RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture
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Introduction to the Course
Founded on qualifications first established in 1893, the Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (replacing the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture) is an internationally recognised qualification providing a broad-based understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology.
This course is:
- an ideal first qualification for a career in horticulture
- perfect for leisure gardeners keen to expand their knowledge
This course is divided into two separate certificates which you can study independently or together to attain the Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture.
IMPORTANT
Due to changes to the RHS qualifications, the last exam offering for this version of the qualification will be in February 2024.
By signing up for this course you are acknowledging that you must complete the course by this time in order to gain the qualification.
RBGE will continue to keep the resources up to date and offer support for the current version of the qualification through to the last set of exams. There will be no need for students to register and pay for the new qualification when it launches unless they have not completed by February 2024.
If you chose to sit the current version of the qualification, the qualification you gain will still remain valid after the launch of the new version of the course.
The RHS have not released the qualification specification for the updated version of the course, so we are unable to offer a direct comparison between this version of the course and the new version.
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Study options:
- ONLINE
- ATTENDED
(Note the attended version of this course is not being offered currently)
Course Handbook (Word document)
Sample online materials (log in as a guest)
About the Course
- What does the course cover?
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The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is the most widely regarded entry-level horticulture course. It consists of two Certificates:
- Certificate 1: Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
Comprised of 4 units: Plant classification, structure and function, Plant nutrition and the root environment, Maintaining plant health and Understanding plant propagation - Certificate 2: Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
Comprised of 4 units: Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning, Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of gardens plants and lawns, Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit and Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation
The full course delivers a broad-based understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology, and provides you with a qualification that is recognised internationally by the horticulture industry.
- Certificate 1: Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
- What is the format of the course?
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The RHS Level 2 course is aimed towards the examinations set by the RHS, so the content is predominantly theory. We provide you with a complete set of information and learning support to help you pass the exams.
The course is broken down into two separate certificates that are designed to stand alone. When combined, they make up the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture.
This year we will only be offering the RHS Level 2 as an Online course. You can choose to study the full course (all 8 units) or an individual certificate (4 units).
- Do I need any prior knowledge?
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The RHS Level 2 Certificate does not require any existing qualifications or experience. All you need is an interest in the subject and a willingness to set aside several hours a week for study. Overall we are looking for keen, enthusiastic ‘plants people’ of all ages, who would value the opportunity to study at RBGE and will contribute to the programme.
We do advise that you should have some very basic confidence with computers, as the attended and online courses both make use of PropaGate Learning, our online learning environment. There is further information on this in the handbook.
- What support will I get with online learning?
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This is a self-directed online course that you work through at your own pace. We encourage everyone to make the most of the forums on the course. These provide a way for students to talk to one another and to ask questions to fellow students and tutors. Our PropaGate Learning team are always available so if you ever feel you are stuck with technical problem, they can be contacted via the forums or by email.
- What do I need to study online?
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You should be competent computer user with a basic understanding of standard computer applications such as using an internet browser, email and word processing.
Experience of participating in online forums would also be a benefit, but not essential.
Our ‘Digital Skills Check’ to help you to identify any areas of IT you may need to brush up on.
This type of course is best suited to highly motivated learners that are able to work independently.
- When can I start?
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Online Course - Existing Qualification
We are no longer offering the full RHS Level 2 Theory Course. This is due to the RHS launching a revised version of the qualification in September 2022.
We're taking a short pause on single certificate registrations and will reopen by the end of January for students who have already started the course and need to register for one last theory certificate in order to complete the Certificate or Diploma.
Online Course - Revised Qualification
Although the RHS are aiming to launch the revised version of the qualification in September 2022, we do not have a start date for this course running at RBGE. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for the new course, please complete this form.
- How much does the course cost?
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The fee for an individual certificate is £250. This is payable on application and includes:
- Access to course materials via PropaGate Learning through to June 2023
- Online support for horticultural study questions
- How do I apply?
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Online Course - Existing Qualification
We are no longer offering the full RHS Level 2 Theory Course. This is due to the RHS launching a revised version of the qualification in September 2022.
We're taking a short pause on single certificate registrations and will reopen by the end of January for students who have already started the course and need to register for one last theory certificate in order to complete the Certificate or Diploma.
Online Course - Revised Qualification
Although the RHS are aiming to launch the revised version of the qualification in September 2022, we do not have a start date for this course running at RBGE. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for the new course, please complete this form.
- Can I join the waiting list for the attended course?
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In light of the uncertainty which continues to surround social distancing and the return to onsite teaching at RBGE, we have taken the difficult decision to not offer an attended version of the RHS course until after the revised qualifications launch in 2022.
We appreciate the disappointment this may cause, however we must ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff, students and volunteers.
Although we don’t have details of when we will be in a position to run the course, you can join a waiting list to receive details as soon as they are confirmed.
- Sitting the RHS Exams as an External Candidate
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We are pleased to announce the registration details for the February 2022 RHS exams at RBGE and would like to apologise for the delay in doing so.
How to Register
Phase 1 – RBGE Students
Registrations for RBGE Students open at 10.00am on Tuesday 16th November 2021 for students within the catchment area*RBGE Students REGISTER HERE
Phase 2 – External Candidates
Registrations for any exams that still have spaces will open on Monday 22nd November 2021 at 10.00am to external candidates within the catchment area*External Candidates REGISTER HERE
Registrations close on Sunday 12th December 2021.
Registrations will be via an online form and will be processed on a first come first served basis. We will post the link to the form below this message when registration opens. A reminder of the dates and times for the exams can be found here.
June 2021 Results
The results from the June 2021 exams will be released on 8th December, however we’d urge people not to wait until then to register for the February exams as there is a chance you could miss out completely with the reduced capacity. Please do not register for exams you have already sat in case you fail, instead register for the exams you plan to sit should you pass. If you need to resit any exams, you can add to your registration (if space allows) or resit at a future sitting.In the meantime, please see below for some important information regarding exams in general:
Covid Regulations
The exams will likely run with 1m distancing and masks required in communal areas between exams, this is current policy in our buildings. Details of exactly what measures will be in place will be shared nearer the exams. As always, these exams are subject to cancellation should the guidance from Scottish Government change.*RBGE Catchment Area
Due to capacity limits RBGE are only able to accept exam registrations from students in Scotland, Northern Ireland and UK based applicants in and north of Newcastle. However please note that this will not guarantee you a space for the exams. Registrations are processed on a first come first served basis.If you live in the RBGE catchment area and can sit the exams elsewhere or online, please consider this option. RBGE will not have enough spaces for everyone who wants to sit the exams here and if you wait too long local centres may book up.
Sitting Exams at another Centre
If you are planning to sit the exams at another centre, please contact them as soon as possible to find out how and when to register. Please note that some centres may already be full as the registrations have been open for some time.If you need to find an exam centre near you please check the RHS website.
Sitting the Exams Online
After a successful trial the RHS have introduced online exams which will be available for the February 2022 sitting.Students who wish to register for the online exams must register directly with the RHS: qualifications@rhs.org.uk – please do not complete the RBGE registration form.
Please be aware that you will be asked to undertake a very short demo exam in the location and on the computer you intend to use for the exam. This is so that the RHS can ensure that your system is set up correctly and that any issues are sorted out well before the exams in February. Please be assured that your responses in the demo exam do not count in any way towards your qualification.
The RHS will not accept registration for online exams after the 15th December 2021, however you are advised to contact them sooner rather than later to allow time for the system set-up and demo exam test to take place in plenty of time before the exams.
RBGE will not be involved in the registration or management of the online exams and have very little information about the running of them. Any questions regarding online exams should be directed to the RHS.