Floral Design Certificate Program
Bucks County Community College is a proud Educational Partner with the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Through this program floral design students have a chance to become a Certified floral Designer (CFD) by completing BCCC's comprehensive curriculum.
Students who successfully complete the required Education Partner coursework as listed below, will receive a certificate of completion from the program, and will be invited to participate in the hands-on course Capstone, wherein their work will be evaluated. If the student's work is deemed at the level of a CFD, an invitation to proceed to the final step in the CFD certification process AIFD will be extended. For full information about the CFD certification, please visit: https://aifd.org/membership/becoming-a-cfd/
The course is to be completed at your own pace, there is no time limit on finishing the program. By engaging in all classes as they are offered throughout the year, the program could be completed in as little as 9 months.
| Core Classes | Prerequisite | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Floral Design | 15 | |
| Intermediate Floral Design | Basic Floral Design | 15 |
| Advanced Floral Design | Basic & Intermediate Floral Design |
15 |
| Principles & Elements | Basic & Intermediate Floral Design |
12 |
| Weddings I: A Personal Touch | Basic & Intermediate Floral Design |
15 |
| Weddings II: Ceremonies & Celebrations | Basic & Intermediate Floral Design |
15 |
| Sympathy & Funeral Flowers | Basic & Intermediate Floral Design | 15 |
| Electives | 12 | |
| Capstone (Final Evaluation) | All 7 core and 12 hours of elective classes | |
| Total Certificate Hours (not including Capstone) | 114 |
- Must complete 114 hours in order to register for the capstone.
- Only one absence permitted in each class in order to receive a certificate of completion. Missed classes cannot be made up. Unless other arrangements have been made directly with the instructor prior to the start of the class that you will be missing, you forfeit the materials for the class that have been ordered on your behalf. Ask the Community Education & Professional Certification Department for instructor contact information to inquire about the possibility of collecting the materials.
- If the college should close for some reason and your class is cancelled, the class will be rescheduled in the same week.
- There is a $35 non-refundable withdrawal charge if you cancel your enrollment in a course. The following conditions apply to refunds:
- For all courses: 100% refund (less withdrawal charge) when you notify the Community Education & Professional Certification Department at least five (5) days prior to the course starting date. No refunds after this time.
- If you withdraw your registration from a floral design course within 72 hours of the start of that course, you have the option of picking up the fresh material for the first class that has already been ordered on your behalf. Picking up the fresh material must take place during the time slot that the class is taking place. If you do not make these arrangements with the instructor prior to the start of the class, you will forfeit the materials. Ask the Community Education & Professional Certification Department for instructor contact information to make these arrangements.
Designing with Chicken Wire (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1009 C01
8/2 - 8/23 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Designing with chicken wire from hand ties to vases. The possibilities are endless. In this class you will learn techniques and mechanics that can be applied in any setting and floral design. Note: Students must bring a floral knife, pruning shears, wire cutters, and ribbon scissors to class. Darcie Garcia, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
Large Scale Designs (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1023 C01
Our designs will be based on the principals and elements of design, and we will be looking at modern trends in event design. All projects will be done in a group format completing one large design from start to finish each week. Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Intermediate Floral Design
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
Testing for the Test (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1027 C01
You've practiced, refined and studied the principles and elements of design in the world of floral design. Now it's time to put all of that effort to the "Test"! Join us as we create a mock-test scenario that will prepare you for what you can expect from our upcoming Capstone class, and, what you'll experience during the national AIFD certification exam. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD and Shannon Toal, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
ADVANCED FLORAL DESIGN (CORE) FLORA 1002 C01
8/30 - 9/27 6:00pm - 9:00pm Newtown Campus
Students will utilize innovative techniques to create advanced floral designs. Designs created in this class will demonstrate applied knowledge of the elements and principles. Creations will focus on Contemporary, European and Asian designs. They will learn critical thinking skills and how to edit design applications.
Prerequisite: Basic & Intermediate Floral Design
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
Fit To Be Tied (Elective) FLORA 1018 C01
9/1 - 9/22 6:30pm - 8:30pm
We will explore five different techniques of hand-tied bouquets, from European spiral to using an Armature, creating a cascade. Hand-tied presentation bouquets and a faux hand-tied bouquet are all fit to be tied. You will expand your knowledge and confidence on hand-tied bouquets for weddings, proms, or even just a beautiful arrangement. Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost
CAPSTONE FLORA 1005 C01
9/7 - 10/5 6:00pm - 9:00pm
All students that have completed the required core and elective class hours are invited to take this final step in receiving their Certificate of Completion for the Floral Design Program. Each week you will be evaluated on a design as you would be in a real AIFD test environment. During the final class you will receive your Certificate of Certification from Bucks. Shortly after, you will receive correspondence including your complete evaluation and, if applicable, recommendation to move on to the CFD exam.
Prerequisite: 7 Core classes and 12 hours of electives
Instructors: Renee Tucci, Ron Mulray, and Shannol Toal
Cost includes $225 material/flower cost.
BASIC FLORAL DESIGN (CORE) FLORA 1000 C01
9/20 - 10/25
(no class 10/11) 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Students will be introduced to the basics of floral designing - how to care and condition fresh flowers to prolong their life, floral design terminology, and various design trends and techniques. Students will learn to arrange in a variety of vases (including but not limited to glassware, plastic, and basket containers) using a wide range of flowers and foliage. At least one arrangement will be made each class. No prior experience necessary. Students will take all arrangements they create in class.
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost, $45 program textbook - The AIFD Guide to Floral Design & $55 tool kit)
INTERMEDIATE FLORAL DESIGN (CORE) FLORA 1001 C01
You will be able to advance your knowledge and skills in floral design with this intermediate course. You will have opportunities to design larger arrangements using more complex techniques. You will learn to use some of the most common design techniques including: Mille De Fleur, Biedermeier, Phoenix, and waterfall designs. Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
Home for the Holidays (Elective) FLORA 1021 C01
11/7 - 12/5
(no class 11/21) 6:00pm - 8:00pm
In this class you will be creating designs to enhance your home for the holidays. Fresh flowers to permanent botanicals will be used in four designs. A beautiful swag that will last throughout the season, a holiday tree, a wreath that will transition through winter and a centerpiece to complete the collection. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.