Accredited by the RHS - Learn a valuable trade and gain a respected qualification
These studies prepare you to sit the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture examinations, including the practical examination which must be undertaken in the UK. This course gives you greater depth of knowledge and horticultural skill, and if you want to go even further, it forms the first stage of the RHS Diploma in Horticulture.
This advanced certificate is an accredited award through the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (Accreditation No 100/5844/8) in the UK.
ACS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture: Successful completion of this RHS course modules and RHS theory exams (plus 100 hrs of industry contact) will also allow you to gain an ACS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture. This course is run by several other schools as members of the ACS Global Education Network of Colleges.
RHS ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE
This course will prepare you gain a qualification from one of the world’s most prestigious, widely recognised horticultural bodies, the Royal Horticultural Society in the U.K. The RHS Advanced Certificate is an excellent stand alone qualification, or a sound starting point for advanced study in horticulture.
This course consists of 4 RHS modules: Modules A, B, C, plus either D, I or J.
Module C - practical assessment takes place at the RHS in September/October***
In order to prepare for examinations conducted by the RHS you will need to study seven or 8 standard ACS modules (depending upon which of the options you choose to undertake).
We strongly recommend that you do not decide on your optional studies until first completing core modules A, B and C
RHS - ACS Module Alignment
Module A - Part 1: Propagation I (100 hours) & Part 2: Soil Management (Horticulture)
Module B - Part 3: Botany I (100 hours) & Part 4: Horticulture III (100 hours)
Module C - Part 5: Practical Horticulture I (100 hours)***
PLUS ELECTIVE CHOICES (either D, I or J)
Module D - Crops 1 (100 hours), Protected Plant Production (100 hours)
Module I - Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens (100 hours), Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens (100 hours)
Module J - Turf Care (100 hours) Plant Selection, Establishment (100 hours), Wholesale Nursery Management (100 hours)
Course duration: approx 800-900 hours
Study Mode: These modules may be taken either by standard distance education, or by online study. Fees and most services are the same either way. Online studies deliver your notes over the internet, and provide some additional services such as automated self tests. Normal distance education supplies you with printed notes through the mail or by courier, but does not have access to the self tests. Both require you to submit similar assignments and sit the same exams.
RHS Examinations:
RHS examinations are held twice a year - usually in February and July. After completing the course, you will apply to the RHS to take their Advanced Certificate exams. You will be required to take four exams:
- Three 2 hr theory examinations of Modules A, B and ELECTIVE module; plus
- A 3 hr practical exam for Module C.
Practical Horticulture is currently only available online through ACS. All other modules may be taken online or off line. The practical examination for Module C can only be taken at the RHS in the U.K. Note: RHS exam fees (payable to the RHS) apply in addition to course tuition fees charged by your school.
The RHS advises that candidates should be aware that this course requires a broad practical experience in horticulture and that the progression from RHS Certificate 2 to Advanced Certificate is a “considerable step”.
Any practical experience you can obtain with a credible and qualified horticulturist will add strength to your ability in attempting the practical examination.
Other qualification option
If you take the RHS Advanced Certificate course and pass the three theory exams, but are unable to take the practical exam in the U.K., you can gain an Advanced Certificate in Horticulture through ACS without additional exams. You will only need to complete 100 hrs of work experience or workshops, or Research Project 1. This will give you a respected Australian qualification, and an RHS transcript of the exams passed.
- You also have the option of sitting exams in each (or any) of the seven or 8 ACS modules. To sit and pass such an exam will provide an ACS credit which can be used to contribute toward an ACS awarded certificate or diploma.
- ACS exams can be arranged anywhere in the world, any week of the year.
- A fee applies for each exam.
More Details
Details regarding RHS Exams and requirements, including sample exams can be found on the RHS web site at http://www.rhs.org.uk/Learning/Education/exams.htm
"Accredited by the RHS. Learn a valuable trade and gain a respected qualification".
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is known and respected worldwide, and their qualifications are considered the most internationally credible qualifications in horticulture.
Study with a team of highly qualified and internationally renowned horticultural tutors in the UK, Australia and NZ. ACS has been teaching horticulture for over 30 years and provides a range of unique support services including prompt unrestricted access by phone and email to around a dozen highly qualified and experienced horticulturists.
