New Zealand Certificate in Floristry (Level 3)
Program Overview
The Floristry Certificate Level 3 (Online Course) at Open Polytechnic prepares individuals for intermediate florist roles in retail outlets. Through online lectures, tutorials, and practical workshops, students develop skills in floral design, customer service, and sustainable practices. The program includes work experience components and culminates in a capstone assessment day, preparing graduates for a range of careers in the floristry industry.
Program Outline
Floristry Certificate Level 3 (Online Course) at Open Polytechnic
Degree Overview
- Display and maintain plant materials and arrangements in a floristry workplace to maximize their impact.
- Provide customer service and refer complaints using effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Apply knowledge of legislative requirements, health and safety, and promote sustainable practices in a floristry workplace environment.
The program consists of four compulsory courses:
- FLO311 Wired Designs
- FLO312 Hand-Tied Designs
- FLO313 Base Medium Floral Pieces (includes 20-hour work experience focused on sustainable practices)
- FLO314 Retail Floristry (includes 40-hour work experience in a retail environment)
Maximum Programme Completion Time:
3 years from first enrollment (unless exceptional circumstances exist).
Fees:
- Course costs can be found on individual course pages.
- Qualification cost is an approximation based on required courses and average course costs.
- Costs are subject to annual increases.
- Textbooks, course materials, and external exam fees are not included.
Outline
The program covers the following topics:
- Principles and elements of floral design
- Wired designs
- Hand-tied designs
- Base medium floral pieces
- Retail floristry
- Customer service
- Legislative requirements
- Health and safety
- Sustainable practices
The course schedule is as follows:
- FLO311 Wired Designs: 12 weeks
- FLO312 Hand-Tied Designs: 12 weeks
- FLO313 Base Medium Floral Pieces: 16 weeks
- FLO314 Retail Floristry: 20 weeks
Assessment
Assessments include:
- Practical assessments
- Written assignments
- Presentations
- Online quizzes
Teaching
Teaching methods include:
- Online lectures
- Tutorials
- Online forums
- Practical workshops
Careers
Upon completion of the program, you may be able to pursue careers such as:
- Florist
- Floral designer
- Wedding florist
- Event florist
- Retail florist
- The program is offered online, providing flexibility for learners.
- The program is recognized by the New Zealand Professional Florists Incorporated (NZPF).
- The program includes a practicum component, providing learners with practical experience in a floristry workplace.
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Overview:
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand is a leading provider of online and distance learning in Aotearoa New Zealand. It offers a wide range of qualifications and courses across various fields, catering to learners of all ages and backgrounds. The institution is known for its flexible learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.
Services Offered:
The Open Polytechnic provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Distance Learning:
The institution specializes in distance learning, offering flexible study options that allow students to learn online and at their own pace.Study Support and Resources:
Students have access to various online tools and resources, including a learner portal, library services, and study tips and techniques.Fees and Funding:
The Open Polytechnic offers information on fees, fee-free study options, student loans, scholarships, and financial assistance.Learner Stories:
The institution showcases success stories of its graduates, highlighting the impact of their studies on their lives and careers.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Flexibility:
The Open Polytechnic's distance learning model offers flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.Support:
The institution provides comprehensive support services to help students succeed in their studies.Accessibility:
The Open Polytechnic caters to learners of all ages and backgrounds, offering a wide range of qualifications and courses.Affordability:
The institution offers fee-free study options, student loans, scholarships, and financial assistance to make education more accessible.Academic Programs:
The Open Polytechnic offers a wide range of qualifications and courses across various fields, including:
- Accounting
- Built Environment and Trades
- Business and Management
- Communication
- Design
- Early Childhood Education
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Exercise
- Financial Services
- Foundation and Bridging
- Health, Wellbeing and Community Services
- Horticulture
- Information and Communication Technology
- Legal
- Library and Information Studies
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Real Estate
- Social Work
- Te Reo Māori
Other:
The Open Polytechnic is a Business Division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. The institution is committed to supporting learners in achieving their educational and career goals.
Entry Requirements:
New Zealand Certificate in Floristry (Level 3)
requires the following entry requirements:
Applicants with no prior floristry experience:
- New Zealand Certificate in Floristry (Level 2) (40–50 credits), or
- Industry Training Organisation (ITO) Floristry Trade Certificate of Business Skills (National Certificate)(Level 2), or Additionally, applicants must meet either of the following criteria:
- Three years’ proven full-time paid industry experience (40–60 weeks/year) to be acceptable entry evidence – with appropriate verification including a letter from a suitable employer verifying the industry experience, job title and length of employment; or
- Two years’ full-time paid industry experience (40–60 weeks/year) to be acceptable entry evidence – along with industry certification through completion of a flower recognition test and practical floristry skills assessment carried out and verified by a New Zealand Professional Florists Incorporated (NZPF) certified Workplace Verifier. This testing confirms the relevant floristry skills required for commencing Floristry Training at Level 3; or
- One year’s full-time paid industry experience (40–60 weeks/year) to be acceptable entry evidence – with industry certification through completion of a flower recognition test and two practical floristry skills assessments carried out/verified by a certified Workplace Verifier. This testing and additional tasks confirm the relevant floristry skills and application knowledge required for commencing Floristry Training at Level 3.
Applicants with NZQA-aligned floristry prior learning:
Applicants with prior learning demonstrating floristry skills and knowledge at Level 2 may request assessment against this qualification without meeting the other entry criteria through Open Polytechnic’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
