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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 51 Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 51 ACCREDITATION, CERTIFICATION AND AWARDS FROM NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FLORIST ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS AIFD and CFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) The American Institute of Floral Designers offers two designations to candidates who have demonstrated advanced professional ability of floral artistry: • AIFD (Accredited in Floral Design) • CFD (Certified Floral Designer). To be an Accredited Member of AIFD and to use the AIFD designation after one's name, one must achieve an exceptional score during the Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE). Accredited members must earn 30 continuing education credits every five years to maintain their accreditation. There are several ways to obtain CFD certification. One path is through AIFD- approved education partners, state florist associations or SAIFD (Student AIFD) chapters. Once coursework is completed, with teacher approval, one would then take the online test to complete CFD certification. AIFD also offers a "Certified Floral Evaluator/Judge" (CFEJ) certification exclusively for Accredited Members of AIFD. aifd.org/membership/becoming-aifd aifd.org/membership/becoming-a-cfd AAF (American Academy of Floriculture) Florists who are members of the Society of American Florists (SAF) may apply to be awarded the AAF designation. The American Academy of Floriculture recognizes members who have committed both time and energy to the floral industry and to their communities. safnow.org/about-saf/awards- certifications/american-academy-of- floriculture-aaf PFCI (Professional Floral Communicators—International) Professional Floral Communicators— International is a network of professional floral educators certified by the Society of American Florists (SAF). Each member of PFCI has proved, through education and experience, their ability to speak authoritatively about the principles and elements of floral design, the proper care and handling of flowers, and effective business management techniques. safnow.org/about-saf/awards- certifications/pfci/apply-for-pfci- membership CAFA (Canadian Academy of Floral Art) The Canadian Academy of Floral Art was formed in 1992 to promote floral design as an art form, to display and elevate excellent floral design in Canada and around the world, and to recognize and promote the exceptional artistic talents of not only Canadian floral designers but also floral designers from around the world (there are CAFA members in United States, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom). Accreditation involves a two-step process: 1) taking a written test and providing photos of one's floral design work, and 2) an onsite design evaluation comprising the creation of five designs, all of which are "surprise packages." canadianacademyoffloralart.ca EMC (European Master Certification) An education and certification program, the European Master Certification program is a three- part journey into floral design craftsmanship, knowledge and professional certification. The program is led by Tomas De Bruyne and Christi Lopez, EMC, AIFD, CFD. The EMC Core Program, which comprises three courses—Foundation, Practicum and Advanced—takes six to 12 months to complete, if one pursues the three parts one after the other; however, that is not required. EMC offers payment plans for every step in the program, so one can pay as one progresses through the program. europeanmastercertification.com/core- program

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