Become an approved centre

We are the accredited awarding body for RHS Qualifications, empowering learners with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in horticulture. Only centres approved by us can promote and carry out the teaching, assessment and examination of RHS Qualifications

Our qualifications

Our highly regarded qualifications are offered from Levels 1 through to Level 3, with clear progression routes for learners who wish to broaden their skills for personal interest or seek entry and progression within the horticultural industry.

Why become an approved centre?

  • Robust and regulated syllabus
  • Flexible part-time study
  • Highly regarded Industry qualifications
  • International brand recognition and currency
  • Inexpensive centre approval fee
  • No minimum annual spend

  • No minimum learner numbers
  • Small and approachable
  • Dedicated key contact
  • Direct dial telephone contact
  • Simple approval process
  • Ongoing support and centre consultation events

“We’re really proud of being an approved centre. The RHS qualifications are a really good fundamental set of courses – our range of students reflects how they are all things to all people, and it is great seeing the whole industry get behind them so well too.”

Gregory Kenicer PhD, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

How to become an approved centre

Step 1: Check suitability

We welcome applications from all types of providers, large or small, including schools, colleges, gardens and private providers. First, check that you meet the below criteria to become an approved centre.

Step 2: Application process
You will be given access to the secure RHS Qualifications Portal to apply.
 
Fill in the centre approval form and qualification approval form and when you have all the required documents ready; upload the forms and required policies, delivery staff’s CV’s, relevant qualification certificates and programme delivery information, to the Qualifications Portal.
 
The centre approval fee is charged when you submit your centre approval application. Once submitted, the fee remains payable even if you choose to withdraw your application before the approval process is completed.
Step 3: Desk audit
Your application forms, CV’s, policies and programme delivery documents will be reviewed by one of our independent quality assurance centre verifiers.
 
We may ask for further information, additional evidence or actions might be required before approval can be granted.
Step 4: Site visit
A site visit is mandatory for practical qualification approvals.
 
A site visit may also be required for other applications, the decision is based on the type of centre applying and its background, including any previous delivery experience.
Centre approval agreement
Once all required information has been received and reviewed, if centre approval is to be given, a centre agreement will be sent to sign.
Step 5: Approval
Once the signed Centre Agreement has been returned and the centre approval fee has been received, formal confirmation of approval as an RHS Qualifications provider will be issued. A member of the Stakeholder Relationship Team will be assigned to support the centre and next steps for setting up cohorts and registering learners will be provided.

Policies and procedures

To ensure fairness, impartiality and quality, all centres need to be aware of our Approved Centre policies. This information can be found under the ‘RHS Qualifications’ heading on our RHS Policies and Statements page.

Fees for approved centres

  • New Centre Approval Fee – this is a desk-based review including one qualification: £400
  • Additional review of evidence – this includes the desk-based review of evidence that was not satisfactory at initial submission: £150
  • Site Visit Fee – if required as part of the qualification approval, or approval of a new delivery site: £400

  • Approved Centre Annual Fee – to cover all qualifications approved for due on the 01 Sept each year – running to 31 August the following year: £300
  • Qualification Extension – this includes the desk-based approval to add additional qualifications to your existing offer: £150
  • New Centre Entry 3 and Level 1 Qualification Approval Package – for new centres wishing to deliver all three Entry 3 and Level 1 qualifications; includes approval for all three qualifications: £350

Please note that once the application process begins, if you decide to withdraw at any time the centre will be required to pay the relevant approval fee.  

 

 

Further information

If you have further questions regarding becoming an approved centre, not answered above, please contact the team and we will be happy to talk to you.

Speak to the team

Email: [email protected]

Useful information

Search all approved centres

Find a centre

How we ensure fairness, impartiality and quality

Policies and procedures

Discover qualifications designed by RHS experts

RHS Qualifications

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