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 | 15 |
| 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 & C70
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
No class 9/25 6:30pm - 9:30pm
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
10/30-12/4 (No class 11/27) 6:30 - 9:30 pm
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
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 $150 material/flower cost
Large Scale Design "Bigger is Better" (Elective) FLORA 1019 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!
Cost includes $150 material/flower cost
Bring a brown bag lunch
European Style Floral Structure (Elective) FLORA 1013 C01
You will examine armatures and European style floral structures. You will identify construction mechanics, both botanical and non-traditional elements that will be suitable for a floral structure, and determine the best options for a water source. You will construct an armature suitable for floral competitions, exhibitions and certification testing.
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
Holidays of Design (Elective) FLORA 1012 C01
In this class we will take the ordinary holiday designs and add style. You will learn how to accessorize and enhance an arrangement in any season. We will focus on design and how to think outside of the box, kicking up traditional designs and adding embellishments and mechanics. We will visit spring with textures and style, fall with unexpected colors, Christmas and a Valentines Day with a modern twist and design we will all fall in love with. This class will turn ordinary into EXTRAORDINARY!!
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
FALL In Love With Your Home (Elective) FLORA 1021 C01
Spend the day creating designs to enhance your home in Autumn. Fresh flowers to permanent botanicals will be used in four designs. A beautiful swag that will last throughout the season, pumpkin full of blooms, a wreath that will transition through winter and a centerpiece to complete the collection.
CAPSTONE REVIEW (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1017 C01
In preparation for the upcoming Capstone Exam, join us as we review the mechanics, techniques and creativity needed to achieve success in the Capstone class.
Prerequisite: 6 Core classes & 3 Electives
Cost includes $160 material/flower cost
**Please bring a brown bag lunch**
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