RHS Level 2 Certificate - is the old Certificate still industry recognised?

Last post 16-06-2013 9:50 PM by Hortaddict. 6 replies.

• 21/06/2012 03:44 PM

  mistergunn Location: London Joined on: 21 Jun 2012 Posts: 1

  Reply | Contact Hello, I was issued the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture on 14/09/2011. The accreditation number is not recognised on The Register of Regulated qualifications. I'm a bit concerned as I've recently been made redundant and originally did the Level 2 as a pre-emptive move in an attempt to begin a carre change. Does anyone know how I should explain this on my CV? Also, the course incorporated NPTC Level 1 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills. I had assumed that potential employers would be able to check the original Level 2 accreditation number to confirm this as it says nothing on my Level 2 certificate. Can I take it as a given that it is known; 1) What the old Level 2 consisted of (I hear it was more substantial than current Level 2) 2) That the old Level 2 compromises NPTC Level 1 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills Thank you very much in advance if anyone can help me with this one.. ...mistergunn...

• 22/06/2012 10:57 AM

  In reply to

  Location: Joined on: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 2,412

  Reply | Contact Hello the RHS has this on their site "The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture was accredited until 31 July 2010. This was the latest date that a candidate could register for the qualification. If a candidate has registered with the RHS to take either the Horticulture I examination or the Horticulture II examination at any time before this date, they will be able to take or re-take either examination up until the February 2012 session" Dont know if this helps? but why not contact them?

• 06/07/2012 04:23 PM

  In reply to

  loulou Location: glasgow Joined on: 22 Oct 2008 Posts: 25

  Reply | Contact Hi, As someone whose worked in horticulture for a while, I can tell you that the original Level 2 is well-recognised by employers and education institutions, and has long been highly regarded. I don't think you have any reason to be concerned on that score. I'm not sure they'll know about the NPTC Certificate though - I'd mention this separately on your CV to ensure they are aware of it, if that makes sense. Good luck with your job search! Louise

• 13/07/2012 03:00 PM

  In reply to

  RHS Qualifications Location: Joined on: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 31

  Reply | Contact I am replying on behalf of RHS Qualifications to clarify some incorrect information in the original post. The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture is still on the Register of Qualifications, but is listed in the category of 'Withdrawn' qualifications, as the accreditation ended on 31 July 2010. You will need to use the advanced search facility and select show 'withdrawn'. It was replaced by the new QCF qualification, the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. It is not correct that the previous Level 2 Certificate was more substantial. The new Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture covers largely the same content as the previous qualificatiuon, but is structured in a different way. The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture does not incorporate the NPTC Level 1 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills as this from a different awarding body. It may be that the course you followed covered the content for both qualifications, but each awarding body would assess and award the certificate for its own qualification.

• 16/06/2013 01:48 PM

  In reply to

  Pamela Location: Joined on: 16 Jun 2013 Posts: 1

  Reply | Contact I have applied to enter the RHS Level 2 certificate course in Practical Horticulture for Sept 2013. I have been told that this is worth 15 credits towards the Diploma in Horticulture. I have passed with commendation the RHS Level 2 certificate in Horticulture in Sept 2008. Can I gain the Diploma at the end of the Practical Horticulture Certificate course from adding up all my credits? If so, how do I go about this?

• 16/06/2013 07:47 PM	In reply to
  belindag Location: Scotland Joined on: 25 Apr 2013 Posts: 13	Reply | Contact My understanding is that the "old" Level 2 would give you exemptions from sitting the "new" Level 2 equivalent exams. So once you pass the practical element, then you'd apply for the Diploma citing your "old" Level 2 qualifications in the same way as you would apply for the Diploma with the "new" Level 2 exam passes.

• 16/06/2013 09:50 PM

  In reply to

  Hortaddict Location: Oxon/Warks/Worcs Joined on: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 39

  Reply | Contact  It's a little bit more complicated - you need to apply to the RHS to have your existing (NQF) qualification taken into account for the new Diploma. If you go to the actual specification for the two level 2 qualifications which are the equivalent if your RHS qual and read through all the prelims to page 9 'Exemptions':  '10.Exemptions The ‘Regulatory arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework’ allow exemptions to be granted for units based upon certificated achievement in other qualifications. RHS Qualifications will grant exemption from specified units in RHS QCF qualifications where a candidate has passed certain components of RHS qualifications in the National Qualifications Framework (current RHS qualifications).   All requests for exemption will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Applications must be made to RHS Qualifications and an administration fee will be charged.  Candidates will need to have obtained 50% of the available marks for the NQF component (within the Paper/Module) in order to obtain exemption from the QCF unit.   All exemptions aretreated as equivalent to a pass. No certificate or credit is awarded for units for which exception has been granted.'   All of the Plant Growth Certificate can be exempted; however the first unit of 'Garden Planning' contains some material that wasn't in the 'old' certificate, so to carry your level 2 certificate forward  to gain the diploma you need to sit that unit,  plus apply to the RHS for exemption in all the other units.     Hope this helps, J   J