Qualifications & training

RHS Level 3 Qualifications

​Ideal for those who want to build on knowledge and skills to progress in horticultural roles or specialise in particular garden areas and landscapes

This suite of Level 3 qualifications also provides present-day skills to boost your career and widen opportunities.

Highly valued by employers, the RHS Level 3 qualification consists of two individual qualifications; a practical-based qualification and a knowledge-based qualification. The well-rounded learner, in particular those seeking supervisory or management roles, will achieve all elements to demonstrate competence, confidence and leadership.

We strongly recommend applicants hold either a relevant Level 2 horticultural qualification or can demonstrate comparable relevant experience before pursuing Level 3.

What will I study?

These qualifications allow learners to strengthen and refine their horticultural knowledge and skills to succeed in industry and build on existing interests in a garden or landscape environment. 
 
Across all qualifications, learners gain an understanding of current horticultural practices and sustainable techniques, whilst deepening knowledge in a range of areas.   

Topics covered in the Level 3 qualification

Whilst studying, learners will also advance transferable skills such as problem solving, implementing management plans / programmes, leadership, teamwork and communication skills. 

To complete each qualification learners should expect to undertake approximately 120 hours of learning.

 
Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture

Topics covered include:

  • Plant knowledge
  • Creating planted areas
  • Maintaining planted area
  • Plant health

 

  • Productive growing 
  • Protected growing
  • Ecological and sustainable plantings 
  • Landscape materials 

    Download the specification

    Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation

    Topics covered include: 

    • Horticulture heritage
    • Plant knowledge
    • Plant selection and cultivation
    • Plant propagation

     

    • Gardening styles and specialist areas
    • Productive growing
    • Gardens management
    • Gardens, people and spaces 

      Download the specification

       

        How will the qualifications be delivered?

        • Approved centres offering RHS qualifications are free to define their own teaching framework, within the structure of the qualification specification, and will provide the learning materials to support your studies

        • Qualifications are delivered on a part-time basis allowing learners to study alongside other commitments. Teaching may be face-to-face, online via distance learning, or a mixture of both known as blended-learning

        How will I be assessed?

        Practical Horticulture

        In order to achieve this qualification, learners must complete and attain (pass, merit, distinction):

        • Online Competence Assessment Test
        • Practical Competence Assessment  Test

        Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation

        In order to achieve this qualification, learners must complete and achieve two examinations. These exams are offered online or paper based and available in February, June and October each year. 

        Sample exam papers will be available for revision purposes.

        A formal certificate is issued by the RHS on successful completion of the qualification the learner is enrolled on.

        Where can I progress to after Level 3?

        Completion of these qualifications should give the learners the vital knowledge and skills to evolve and succeed in higher-level roles within industry, such as garden supervisor, team leader, retail manager etc. Achieving Level 3 also allows learners the opportunity to progress to further learning opportunities at a higher level such as the RHS Master of Horticulture (MHort).

        Master of Horticulture

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        Quartz Candidate Portal’

        The candidate portal provides you with a central location to track your progress with RHS Qualifications. It allows you to see your exams registrations, future exam dates, your exam results and your qualification awards all in one place.
         

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