Floral Design Certificate Program
Bucks County Community College has been approved as an Educational Partner of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Currently, we are the only college in PA offering this program. Floral Design students now have a chance to become a Certified Floral Designer by completing BCCC’s comprehensive curriculum. Note: All former floral design students will be grandfathered into the new program. Please contact Continuing Education if you have questions regarding this process.
- STEP 1: Successfully complete your Bucks Floral Design Certificate Program
- STEP 2: Pass the final evaluation
- STEP 3: Complete the AIFD online test ($124) and receive an 80 percent or better within two weeks of receiving access to the online test. Visit www.aifd.org for industry certification requirements
| Core Classes | Prerequisite | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Floral Design | 15 | |
| Intermediate Floral Design | Basic Floral Design | 15 |
| Advanced Floral Design | Basic & Intermediate Floral Design | 15 |
| 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 |
| Elective (choose 3) | Each elective is 8 hours | 24 |
| Capstone (Final Evaluation) | All 6 core and 3 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.
BASIC FLORAL DESIGN (CORE) FLORA 1000 C01
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 - bring a box to carry them home in.
Note: Students must bring a floral knife, pruning shears, wire cutters, and ribbon scissors to class.
Cost includes $225 material/flower cost & $45 program textbook - The AIFD Guide to Floral Design)
INTERMEDIATE FLORAL DESIGN (CORE) FLORA 1001 C01
Students will be able to advance their knowledge and skills in floral design with this intermediate course. They will have opportunities to design larger arrangements using more complex techniques. They will learn to use some of the most common design techniques including: mille de fleur, Biedermeier, phoenix, and waterfall designs. Students will take home the arrangements they create in class.
Prerequisite: Basic Floral Design
Cost includes $225 material/flower cost
ADVANCED FLORAL DESIGN (CORE) FLORA 1002 C01
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 $225 material/flower cost
WEDDINGS I: A PERSONAL TOUCH (CORE) FLORA 1014 C01
From Brides and Grooms, to Moms, Flower Girls and that Great Uncle who's never missed a birthday, we'll walk through the best ways to create all of the personal flowers for the wedding day, along with techniques to add that creative and personal touch for each unique client.
Prerequisite: Basic & Intermediate Floral Design
Cost includes $225 material/flower cost
WEDDINGS II: CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS (CORE) FLORA 1015 C01
We're going to the Chapel.....and the church, and the Cathedral! Then we'll explore the techniques and mechanics used to create inspiring reception decor.
Prerequisite: Basic & Intermediate Floral Design
Cost includes $225 material/flower cost
SYMPATHY AND FUNERAL FLOWERS (CORE) FLORA 1004 C01
Expand your floral design skills by learning one of the biggest parts of the industry. We will explore all the different ways that floral design is used for funeral and sympathy work. Our designs will be based on the principles and elements of design, and will will be looking at modern trends in sympathy design.
Prerequisite: Basic & Intermediate Floral Design
Cost includes $275 material/flower cost
Artfully Designed (Elective) FLORA 1026 C01
An immersive class that will have you thinking outside the box. Finding inspiration from art and creating interpretations with flowers. You will be walked through the details and be allowed to freely create and express. Taking home your work of art every class!
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
Large Scale Design (Elective) FLORA 1023 C01
We will look at different large scale designs, the mechanics involved and how to create them. This will be done as a group with demonstration and limited hands-on participation. Everyone in attendance will leave with a better understanding on how to create large scale designs, how to deliver large scale designs, and how to ensure that your designs will remain in one piece. Go big or go home!
Prerequisite: Intermediate Floral Design
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
Polish Your Principles & Evaluate the Elements (Elective) FLORA 1025 C01
How can you balance a floral design with color? What accents can you use to create rhythm? What's the best way to line up the scale of your design for proper proportion? Take a deep dive into the Principles & Elements of design in this elective where we'll explore inspirations and practice and refine hands-on floral design applications.
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
DESIGNING WITH BULBS (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1016 C01
Bulbs are not just for planting...Explore new and creative ways to design with bulbs. Creations will expose the bulb in several different design styles and applications.
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
Floral Jewelry (Elective) FLORA 1010 C01
Flowers aren’t just great to look at – they’re fun to wear! Join us in learning the mechanics and techniques of creating floral jewelry that can be worn around town or for a special occasion.
Cost includes $160 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.
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
CAPSTONE FLORA 1005 C01
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: 6 Core classes and 3 Electives
Instructors: Renee Tucci, Ron Mulray, Darcie Garcia, and Shannol Toal
Cost includes $225 material/flower cost