20 Principles of Floral Design
3+ Years in
Floral
Industry
Courses at
AIFD-
Approved
Education
Partner
Certificate
or Degree from
AIFD-Approved
College or
University
State
Certification
Credentials
AIFD Online/
Hands-On
Workshops
STEP 1: Complete One of the PFDE Education Pathways
Cumulative score of 16 points
or better with no one design
scoring less than 2.75
Certified Floral Designer
Steps for AIFD Certifi cation and Accreditation
STEP 2: Enroll as a PFDE Candidate
STEP 3: Review for the PFDE Evaluations
STEP 4A: Participate in PFDE Part One
STEP 4B: Participate in PFDE Part Two
Cumulative score of 20 points
or better with no one design
scoring less than 3.75
Accredited AIFD Member
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 1-20. Both certifi cation and accreditation by the American Institute of Floral Designers
require fl oral designers to follow an “education pathway” and take two exams.
The fi rst step in becoming certifi ed or accredited is designed to ensure
that the candidates have the necessary background knowledge, including the
principles of fl oral design and associated concepts and techniques. This step
can be met using any of fi ve different pathways, as shown in Figure 1-20.
The applicant must prove that he or she has a minimum of three years of
experience working in the fl oriculture industry or must take approved
courses or programs designed to provide the necessary knowledge. AIFD
offers courses, but also accepts state certifi cation, courses provided by AIFD
partners, or formal college degrees in fl oral design to meet this requirement.
Next, applicants enroll in the AIFD Professional Floral Design Evaluation
(PFDE) program. This program consists of two tests: an online test (Part 1)
and a hands-on evaluation (Part 2). When applicants are accepted into the
program, they receive the materials necessary to study for the exams.