Qualifications & training

RHS Level 3 Qualifications (post-September 2023)

​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 Diploma in Horticulture consists of three individual qualifications; a practical-based qualification, a knowledge-based qualification and a project-based task centred on your interest or specialism. 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 gardens 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. The project based Award is slightly smaller with 40 Guided Learning Hours.

Discover more

Download a pdf document of the specifications for Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture and the Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation.

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. 

  • Approval by Ofqual has recently been granted for the Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation and we are currently reviewing the delivery aspect of this qualification. At this moment in time, RHS Approved Centres are unable to deliver and enrol learners on the Level 3 Award. Further information will be available shortly.

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.

Award in Horticultural Investigation

In order to achieve this qualification, learners must complete a 4,000–4,500 word report and undertake a professional discussion into a horticultural topic of their own choosing. This will be approved by their centre and the learner will be supervised to ensure the resulting report meets the requirements for submission to the RHS for assessment. 

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, in particular the Diploma, should give 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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