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Certifications for Teachers
The Texas State Florists’ Association (TSFA) is pleased to offer several certifications for floral industry teachers. The TSFA Knowledge-based Floral Certification recognizes an individual’s understanding of foundational floral industry standards, terminology and principles. TSFA’s Level 1 and Level 2 Floral Certifications include a hands-on component that allows you to demonstrate the knowledge, creativity and skill needed to succeed as a floral design teacher.
Read on to learn more about TSFA certifications for teachers and access related resources. You may register for a certification test by selecting a testing event for teachers from the TSFA Event Calendar.
The TSFA Knowledge-based Floral Certification is available in English and Spanish, documenting an individual's understanding of foundational floral industry standards, terminology, and principles. This credential is ideal for entry-level florists, those early in their careers and more experienced florists seeking formal industry knowledge. You will be tested on flower and foliage identification, tools and supplies, floral terminology, care, handling and safety procedures.
The knowledge-based test may be taken by appointment Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or immediately before a Level 1 training for teachers. It is not an open-book test and must be proctored. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to pursue the TSFA Level 1 Floral Design Certification.
Helpful Resources
Pricing Information
TSFA members save $10 off each option below.
- Knowledge-Based Test — $50.
- Knowledge-Based Retest — $30 (limit two).
Please complete the registration form below for knowledge-based certification tests or retests.
The TSFA Level 1 Floral Certification builds on knowledge and introduces the hands-on skills required for a career in the floral industry. This credential is ideal for floral teachers. Requirements for the certification include earning a 70 or above on the TSFA Knowledge-based Certification exam and completing two floral designs in a timed setting, each with a passing score. Those pursuing this certification must successfully design floral arrangements, including the symmetrical design and boutonniere. They must demonstrate skillful use of floral tools and mechanics, efficient time management and standard design techniques.
Steps to Get Certified
- Ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Passed the TSFA Knowledge-based Exam.
- Experience with teaching floral design.
- Familiarity with the floral design resources available on this website and in the TSFA Info Hub.
- Select the most convenient testing date and location from the TSFA Event Calendar and register to attend.
- Bring your floral knife, stem cutter or shears and wire cutters. There will be no tools provided.
- To earn certification, you must pass the judging criteria for the symmetrical design and boutonniere.
Pricing Information
TSFA members save $25 off Level 1 hands-on training.
- Level 1 Bundle — Includes in-person training, knowledge-based certification test and hands-on certification test — $350.
- Level 1 Hands-on Only — Includes in-person training and hands-on certification test — $300.
Must have previously completed knowledge-based certification. - Level 1 Hands-on Retest — $75 (by appointment only).
Educational Resources
TSFA offers a study guide and numerous other educational resources to assist floral industry professionals and aspiring floral designers.
Level 1 Certification Instructional Video
Q. Is the certification always the same design?
A. Yes. Once designs are determined for the testing season, the certification tests will always include the same designs. This teaches the applicants the principles and elements of floral design and how to apply them.
Q. Is the grading rubric available for review?
A. Yes. The grading rubric for Level 1 and Level 2 are available in the Grading Criteria section below.
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. You must clean the bottom of the stem for easier insertion into the wet floral foam. Statice can be shaved toward the bottom for easy insertion and stabilization after placement.
Q. What are some common mistakes seen at the Level 1 testing?
A. Ensure the skeleton is correct. Everything should flow with the arrangement, as long as the skeleton 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.
Q. What are TSFA’s testing policies?
A. Please take time to review TSFA’s testing policies.
By earning TSFA's Level 2 Floral Certification, you will demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills and experience needed to advance your career in the floral industry. As part of this process, you will develop a comprehensive portfolio, create multiple floral arrangements and gain the confidence and competence needed to strengthen your success as a floral designer. This certification is ideal for experienced florists, designers and event specialists.
Requirements for Level 2 Floral Certification
- Successful completion of TSFA Level 1 Floral Certification.
- Submit a Level 2 Portfolio during the registration process. The TSFA Education Committee reviews each portfolio. Approval is required for certification and will be communicated via email before the class.
- Volunteering and sharing of floral skills, item one. Two of the examples below must be included in the portfolio.
- Volunteer at a Level 1 test site.
- Volunteer at a community event sharing flowers (nursing home, etc.).
- Volunteer at a regional design show approved by TSFA.
- Attend a hands-on floral workshop.
- Attend additional events, as approved by TSFA.
- Work full-time in the floral industry for 12 consecutive months or more.
- Volunteering and sharing of floral skills, item two — a second item from the list above.
- Level 2 hands-on test.
Level 2 Testing Information
- Select the most convenient testing date and location from the TSFA Event Calendar and register to attend.
- Bring your floral knife, stem cutter or shears and wire cutters. There will be no tools provided.
- The design portion of the certification process will be timed at 90 minutes total for the three designs.
- You must pass judging criteria for the asymmetrical design, corsage and vase design to be awarded Level 2 certification.
Grades will be available seven days after testing. Certificates will be emailed.
Pricing Information
TSFA members save $25 off Level 2 hands-on training.
- Level 2 Hands-on Only — Includes in-person training and hands-on certification test — $350.
Must have previously completed knowledge-based and Level 1 certification. Portfolio approval is required prior to participation. - Level 2 Hands-on Retest — $150.
Retesting Information for Level 2
Retesting is available for those who do not pass one or more items in the design portion. The retesting fee is $150.
- You will have 30 minutes per design during retesting, and you will only test for the designs you did not initially pass.
- Retesting may be done by appointment at the Leander headquarters or at an industry-focused TSFA event.
Educational Resources
TSFA offers a study guide and numerous other educational resources to assist floral teachers.
Level 2 Certification Instructional Video
Q. If there is a weak rose, does it need to be wired?
A. No. If you receive a rose that is too damaged to work with, you may exchange it before the testing begins. If there are a few weak roses, it is recommended that they be used toward the bottom of the arrangement and the stronger ones be used toward the top.
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 has been created. Some asymmetrical designs look more like a Level 1 symmetrical arrangement.
About the Texas Master Florist® Program
TSFA is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive educational programs in the floral industry — the Texas Master Florist (TMF) program. Developed to benefit all floral professionals, from sales staff to designers and shop owners, the TMF program provides a standard of professional excellence recognized throughout the industry. It includes three segments: design production, design management and professional florist certification.
Three to five years of floral experience is recommended before seeking this certification. Earning this credential may qualify you for application to the American Institute of Floral Design’s Certified Floral Designer exam.
Below are the Principles and Elements of Design Grading Criteria used by TSFA. Testers are encouraged to consider these concepts as they design arrangements for certification tests.
- Balance
- Symmetrical or Asymmetrical — Does the arrangement depict the appropriate style? If the design is the correct style, is it visibly balanced from side to side, front to back, top to bottom?
- Asymmetrical — Is the arrangement different or unequal?
- Symmetrical — Is the design mirrored on both sides?
- Mechanics — If used, is wire, tape and foam neat and covered as instructed?
- Proportion and Scale — Is the size of the design appropriate relative to the container, considering the number of flowers assigned? Does the arrangement display a comparative relationship between components in the composition?
- Depth and Rhythm — Are flower placements at different levels? Is visual movement through the design achieved by repetition or gradation?
- Focal Point and Dominance — Is the visual organization emphasized? Do you see the visual impact or interest to which the eye is drawn?
- Skeleton — Do the first three stems establish the line and balance of the design? Are secondary flowers creating overcrowding in the design?
- Foliage — Remember that foliage is used to enhance the directional force of line. Does the foliage follow the line pattern? Is foliage added to fill space and cover mechanics?
- Unity — Oneness of components into a harmonious whole, which results in a complete relationship of all parts. Has the design accomplished the oneness of all components?
- Form — A configuration of individual components of design. Does the design create an overall three-dimensional composition?
- Line — The visual path that directs the eye through a design. Have the flower placements created a line for your eye to follow?