Courses Info and education advice

In the Netherlands there are several (International) professional diplomas in flower art. We divide the diploma's in:

A Diploma’s of the Dutch government
Since 2005 there is a new system CKS floral arranger and CKS Vormgever Leefomgeving (Designer life surroundings) (a competention based qualification structure).
Schools can have day time education subsidized by the Dutch government (BOL).
Also there is a part time study (BBL).

  • Day time courses (BOL) and (BBL)
  • These diplomas are organized in certificates.
  • The diploma’s are recognized by the Dutch government and by the Dutch florist association.

B Diploma’s (Certificates) of the Dutch florist association VBW

  • These courses are primary for adults and can be followed part time.
  • Courses can be followed by VBW licensed schools in The Netherlands and in some other countries
  • Licensed schools organize the examinations by them selves.
  • Diploma's (Certificates) are supported by the Dutch ministry of agriculture and recognized by the Dutch and European florist association.

There are about 25 schools in Holland who provide these VBW courses. They offer the diplomas of VBW (Dutch florist association)
Busides this there are all kind of workshops and custom made courses.

Overview of VBW courses in Holland:

Course Level Qualification Diploma (Certificate)

DFA-1

Basic Dutch floral 
arranger

Dutch Flower Arrangements-1

Basic diploma in Dutch floral art.

Usually a 2 year course, one day a week.
(Lessons take about 200 hours) (differs per school).

The examination is only practical.

DFA-2

Primary Professional
arranger

Dutch Flower Arrangements-2
There is an theoretical and a practical examination.
After DFA-1 you can do only theoretical examination to become this diploma, this takes about one year (60 lesson hours) (differs per school).

ADFA-1

Advanced Advanced 
arranger

Advanced Dutch Flower Arrangements-1 
Usually a two year course, one day a week.
(Lessons take about 200 hours) (differs per school).
The examination only is practical.

ADFA-2

Secondary Dutch florist

Advanced Dutch Flower Arrangemenst-2 
This can be done after the examination ADFA-1. It will take one year to do this advanced theoretical examination (60 lesson hours) (differs per school).

New course on this place is coming up soon Intermediate   A new course is in development between ADFA-2 and Master level.
We hope to have information soon.

MASTER

 Master Master 
designer

Dutch Master in flower art; Proeve van meesterschap.

part A: practical examination.
This course can take about 1.5 or 2 year, one day a week (about 140 lesson hours).

Part B, the innovative part of this exam. 
This part can take about one year and is a special study.

Title: Erkend bloemsierkunstenaar (Dutch master florist).

Licensed schools organize the examination on their own school.

Education advice


To have success in education in flower art it is important to follow a quality course. In Holland all schools and colleges have a Dutch language training. Some also have an English course. Click here for detailed course info. Schools often have different content in their courses. It is important before you start a cooperation to investigate the differences and to choose for the best course.
VBW also have international licensed schools in some other countries. Ask us for more information.

You can find via Link the address list of schools in Holland.

Aad van Uffelen can be your partner to arrange a short intensive course in Holland. Only for groups. For lessons, floral demonstrations or other activities bij Aad van Uffelen see page consultancy

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Last update of this page 07.09.2007