Courses leading to the RHS Level 2 theory Certificates run at our Centres at Ryton Gardens, near Coventry, North Moreton near Didcot and Bampton near Faringdon, Oxon. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  the RHS suite of qualifications has changed and from September 2022 centres started to deliver the new format Level 2 qualifications, and from 2023 the new Level 3.

 In the new format for Level 2 there is a new new single theory Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development (2022) which with a new Practical Certificate will make up a new  RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. 

The Principles Certificate will consist of two units, assessed by two examinations; each unit will include 4 topics and the examinations will sample knowledge in all four topics.  Awards will be graded as Pass, Merit and Distinction. Examinations will  be online but on specific dates, not on demand.

Those students who have begun one part of the current level 2 Diploma  will be able to complete it using the new Certificate in Horticultural Principles, the new Certificate in Horticultural Practice, or the 'old' theory Certificate in Garden Planning; the latest date to begin this March 2023. Exams for the 'old' courses will continue until February 2024. However if all theory and practical courses at level 2 are not completed by July 2024 then the transition arrangements expire and no Diploma can be awarded.

For Level 3 there is a new single theory Certificate in Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation which with a new Practical Certificate will make up an RHS Advanced Certificate, and with a new Award in Horticultural Investigation will make up a Level 3 Diploma. Assessment formats for the theory Certificate will follow the level 2 structure. Examinations for the current level 3 theory Certificates will continue through 2023, and have been extended through 2024 with the absolute final exam round in February 2025.

The RHS have set a deadline for enrolment on the 'old'  Level 3 Certificate in Garden Planning, Construction and Planting of 31 March 2024.  'Enrolment' does not mean you need to be registered for an examination before that cut-off date.

This means that you can begin to study the Level 3 Garden Planning Certificate up to March 2024 if you need this to complete your Diploma,  but anyone thinking of doing so should be aware of the limited exam opportunities ( February and June 2024, February 2025) for completion. Incomplete Certificates cannot be transferred to the new qualification.

Completing both the current theory Certificates plus the current Practical in 2022-23 or the new Practical Certificate in 2023-4 will allow you to achieve the current RHS Level 3 Diploma before the cut-off for transitions in July 2025. However if all theory and practical courses at level 3 are not completed by July 2024 then the transition arrangements expire and students will have work through the new diploma.