Training
Qualifications in Floristry
Floristry is much more than just flower arranging. With its mix of design, science and business skills, it offers the opportunity for a creative and dynamic career. You could end up running your own floristry business, working for a flower wholesaler or freeelancing for a major wedding and events company. If you have a love of flowers and a passion for artistic design then a career in floristry could be for you.
Qualifications Explained
This section details the key accredited floristry qualifications currently available in the UK & Ireland. An accredited training course is one that has been officially approved and is quality-assured by a recognised awarding body. This approval ensures the course meets industry-set standards and provides a recognised qualification that can be valuable for career progression, professional registration, or further education. Access to these training courses and qualifications will vary by geographical location, so head to our Training Providers section to find a college near you.
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Awards, Certificates and Diplomas
Awards, certificates and diplomas tend to be job-related (there are some exceptions to this) and are designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills for employment. Teaching is mainly classroom-based, although many courses include a work placement. Studying towards one of these qualifications can help to enhance an individual’s career prospects. On completion, many people move straight into work or choose to study at a higher level at college or university.
Awards can be studied at any level. They are more concise than certificates and diplomas of the same level. On completion of an Award, learners may have the option to continue studying towards a certificate or a diploma.
Certificates involve more in-depth study of a topic than awards of the same level. They provide a broad base of knowledge and skills. They can also be studied at any level. On completion of a certificate learners may have the option to continue studying towards a diploma.
Diplomas are the most comprehensive of the three. They offer an extensive programme of study, allowing learners to learn more about a subject than awards and certificates of the same level. They can also be studied at any level. All three may be taken as stand-alone courses, alongside other (academic or vocational) qualifications, or as part of a wider programme such as an apprenticeship.
A Technical Certificate is a Level 2 qualification that prepares learners for a job in a specific industry. Technical certificates also support progression to higher Technical Levels.
Awards, certificates and diplomas are offered by a range of different awarding bodies. The awarding body is the organisation that has designed the qualification. One example is a BTEC, which stands for Business and Technology Education Council, one of the most prominent qualification brands in England. Another is C&G, which stands for City & Guilds.
Current Floristry Qualifications in the UK
Pearson Edexcel Qualifications
Pearson Edexcel offer just one BTEC qualification that provides vocational, practical training for learners in the UK:
Pearson BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Floristry
This qualification is for learners looking to begin a career in the floristry industry. Its focus is to develop a range of practical, work-related skills, including creating and preparing floral arrangements for events, maintaining plants and flowers in a retail setting and enhancing broader literacy and numeracy skills. Students who have achieved the BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Floristry can go on to employment, an apprenticeship or higher-level study such as City & Guilds Level 3 qualifications.
Pearson Edexcel previously offered BTEC Level 3 qualifications in Floristry, but these older qualifications are being phased out or have had their funding removed for new students in England as of July/August 2025. Due to the post-16 qualification reforms in England, new BTEC qualifications are being introduced as Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) or Technical Qualifications. The specialist floristry qualifications are now primarily offered by City & Guilds.
City & Guilds
There are three basic classifications for City & Guilds qualifications: Awards, Certificates and Diplomas. Each qualification is made up of a number of units, for which credits are awarded. City & Guilds qualifications are currently the most widely recognised by floristry industry professionals and all have exams. These qualifications are known for their high floristry skill level combined with academic and business knowledge.
Colleges and other training providers must go through an approval process before they can offer City & Guilds accredited training. City & Guilds courses and content are developed in conjunction with industry representatives and/or employers to ensure they remain relevant in the workplace. Although courses are classified as full time, college attendance/study is typically 2-3 days per week. Alongside the study element, work experience is a compulsory part of most courses, with a minimum number of hours per week specified
City & Guilds Qualifications:
Level 2 Award in Floristry (QCF)
The Award in Floristry can help you to gain and develop the skills you need to work as a florist. You'll learn things like plant care, flower arranging and how to create floral decorations for celebrations. For anyone interested in working as a florist, from complete beginners to those already working as a supervisor or shop manager. You don't need any previous experience of working in the floristry industry to start taking the Level 2 Award in Floristry. You may have some knowledge and basic skills in the floristry industry - probably from a role where you work under supervision. You want to increase your floristry skills and take on more responsibility.
Level 2 Certificate in Floristry (QCF)
The Certificate in Floristry can help you to gain and develop the skills you need to work as a florist. You'll learn things like plant care, flower arranging and how to create floral decorations for celebrations. For anyone interested in working as a florist, from complete beginners to those already working as a supervisor or shop manager. You may have some knowledge and basic skills in the floristry industry - probably from a role where you work under supervision. You want to increase your floristry skills and take on more responsibility.
Level 2 Diploma in Floristry (QCF)
The Diploma in Floristry can help you to gain and develop the skills you need to work as a florist. You'll learn things like plant care, flower arranging and how to create floral decorations for celebrations. For anyone interested in working as a florist, from complete beginners to those already working as a supervisor or shop manager. You may have some knowledge and basic skills in the floristry industry - probably from a role where you work under supervision. You want to increase your floristry skills and take on more responsibility.
Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry
Aimed at learners that are looking to start a career in the floristry industry. Learners could progress into employment, onto an Apprenticeship, or further their studies by taking other qualifications at Level 3.
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Floristry
You have some knowledge and basic skills as a florist. You want to develop your skills, perhaps to move from a junior position to a senior one. You might want a qualification to prepare you for further training. Demonstrate your skills as a florist and get a qualification while doing your job with these Diplomas. You'll show you have the skills to do your job effectively, from designing floral displays to dealing with customers. You can take these qualifications as part of an apprenticeship or advanced apprenticeship in Floristry.
Level 3 Award in Floristry (QCF)
You've worked in floristry for some time - you have plenty of experience. You want to develop your skills further, perhaps to move into a management role. After taking these qualifications, you could go on to take a Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry or a Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry. Alternatively, you could go on to take the Level 4 NVQ in Floristry Business Management. These further qualifications could give you the skills and knowledge you need to run your own flower shop.
Level 3 Certificate in Floristry (QCF)
You've worked in floristry for some time - you have plenty of experience. You want to develop your skills further, perhaps to move into a management role. After taking these qualifications, you could go on to take a Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry or a Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry. Alternatively, you could go on to take the Level 4 NVQ in Floristry Business Management. These further qualifications could give you the skills and knowledge you need to run your own flower shop.
Level 3 Diploma in Floristry (QCF)
You've worked in floristry for some time - you have plenty of experience. You want to develop your skills further, perhaps to move into a management role. After taking these qualifications, you could go on to take a Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry or a Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry. Alternatively, you could go on to take the Level 4 NVQ in Floristry Business Management. These further qualifications could give you the skills and knowledge you need to run your own flower shop.
Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry
The Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry is for learners who are interested in developing the specific technical and professional knowledge and skills that will lead to meaningful employment in the floristry industry. Learners will explore a wide range of industry areas. Learners may progress into employment or within their current role or onto further learning including university or an Apprenticeship.
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Floristry
You've worked in floristry for some time - you have plenty of experience. You want to show that you have the skills you need to do your job well, perhaps as part of your professional development or to prepare for higher-level training. Demonstrate your skills as a florist and get a qualification while doing your job with these Diplomas. You'll show you have the skills to do your job effectively, from designing floral displays to dealing with customers. You can take these qualifications as part of an apprenticeship or advanced apprenticeship in Floristry.