A. Yes. The certification is always going to be the same design. This teaches the students the principles and elements of floral design and how to apply them.
Q.Is the grading rubric available to teachers?
A. Yes. The grading rubric for Level 1 and Level 2 are available upon request, and study materials are linked from the Teachers tab on this website.
Q.Is there a way to access the pre-recorded video at TSFA.org?
A. Yes. The Level 1 and Level 2 videos are available 24/7 at tsfa.org under TSFA classroom. You must log in to access the videos.
Q.Do the carnations need to be cleaned of leaves and does statice need to be shaved before inserting them into wet floral foam?
A. No, carnations do not need to be cleaned of all leaves. Students must clean the bottom of the stem for easier insertion into the wet floral foam. Statice can be shaved toward the bottom as well for easy insertion and stabilization after placement.
Q.What time of year do students test?
A. Students typically test in the spring semester; however, there are some opportunities that may be available in the fall.
Q. What are some common mistakes seen at the Level 1 testing?
A. Make sure the skeleton is correct. Everything should flow with the arrangement as long as that is correct. Here are some common mistakes seen at testing:
- Filler does not radiate out from the symmetrical arrangement.
- Too much leather leaf is used on the symmetrical arrangement.
- The stems are left too long on the boutonniere. - Wire shows at the bottom of the rose stem on the boutonniere.
- Pigtails or curly cues are made on the rose boutonniere.
Level 2 Certification FAQs
Q. Is it better to use pittosporum or Israeli 4uscus for the corsage?
A. Pittosporum is easier to obtain. Pittosporum can be grown in greenhouses or around the school and can be used for practice in class. Israeli ruscus should be used as a substitution if pittosporum is unavailable.
Q. What are some common mistakes seen at testing on Level 2 arrangements?
A. Flowers are barely in the wet floral foam and are too loose. Not enough depth created. Some tend to look more like a symmetrical arrangement from Level 1 rather than being the asymmetrical arrangement.
Q. Do roses come without thorns for the rose vase arrangement testing?
A. No. Students will have to remove thorns once testing begins. They will not be counted off for having a few thorns left on the roses. Judges look at the mechanics of each arrangement.
Q. What length of roses should be ordered when practicing at school?
A. 50-60 cm roses should be ordered when practicing at school.
Q. If there is a weak rose, does it need to be wired?
A. No. If a student receives a rose that is too damaged to work with, they may exchange it before the testing begins. If there are a few weak roses, it is recommended that they are used toward the bottom of the arrangement and the stronger ones are used toward the top.
