Qualifications & training

Changes to RHS Qualifications

We’ve been making changes to RHS Qualifications, if you’re a past, present or prospective learner, here’s the key information you need to know

Our revised qualifications will:

  • Develop essential and present-day practical skills and knowledge
  • Support life-long learning
  • Be more flexible in terms of delivery and assessment
  • Provide clearer and greater opportunities for progression and upskilling

What’s changing?

If you have studied an RHS Qualification, you will still hold one of the industry's most highly regarded and valuable qualifications. If you are seeking to achieve a combined qualification using a previous achievement, such as a Diploma, then our transitional arrangements will provide you with the necessary guidance.

If you are currently studying a former qualification (pre-September 2022 Level 2 or pre-September 2023 Level 3 qualification), the changes to the syllabus will not affect your studies, however, it is important to read the next section on key dates to ensure you complete within the allocated timeframe.

Anyone brand new to RHS Qualifications can start their learning journey with our revised qualifications. The information below will not be relevant.

What are the key dates?

After July 2024, the transitional period comes to an end for RHS Level 2 and after July 2025, the transitional period comes to an end for RHS Level 3.

No certifications will be issued by the RHS for programmes from the suite of pre-September 2022 RHS Level 2 and pre-September 2023 RHS Level 3 qualifications (including combined qualifications).

Registrations and assessment opportunities for the preceding qualifications (pre-September 2022 RHS Level 2 qualifications and pre-September 2023 RHS Level 3 qualifications) will close before this date. Learners must ensure sufficient time has been allocated to achieve the qualification they are seeking to attain.

Last enrolments and assessments

RHS Level 2

RHS Level 2 Practical (pre-September 2022)

  • Last enrolment date: 31 March 2022
  • Last assessment opportunity: To be completed by summer 2022

RHS Level 2 Plant Growth, Propagation and Development (pre-September 2022)

  • Last enrolment date: 31 March 2022
  • Last assessment opportunity: Exams will continue every February and June up to and including February 2024

RHS Level 2 Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance

  • Last enrolment date: 31 March 2023
  • Last assessment opportunity: Exams will continue every February and June up to and including February 2024

RHS Level 3

RHS Level 3 Practical (pre-September 2023)

  • Last enrolment date: 31 March 2023
  • Last assessment opportunity: To be completed by summer 2023

RHS Level 3 Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation (pre-September 2023)

  • Last enrolment date: 31 March 2023
  • Last assessment opportunity: Exams will continue every February and June, up until and including February 2025

RHS Level 3 Garden Planning, Construction and Planting

  • Last enrolment date: 31 March 2024
  • Last assessment opportunity: Exams will continue every February and June, up until and including February 2025

Additional information

Download our helpful Structure and Transition Arrangment documents for more information about the changes being made to RHS Level 2 and RHS Level 3 studies.

Our revised suite of qualifications

RHS approved centres will be delivering and accepting enrolments on our revised RHS Level 2 from September 2022 and RHS Level 3 from September 2023. RHS Level 1 remains unchanged.

Level 1

Aimed at 14 – 19 year olds and adults with additional learning needs

Level 1

Level 2

Establish a foundation for further learning or training

Level 2

Level 3

For those working in horticulture wanting to further their career

Level 3

View our former RHS Qualifications

Assessment opportunities for our former qualifications will no longer be available after a certain date. Please see the information above for key dates. Learners must ensure sufficient time has been allocated to achieve the qualification they are seeking to attain.

Quick links

Where can I learn?

Find out about your chosen route, including fees and start dates, by getting in touch with RHS approved study centres

Where can I learn?

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.