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RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture

This practical-based qualification advances current skills – providing a route into, and supporting career development within, professional horticulture. While also encouraging specialisation in areas of interest and progression to further training

Who is this qualification for?

Career changers. Looking to work in professional horticulture for the first time and already have a Level 2 understanding

Professional horticulturists. Already working in horticulture and wanting to develop knowledge further

Casual learners. Wanting to develop personal interest and progress to further horticultural study at level 4

Busy people. Need a flexible learning style? Our qualifications are designed to be studied part-time

No entry requirements. However, it is strongly recommended that students have obtained the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture or equivalent before they start this course.

Modules, learning outcomes and assessment

Each module is assessed by a range of practical activities timetabled and conducted at an RHS approved centre throughout the qualification

Mandatory modules

Potential hazards and risks
Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing
Reasons for soil testing
Collect and prepare a soil sample for laboratory testing
Accurately measure, by weight, the constituent components of different soil samples
Measure the pH of soil
Specify suitable materials to amend the pH value of soils
Measure the area of a given site and make calculations
Diagnose nutrient deficiencies and recommend remedial action

Plan seed propagation
Implement seed propagation
Monitor germination of seeds
Maintain and use equipment during seed propagation
Promote health and safety and environmental good practice

Know the potential hazards and risks associated with establishing and maintaining plants
Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing
Select and use effectively a range of tools and equipment
Plant, stake and tie a tree
Understand the principles of pruning
Carry out maintenance pruning and training on a range of plants
Provide aftercare to promote growth and fruition

Identify a range of:

plants and know their characteristics and decorative merits
weeds by botanical name and know their characteristics and methods of control
seeds
pests and diseases and know their characteristics and methods of control
disorders and describe appropriate treatment

Optional modules (choose one)

Plan the collection of propagation material
Collect propagation material
Prepare propagation material
Establish propagation material in a growing environment
Maintain and use relevant equipment
Promote health and safety and environmental good practice

Carry out site surveys
Assess the management requirements of horticultural areas
Produce management and maintenance plans for specified periods of time
Understand the importance of biosecurity in protecting horticultural areas
Understand how to monitor and maintain the health, safety and security of the work area
Monitor and maintain the health, safety and security of the work area

Useful documents and information

Qualification specification

Practical qualification FAQs

Policies and procedures

After the qualification

Career opportunities

You will have gained a range of horticultural knowledge relevant to employment in various roles in commercial plant production and the horticultural sector, such as a head gardener or supervisor in private, public, or botanic gardens or parks and urban green spaces.
Horticultural careers

Further learning

The qualification supports progression to level 4 courses in horticulture or entry onto various horticultural training programmes.
Master of Horticulture

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'Being RHS qualified has helped me to attract customers' - Lynn Heslop, Level 3 student
Read more learner stories

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Get involved

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.