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

Last post 13-07-2012 3:00 PM by RHS Qualifications. 3 replies.

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  • 21/06/2012 03:44 PM
    • mistergunn
    • London
    • 21 Jun 2012
    • 1
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    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
    • 07 Nov 2006
    • 2,376
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    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
    • glasgow
    • 22 Oct 2008
    • 25
    Top 500 Contributor
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    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
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    Top 500 Contributor
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    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.