Benz School of Floral Design

Certifications and Credentials

The Benz School offers a variety of options for anyone interested in floral design, from beginners and hobbyists to working professionals. The Benz School is approved by the National Vocation Rehabilitation Act, which makes financial benefits available to students who qualify. If requested before classes begin, Texas A&M University will furnish a transcript of the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) recognized by employers, associations, and organizations across the nation.

Certifications in Floral Design

The Benz School of Floral Design is proud to offer three levels of floral certification:

  • The Entry Level certification, which can be obtained by passing the Principles of Floral Design certification exam
  • The Advanced Level certification, which can be obtained by taking our Basic Design Class as well as one Advanced Class
  • The Distinguished Level certification, which can be obtained by taking the Techniques of Contemporary Design and Test Prep class and one other Advanced Class

These certifications indicate that individuals have acquired the knowledge and skills to pursue a sustainable career in the floral industry.  Those who earn the certifications are more qualified and prepared to enter a variety of roles in the floral industry.  Additionally, the certifications allow employers to identify and connect with more skilled candidates, filling gaps in the labor market and jump-starting individuals’ careers.

Certification details

Entry Level Certification

Our Entry level certification assesses industry-valued and industry-recognized standards, which validates mastery of fundamental artistic elements and principles and their application.

The Principles of Floral Design exam consists of 100 questions and assesses knowledge and skills from the following weighted industry standards:  Floral Design History, Flower Identification, Floral Design Basics, Arrangement Creation & Duplication and Flower Business Management.

We work closely with professionals in the field to lead the way in floral design. Because of our knowledge and passion for floral design, we take great responsibility in sharing it. We see countless individuals in our classes who would be better off if they had the opportunity to be educated on the principles of floral design earlier, and we know some will never be able to walk through our doors and take an in-person class. This certification assesses individuals for an in-depth understanding of the elements and principles of floral design that will affect them for the rest of their careers in the industry.

The Benz School utilizes the iCEV Testing Platform as the certification testing platform for our Entry level certification.  As the testing platform, iCEV fulfills the following responsibilities:

  • provides secure testing technology for certification exams
  • regulates testing environment
  • works with secondary and post-secondary academic institutions, workforce development associations and the public-at-large to offer certification options for career advancement
  • provides certification verification to employers for potential job applicants
  • offers certification exam preparation materials

Have questions about the Entry level Benz School of Floral Design Principles of Floral Design Certification?

Contact:

iCEV Customer Support
[email protected]
Toll-Free: 800-922-9965
Home Office: 806-745-8820

Advanced Certification

Our Advanced Certification can be obtained by taking the 2 week Basic Design Class at the Benz School of Floral Design on-campus.  In this course you will learn about every aspect of the floral business as well as hands on techniques which include corsages, sympathy tributes, decorative treatment of potted plants, European dish gardens, all styles of geometric design, wedding flowers, and decorations for receptions and parties.  Upon completion of the course you will be evaluated for techniques and basic floral skill proficiency.

The second advanced class can be any of the following classes: Floral Jewelry, Weddings and Parties and Events.  

For questions about the Advanced level of certification contact:

Barbara Volk-Tunnell, [email protected] (979) 845-1699
Program Assistant for the Benz School of Floral Design

Distinguished Certification

And finally, we offer a Distinguished Certification that can be obtained by attending two of our advanced floral classes.  One of them must be the Techniques of Contemporary Design and Test Prep class.  As well as learning techniques to create contemporary designs, you will be preparing to take the CFD (Certified Floral Designer) which is a National certification issued by the American Institute of Floral Designers.

For questions about the Distinguished level of certification contact:

Barbara Volk-Tunnell, [email protected] (979) 845-1699
Program Assistant for the Benz School of Floral Design

Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential

The Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential offered by the Benz School of Floral Design is a nationally recognized credential from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AFID), earned by successfully completing both written and hands-on evaluations through Benz’s prep program. Earning this designation validates a designer’s mastery of floral design techniques, principles, and professionalism, enhancing career credibility and opportunities

The high standards of quality education required, and design excellence exemplified by AIFD’s Educational Partners and SAIFD Chapters, allows the Benz School at Texas A&M University to recommend recipients to AIFD for the nationally recognized credential of CFD.

Requirements

Floral design required curriculum

Students/applicants must have finished one of the following.

  1. Bachelor of Arts or Science degree with a floral certificate or floral design emphasis.
  2. Four (4) of the following courses: Hort 203, Hort 451, Hort 452, Hort 453, or Hort 454.
  3. Completed the Benz Two-Week class plus one of the Benz Advanced classes.
  4. Students/applicants must complete a Benz CFD Evaluation.

Written evaluation

Students/applicants must pass (80% or better) both the written and design components of the Benz CFD Evaluation.

  1. The written evaluation will be given online (address and access credentials to be provided upon receipt of Benz CFD Evaluation registration). This written evaluation is based on the information from AIFD’s Guide to Floral Design (see separate recommended reading list).  Students/applicants must either own or have access to this textbook in order to successfully complete the written evaluation. Students will have two opportunities to score 80% or better on the written evaluation. 
  2. The design evaluation will consist of a surprise package of three designs with a 2 hour time limit from the following list, and will be scored using the Benz School Evaluation Score Sheet:
    • Geometric Designs (round centerpiece, symmetrical triangle, asymmetrical triangle, crescent, horizontal centerpiece)
    • Personal Flower Designs (corsage, headpiece, floral necklace)
    • Vegetative Centerpiece Design
    • Bridal Bouquets (hand-tied, foam holder)
    • Parallel Design

Written Evaluation Recommended Reading

Students/applicants must either own or have access to AIFD’s Guide to Floral Design textbook in order to successfully complete the written Benz School CFD Evaluation and/or the AIFD PFDE written evaluation. Students/applicants should pay close attention to the following chapters to maximize their study priorities:

  • Botany, Care and Handling: pages 46-94
  • Elements and Principles of Design: pages 96-148
  • Design Styles: pages 183-191

Additionally, student/participants may benefit from reviewing the above mentioned topics in the following books or references:

  • Flowers: Creative Design, Johnson, McKinley, Benz
  • Principles of Floral Design, Scace & DelPrince