qualification or higher as this is an advanced workshop experience
