'Blended' learning was designed for working horticulturists who wanted to have their abilities recognised with an RHS qualification, but who could not attend a regular class. It combined distance learning, with online notes videos and presentations,  with practical teaching to prepare for practical assessments.

We hope it will be possible to deliver the new RHS  Level 2 Practical qualification in a Blended Learning format eventually, in two blocks of practical tuition plus online study and practice at home, but this depends on how the new assessment timetabling can be agreed between centres and the RHS. 

There are two two-hour Practical Competence Assessment tests with an RHS assessor and a centre assessor; these have to be booked for a group in September and take place over half-days in Jan-March and May-July. There is also a 75-minute online  test of the underpinning knowledge element of the new qualification, which will require considerably more study time than the previous practical qualification.

Level 3 Practical  is being taught for the first time in 2023-4 and its single Practical Competence Assessment, plus 'professional discussion' and online examination, are still evolving.