Floristry education can take several routes: regulated college qualifications, apprenticeships, higher education and shorter skills or continuing professional development (CPD) courses. The right route depends on whether you are starting out, already working in floristry, returning to the industry or developing towards a more senior level.
Qualification titles, funding and availability can change, so always check the current awarding body, qualification number, level, assessment method and registration status before enrolling. If you want to use a qualification towards Institute of Professional Florists (IPF) membership, check that it meets the grade you are aiming for before committing to a course.
Before choosing a floristry course
- Check whether it leads to a regulated qualification and which awarding body issues it.
- Ask for the exact qualification title and qualification number, not just a course name such as “Level 2” or “Level 3”.
- Look at how much practical floristry, flower and plant care, design theory, customer service and business knowledge are included.
- Check how the course is assessed and whether work experience or workplace learning forms part of it.
- If professional recognition matters to you, check the current IPF membership criteria before you enrol.
Current regulated floristry qualifications
City & Guilds currently lists the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry (0175-20) and the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry (0175-30). Level 2 is aimed at people starting a career in floristry, while Level 3 develops more advanced technical and professional knowledge, including design, plant and flower care, events and business skills.
City & Guilds also lists other floristry qualifications with different registration and certification dates. Some work-based qualifications are being withdrawn and close to new registrations on 31 December 2026, so do not rely on an old course list: check the live City & Guilds information and confirm availability with the provider.
Floristry apprenticeships
In England there are currently two approved apprenticeship standards: Florist Level 2 (ST0538) and Senior Florist Level 3 (ST1335). Apprenticeships combine employment with structured training and assessment, and the availability of training providers and vacancies varies by area.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own apprenticeship and funding arrangements, so check the relevant national service or training provider for the current route where you live or work.
Higher-level and higher education routes
Higher-level professional floristry study can include routes titled Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry and Level 5 Diploma in Professional Floristry, as well as foundation-level and degree study in professional floristry and floral design. Availability is currently changing: some familiar Level 4 and Level 5 routes are being rewritten or redeveloped and may not be open for new registrations at all times. Always confirm the current awarding or accreditation arrangements, registration status and intended start date with the provider before enrolling.
If you already hold a higher-level qualification, or are considering one specifically to progress your IPF grade, check the current IPF criteria and the awarding body or course provider before making a decision.
Short courses, workshops and online learning
Short courses, private training, workshops and online learning can be excellent ways to build skills or add CPD. They are not automatically the same as a regulated qualification, even if the course description uses terms such as “Level 2” or “Level 3”.
If a recognised qualification is important for employment, progression or IPF membership, ask for the awarding body and qualification number and check that the course is assessed against the full qualification requirements.
Already have an older floristry qualification?
Older City & Guilds, BTEC, NVQ and other floristry qualifications may still be relevant for IPF membership even when they are no longer taught. Do not assume that an older qualification has stopped being valid simply because a newer route has replaced it. The BFA membership team can help you understand which IPF grade your existing qualification may support.
Continuing professional development
Professional development continues after qualifying. IPF members maintain a CPD record, and relevant learning, events and industry activity can contribute where they meet the current CPD guidance. Always use the latest IPF CPD guide when recording your points.
