Top 10 Floral Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a floral assistant in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties associated with the position. Certifications can also help demonstrate that an employee is dedicated to their profession, as they have taken the time and effort to complete courses and obtain certifications. This can make them stand out from other applicants who may not have any formal training or certifications in floral design. Additionally, having certifications can give employers more confidence in hiring an individual since they know that the applicant is well-versed in floral design and will be able to fulfill their job requirements.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Floral Assistants and explains how they can help to boost a floral assistant's career.

What are Floral Assistant Certifications?

Floral assistant certification is a professional development program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the floral industry. This certification program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of floral design processes, customer service, safety protocols, and other important aspects of working in the floral industry. It also helps prepare them for successful employment in the field by teaching them how to identify common problems, troubleshoot issues, and take advantage of new technologies. The certification can help individuals develop their existing skills while learning new techniques and strategies that can be used to improve their work performance. Additionally, those who complete this certification will have a competitive edge when applying for jobs as they will have a better understanding of what employers are looking for.

Pro Tip: When considering a floral assistant certification, make sure to research the program's accreditation. Accredited programs will provide you with the best education and training available in the field, as well as offer more job opportunities after completion.

Related: What does a Floral Assistant do?

Top 10 Floral Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Floral Assistants today.

1. Certified Floral Design Technician (CFDT)

Certified Floral Design Technician (CFDT) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). The program is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of floral design.

The CFDT certification process consists of four parts: an online application, a written exam, an in-person practical exam, and a portfolio review. The entire process takes approximately 6 months to complete.

To apply for the CFDT certification, you must be at least 18 years old and have either completed or be enrolled in an AIFD-accredited floral design program. You must also submit a copy of your resume and two letters of recommendation from industry professionals.

The cost to apply for the CFDT certification is $350 USD. This fee includes the cost of the written exam, practical exam, and portfolio review. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake any part of the certification process.

2. Certified Floral Event Designer (CFED)

Certified Floral Event Designer (CFED) is a certification program offered by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). It is designed to recognize professional floral designers who have achieved excellence in their field. The certification process includes an online application, portfolio review, and a written exam.

The CFED certification process typically takes about 6-9 months to complete. To get started, applicants must first submit an online application and provide evidence of their experience in the floral design industry. Once approved, applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio of their work for review by AIFD's Certification Committee. If approved, the applicant will then be invited to take the CFED written exam which covers topics such as floral design principles, color theory, and business practices.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the type of membership you choose with AIFD. For example, non-members pay $450 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee while members pay $150 for the application fee plus $150 for the exam fee. In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs associated with preparing your portfolio or attending workshops related to floral design.

3. Certified Professional Floral Designer (CPFD)

Certified Professional Floral Designer (CPFD) is a professional certification for individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in floral design. The certification is offered by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates to employers and clients that the individual has achieved a certain level of knowledge and skill in the field of floral design.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as flower selection, care and handling, design principles, mechanics and techniques, business practices, safety procedures, and customer service. The exam consists of both written and practical components.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CPFD exam depending on the individual’s experience level. Preparation involves studying AIFD’s educational materials as well as attending workshops or classes related to floral design.

In order to apply for the CPFD exam, applicants must be members of AIFD and submit an application form along with payment for the exam fee. The current fee for taking the CPFD exam is $450 USD.

4. American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Certification

The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is a professional organization that provides certification to floral designers who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field. The AIFD Certification is recognized as the highest level of achievement for floral designers.

In order to be eligible for AIFD Certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, including completion of an approved training program or at least five years of professional experience in the field. The applicant must also pass a written examination and complete a portfolio review process.

The AIFD Certification process typically takes about two years to complete. To get started, applicants must first submit an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of experience. Once accepted, applicants will need to complete an approved training program or demonstrate their experience through a portfolio review process. After completing these steps, applicants can then take the written exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as design principles and techniques, plant identification, and business management.

The cost for the AIFD Certification varies depending on the type of program chosen by the applicant. For example, if an applicant chooses to take an online course, they may pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 depending on the length and intensity of the program. If an applicant chooses to take a traditional classroom course instead, they may pay anywhere from $1,500-$5,000 depending on the institution offering it.

Overall, obtaining AIFD Certification requires dedication and hard work but it can open up many opportunities for those seeking to advance their career in floral design.

5. Certified Floral Industry Professional (CFIP)

Certified Floral Industry Professional (CFIP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of American Florists (SAF). It is designed to recognize and reward floral professionals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and commitment to the floral industry. The CFIP certification is open to all individuals involved in the floral industry, including growers, wholesalers, retailers, designers, educators, and other related professionals.

The CFIP certification program consists of three levels: Core Certification (Level 1), Advanced Certification (Level 2), and Master Certification (Level 3). Each level requires the successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as design principles and techniques; flower care and handling; business management; marketing; customer service; and more.

It typically takes about 6-12 months for individuals to complete all three levels of the CFIP certification program. The time frame may vary depending on an individual’s experience level with the floral industry.

To get certified as a CFIP, individuals must first register with SAF and pay a one-time registration fee of $150. This fee covers the cost of materials needed for study preparation as well as access to online resources such as practice tests. After registering, individuals can then begin studying for each level's exam. Upon successful completion of all three exams, individuals will receive their official CFIP certificate from SAF.

The total cost for obtaining the CFIP certification varies depending on how long it takes an individual to complete all three levels of the program. In general, it costs around $500-$600 in total fees for completing all three levels of the program.

6. Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP)

Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful wedding and event planners. This certification program is offered by the Association of Bridal Consultants, which is an international organization dedicated to providing education, resources, and networking opportunities for wedding professionals.

The CWEP program consists of six courses: Introduction to Wedding Planning, Event Design & Decorating, Business & Contract Basics, Marketing & Sales Strategies, Budgeting & Negotiations, and Professionalism & Ethics. The coursework covers topics such as event planning basics, vendor relations, budgeting strategies, marketing tactics, and more.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CWEP program depending on how quickly you are able to work through the course material. There are no prerequisites or educational requirements necessary in order to enroll in this program.

The cost of the CWEP program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online or in-person classes. The online version costs $795 USD while the in-person classes cost $995 USD. Both options include all six courses as well as access to additional resources such as webinars and a support network of other certified wedding planners.

Once you have completed all six courses and passed the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will be awarded your Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) designation from the Association of Bridal Consultants. This certification will demonstrate your knowledge of wedding planning principles and best practices and help you stand out among other wedding professionals in your area.

7. Certified Floral Consultant (CFC)

A Certified Floral Consultant (CFC) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the floral industry. The CFC credential is awarded by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). This certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in areas such as design, business, marketing, and customer service.

It typically takes between one to two years to become a Certified Floral Consultant. The process begins with completing a minimum of six courses through AIFD's online learning platform. These courses cover topics such as floral design principles, business practices, marketing strategies, and customer service. After completing the courses, applicants must then pass an exam to demonstrate their mastery of the material.

The cost for becoming a Certified Floral Consultant varies depending on how many courses are taken and how quickly they are completed. Most applicants spend between $500-$1000 for course materials and exams.

To become a Certified Floral Consultant, you must first complete the required courses through AIFD's online learning platform. Once you have successfully completed all six courses and passed the exam, you will be awarded your CFC credential from AIFD.

8. Certified Floristry Instructor (CFI)

Certified Floristry Instructor (CFI) is a professional designation awarded to individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge, skill and expertise in the field of floral design. The CFI certification is administered by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).

To become a Certified Floristry Instructor, applicants must have at least five years of experience as a professional florist or floral designer. They must also pass an extensive written exam and complete a portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as flower identification, design principles, business practices and customer service. Additionally, applicants must submit examples of their work for review by AIFD judges.

The process of becoming a Certified Floristry Instructor typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants must pay an application fee and an examination fee in order to take the written exam and portfolio review. The application fee is $50 USD, while the examination fee is $250 USD.

9. International Association of Horticultural Professionals (IAHP) Certification

The International Association of Horticultural Professionals (IAHP) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of horticulture. This certification is designed to provide recognition for those who are committed to advancing their knowledge and skills in the horticulture profession.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the IAHP Certification process, depending on the individual’s current level of experience and education. To become certified, applicants must submit an application packet that includes proof of education, work experience, references, and a written exam. The written exam covers topics such as plant biology, soil science, pest management, landscape design, and business management.

The cost of IAHP Certification varies based on the individual’s current level of experience and education. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam.

Once an individual has successfully completed all requirements for certification, they will receive an official IAHP Certificate from the International Association of Horticultural Professionals. This certificate can be used as proof of professional credentials when applying for jobs or other opportunities in the horticulture industry.

10. National Flower Arrangers Guild (NFAF) Certification

The National Flower Arrangers Guild (NFAF) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of floral design and education. The NFAF offers certification to those who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of flower arranging.

In order to become certified, individuals must pass a rigorous four-level exam that covers topics such as design principles, composition techniques, plant care, and business practices. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field or have completed an approved course in floral design.

The certification process takes approximately six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must complete an application form, submit a portfolio of their work, and take the four-level exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their NFAF certificate and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in flower arranging.

The cost of obtaining NFAF certification varies depending on the level of examination taken and other factors such as travel expenses for taking the exams. Generally speaking, however, it typically costs between $500-$1000 USD for all four levels of certification.

Do You Really Need a Floral Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what type of career you are looking to pursue with a floral assistant certificate. If you are looking for a job as a professional florist, then the answer is yes, you will need to obtain a floral assistant certificate in order to be considered for the position. A floral assistant certificate is a certification that shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly assist in the design and creation of flower arrangements. In addition, some states require that those working as florists have such certifications in order to be employed legally.

For those who are looking for more entry-level positions within the floral industry, such as working at a retail flower shop or assisting in flower delivery, then obtaining a floral assistant certificate may not be necessary. However, having such certification can still help you stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about this field and gain additional skills. Additionally, even if it is not required by law or your employer, having this certification can give you an edge over others when it comes to advancement opportunities within the industry.

In conclusion, whether or not someone needs a floral assistant certificate depends on their particular career goals within the floral industry. Generally speaking though, obtaining such certification can give applicants an edge over others when it comes to job prospects and advancement opportunities.

Related: Floral Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Floral Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Floral Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Floral Assistant Certification is an educational program that teaches the fundamentals of floral design, care and maintenance. It provides hands-on training in arranging flowers, cutting and conditioning flowers, identifying common flower types and varieties, and more.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Floral Assistant?

Answer: The length of the certification program varies depending on the provider, but generally takes between 6-12 weeks to complete.

3. What are the prerequisites for becoming certified as a Floral Assistant?

Answer: Most providers require students to have basic knowledge and understanding of botany and horticulture, as well as experience working with fresh flowers or plants in some capacity.

4. Are there any additional certifications I can pursue after becoming a Floral Assistant?

Answer: Yes! There are many advanced certifications available such as Certified Florist Designer (CFD), Certified Professional Florist (CPF), Certified Master Flower Designer (CMFD), and more.

5. Where can I find more information about becoming a certified Floral Assistant?

Answer: You can find more information about becoming a certified Floral Assistant by visiting professional organization websites such as Society of American Florists (SAF) or American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Additionally, you can contact local colleges offering courses in floral design or contact local florists who may be able to provide guidance or advice on getting started with certification programs.