Figures (0)  Tables (3)
    • Country Organization Levels of certification Assessment methods Qualification focus
      U.K. City & Guilds Group Award, Certificate, Diploma, Higher Diploma, Master Diploma Credit hours, coursework, assessments Progressive skill development, vocational competencies
      Finland Finnish National Board of Education Vocational Qualification in Horticulture with Floristry Specialization Competence-based
      assessments
      Practical skill demonstration, vocational skills
      India Agriculture Skill Council National Occupational Qualification – Florist Performance criteria, technical knowledge, professional skills Basic skills, foundational competencies
      Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Floral Assistant to Floral
      Manager
      Training unit completion, accumulation of Statements
      of Attainment
      Literacy and numeracy competencies, practical skill application

      Table 1. 

      Key comparative elements of floristry occupational skills qualifications frameworks in the U.K., Finland, India, and Singapore.

    • Role Knowledge & skill level Tasks/work Autonomy of work Problem-solving abilities
      Junior Floral Designer Conduct simple tasks and assemble pre-determined designs. Basic knowledge of floral

      design and a limited range

      of basic floristry skills.

      Carry out routine and repetitive tasks requiring basic and limited knowledge, and skills of floral design, and the floral industry. Work under direct supervision in a

      structured context.

      Resolve routine problems using relatively simple methods.
      Floral Designer Use well-developed skills

      to design and sell a

      variety of floral products.

      Have good knowledge and understanding of elements

      and principles, and skills in

      techniques.
      Take responsibility for the completion of general tasks.

      They could provide technical

      advice and support for the improvement of teamwork.
      Work with some independence and

      under limited

      supervision.

      Solve problems by choosing and using easy-to-master methods.
      Senior Floral Designer Apply highly developed knowledge, skills, and creativity to design and

      sell a wide variety of

      high-style floral products.
      Have comprehensive knowledge, a deep

      understanding of elements

      and principles of design,

      and are skillful in design

      techniques.
      Play leadership roles and coordinate routine, operational, decision-making processes, and other business activities. Maintain work independence. They

      take supervisory

      responsibilities for the work of team members. They also mentor and manage the professional development of individuals and groups.
      Solve unpredictable problems and manage complex technical or professional issues. They could develop creative solutions to difficulties.
      Master Floral Designer Use specialized technical and conceptual skills, and innovative creativity to design and sell a diverse range of complex, high-style, or themed floral products. Have a substantial depth of knowledge, the most

      advanced skills in design

      techniques, and great

      execution of design elements

      and principles. They have a critical awareness of trends in different fields.
      Demonstrate substantial innovation, professional

      integrity, authority, and

      continued commitment to the

      development of new ideas, products, techniques, and

      trends at the forefront of the

      industry.
      Work with significant autonomy and take responsibility for reviewing the strategic performance of the

      whole team.

      Solve critical problems, and integrate, extend, and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.
      No occupational certification, credential, or licensing requirements apply to these qualifications at the time of writing.

      Table 2. 

      Recommended general roles, knowledge, tasks, work autonomy, and abilities to address challenges for junior-to-master level floral designers.

    • Educational and career pathways Roles Category Core knowledge & skills
      Certificate (short-term design class); High school diploma or equivalent; Junior floral designer Horticultural sciences Identification and appropriate uses of cut materials
      Maintain indoor plants
      Floristry practices Proper care and handling of cut materials for maximizing longevity
      Proper utilization of floral preservation products
      Floral design skills Basic application and understanding of elements and principles
      Utilize basic floral design techniques
      Apply pre-determined design ideas
      Plan, prepare and construct fundamental floral arrangements
      Check the quality of incoming floral products
      Support services Maintain tools and equipment, know how to use properly
      Source information on products and services
      Receive, store, and care for stock
      Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) hazards
      Customer service skills Interact with customers and take care of their needs
      Sell floral products
      Education & training Continuing education with higher-level designers
      Artistic design skills N/Az
      Event planning and designing skills N/A
      Business Skills N/A
      Professional presentation skills N/A
      Higher certificate (AIFD education partners; state floral association certified florist program); Higher education degrees (Associate degrees, BA or BS); CFD; Floral designer Horticultural sciences Identification and appropriate uses of cut materials
      Maintain indoor plants
      Knowledge of plants and gardeningy
      Limitations of plant use
      Availability of plant varieties
      Install and maintain plant displays
      Floristry practices Proper care and handling of cut materials for maximizing longevity
      Proper utilization of floral preservation products
      Floral design skills Check the quality of incoming floral products
      Good execution and application of elements, principles
      Good execution and application of design techniques;
      Plan and create diverse floral designs
      Create new design ideas above the basic level
      Artistic design skills Drawing/Sketch skills to communicate ideas
      Understanding of good photography skills
      Understanding of good portfolio design skills
      Understanding of good website design skills
      Color uses of designs
      Customer service skills Interact with customers and take care of their needs
      Sell floral products
      Provide quality service to customers
      Communicate with customers on social media
      Business skills Provide quotations for floral products
      Generate and implement marketing strategies
      Sell and market floral products
      Support services Maintain tools and equipment, know how to use properly
      Source information on products and services
      Receive, store, and care for stock
      Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) hazards
      Order and maintain floral supplies and products
      Event planning and designing skills Assist in coordinating and design floral arrangements for special events
      Education & training Continuing education with peers or higher-level designers
      Professional presentation skills N/A
      Advanced certificate (State floral association master florist program; AIFD education partners); Higher education degrees (Associate degrees, BA or BS, MS, doctoral degree); CFD; AIFD Senior floral designer Horticultural sciences Identification and appropriate uses of cut materials
      Maintain indoor plants
      Knowledge of plants and gardening
      Limitations of plant use
      Availability of plant varieties
      Install and maintain plant displays
      Floristry practices Proper care and handling of cut materials for maximizing longevity
      Proper utilization of floral preservation products
      Advanced certificate (State floral association master florist program; AIFD education partners); Higher education degrees (Associate degrees, BA or BS, MS, doctoral degree); CFD; AIFD Floral design skills Check the quality of incoming floral products
      Plan and create diverse floral designs
      Create complex and trendy floral design
      Skillful application of design elements, principles, and techniques
      Develop innovative design ideas/concepts
      Innovative ways of using floral products
      Artistic design skills Using software (photoshop, etc.) to communicate design ideas or freehand
      Professional photography skills for floral design
      Integrate advanced color theory into design processes
      Good portfolio design skills
      Good website design skills
      Customer service skills Interact with customers and take care of their needs
      Sell floral products
      Provide quality service to customers
      Communicate with customers on social media
      Manage customer expectations positively
      Handling customer complaints
      Business skills Provide budget quotes for floral products
      Generate and implement marketing strategies
      Sell and market floral products
      Develop and implement a business plan and mission statement
      Promote business image
      Negotiate and make contracts with clients
      Promote e-business and improve online sales and services
      Keep accurate, up-to-date financial records
      Lead and manage employees
      Support services Maintain tools and equipment, and know how to use them properly
      Source information on products and services
      Receive, store, and care for products
      Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) hazards
      Order and maintain floral supplies and products
      Create an innovative work environment
      Event planning and designing skills Plan, coordinate, and design for events
      Construct designs that fit in with an assigned theme or are appropriate for occasions
      Work effectively with other professionals involved in the project
      Education & training Continuing education from designers all over the globe and via various sources
      Mentor in the workplace
      Provide workplace skill instruction
      Build and maintain good workplace relationships
      Professional presentation skills Take care of shop presentation
      Effective presentation and communication skills for floral showcase
      Higher education degrees (Associate degrees, BA or BS, MS, doctoral degree); CFD; AIFD; May have other nationally and/or internationally recognized credentials Master floral designer Horticultural sciences Identification and appropriate uses of cut materials
      Maintain indoor plants
      Knowledge of plants and gardening
      Limitations of plant use
      Availability of plant varieties
      Install and maintain plant displays
      Floristry practices Proper care and handling of cut materials for maximizing longevity
      Proper utilization of floral preservation products
      Floral design skills Check the quality of incoming floral products
      Plan and create diverse floral designs
      Create complex and trendy floral artworks
      Skillful utilization of elements and principles
      Develop innovative design ideas/concepts
      Innovative ways of using floral products
      Implement global trends in the floral industry
      Expand global trends for development and implement innovative floral products
      Artistic design skills Using software (photoshop, etc.) to communicate design ideas or freehand
      Professional photography skills for floral design
      Integrate advanced color theory into design processes
      Higher education degrees (Associate degrees, BA or BS, MS, doctoral degree); CFD; AIFD; May have other nationally and/or internationally recognized credentials Good portfolio design abilities
      Good web design abilities
      Incorporate diverse art forms (such as fashion, jewelry, fine art, etc.) in floral artwork by applying relevant design concepts
      Business skills Provide budget quotes for floral products; Generate and implement marketing strategies
      Sell and market floral products
      Develop and implement a business plan and mission statement; Promote business image
      Negotiate and make contracts with clients
      Promote e-business and improve online sales and services
      Keep accurate, up-to-date financial records
      Lead and manage employees
      Market and manage business
      Customer service skills Interact with customers and take care of their needs
      Sell floral products
      Provide quality service to customers
      Communicate with customers on social media
      Manage customer expectations positively
      Handle customer complaints
      Support services Maintain tools and equipment, know how to use properly
      Source information on products and services
      Receive, store, and care for products
      Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) hazards
      Order and maintain floral supplies and products
      Create an innovative work environment
      Event planning and designing skills Plan, coordinate, and design for events
      Construct innovative floral artworks that fit in an assigned theme or are appropriate for specific occasions
      Collaborate effectively with other professionals involved in the project
      Event management practices
      Education & training Continuing education from designers all over the globe and via various sources
      Mentor in the workplace
      Provide workplace skill instruction
      Build and maintain good workplace relationships
      Professional presentation skills Take care of the shop presentation
      Strong presentation abilities for high-profile floral events and showcases, including symposiums, floral expos, and shows.
      z N/A = These skills are not necessarily required for that level. y Bold font = These skills are in addition to the requirements for the previous level.

      Table 3. 

      Floristry Occupational Skills Qualifications framework for junior-to-master level floral designers, along with educational and professional advancement pathways to attain each qualification level.