There are two routes to ICPF. First, the ICPF certification program consists of a two part series of eight online courses, and four hands-on, in-person classes completed in one weekend. Second, you may forego all online and in person classes and take an in-person comprehensive assessment in March at our Annual Design Show. The fifty plus hours of instruction cover the basic areas of professional floristry. Subjects covered include Basic Design Techniques, Daily Business Procedures, Employee Relations, Sympathy Design Basics, and Principles & Elements of Design.
The course is for the beginning florist or a more experienced designer looking to improve their skills.
Students may choose to take a single class, several classes or the whole series. At the completion of each class there is an assessment or skills check list. After successful completion of all twelve classes and assessment/skills check lists, the student will be granted the ICPF Credential through the Illinois State Florists' Association.
The first step to becoming certified is to provide your name, address, e-mail and pay the one time registration fee of $50. After you register, you will be contacted by the program coordinator with your password so you can choose your ICPF on-line class. CLICK TO REGISTER
For More Information or Questions Regarding ICPF Certification Contact:
ICPF Coordinator
Ronda Hess AIFD, CFD, ICPF
[email protected]
The course is for the beginning florist or a more experienced designer looking to improve their skills.
Students may choose to take a single class, several classes or the whole series. At the completion of each class there is an assessment or skills check list. After successful completion of all twelve classes and assessment/skills check lists, the student will be granted the ICPF Credential through the Illinois State Florists' Association.
The first step to becoming certified is to provide your name, address, e-mail and pay the one time registration fee of $50. After you register, you will be contacted by the program coordinator with your password so you can choose your ICPF on-line class. CLICK TO REGISTER
For More Information or Questions Regarding ICPF Certification Contact:
ICPF Coordinator
Ronda Hess AIFD, CFD, ICPF
[email protected]
On-line Courses
Students may choose to take a single class, several classes or the whole series. At the completion of each class there is an assessment or skills check list. All 8 on-line courses are required for ICPF certification unless students choose to take the comprehensive exam.
Care and Handling of Cut Flowers and Foliage REGISTER
Care and Handling of Foliage and Flowering Plants REGISTER
The Elements and Principles of Design REGISTER
Floral Business Procedures and Policies REGISTER
Floral Sales and Profitability for Retail Florists REGISTER
Advertising and Marketing REGISTER
The Art of Effective Visual Merchandising REGISTER
Flower Shop Delivery Concepts REGISTER
Students may choose to take a single class, several classes or the whole series. At the completion of each class there is an assessment or skills check list. All 8 on-line courses are required for ICPF certification unless students choose to take the comprehensive exam.
Care and Handling of Cut Flowers and Foliage REGISTER
Care and Handling of Foliage and Flowering Plants REGISTER
The Elements and Principles of Design REGISTER
Floral Business Procedures and Policies REGISTER
Floral Sales and Profitability for Retail Florists REGISTER
Advertising and Marketing REGISTER
The Art of Effective Visual Merchandising REGISTER
Flower Shop Delivery Concepts REGISTER
Hands-On Courses
Dates: Aug. 3-4, 2026
Location: Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150
• Minimum of 8 students to have classes
• Lunch is included both days
• Please bring tools
•Hotels available in Rochelle or DeKalb.
• Registration deadline July 23, 2026
• No Refunds after July 23, 2026, please plan accordingly
(Registration is now Closed)
REGISTER FOR ALL 4 COURSES HERE $500.00
Day 1
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Everyday Basic Designs—The foundation of floral design. Experience practical basic floral mechanics and techniques using the Principles & Elements of Design to create basic every day designs. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Floral Design Techniques & Applications--Identify design techniques and their practical application to professional floral design. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
Day 2
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Wedding Design Techniques—Gain practical experience as you create basic wedding bouquets. Techniques include wiring and taping, use of foam bouquet holders and personal flowers. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sympathy Design Basics—Experience hands-on how to’s for creating casket sprays, easel sprays and traditional mache' designs. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
Dates: Aug. 3-4, 2026
Location: Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150
• Minimum of 8 students to have classes
• Lunch is included both days
• Please bring tools
•Hotels available in Rochelle or DeKalb.
• Registration deadline July 23, 2026
• No Refunds after July 23, 2026, please plan accordingly
(Registration is now Closed)
REGISTER FOR ALL 4 COURSES HERE $500.00
Day 1
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Everyday Basic Designs—The foundation of floral design. Experience practical basic floral mechanics and techniques using the Principles & Elements of Design to create basic every day designs. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Floral Design Techniques & Applications--Identify design techniques and their practical application to professional floral design. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
Day 2
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Wedding Design Techniques—Gain practical experience as you create basic wedding bouquets. Techniques include wiring and taping, use of foam bouquet holders and personal flowers. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sympathy Design Basics—Experience hands-on how to’s for creating casket sprays, easel sprays and traditional mache' designs. $125.00 CLICK TO REGISTER
ICPF Comprehensive Assessment
The Comprehensive Assessment will be offered March 2026 at the ISFA Annual Floral Design Show and Retreat. This is in place of taking the online and hands on courses.
Written Assessment (2hrs)
Design Assessment (2.5hrs)
Reference Texts used for the Written Assessment
• Flowers: Creative Design, by Johnson/McKinley/Benz
• The AIFD Guide to Floral Design
Cost
ISFA Members (Shop Owners and Employees) - $450.00
Qualified Horticulture Students* - $450.00
*Must be enrolled or have graduated within the past 12 months from an Illinois College or University
Personal tools needed for Practical Assessment: Knife, Scissors, Pruners and Wire cutters.
ICPF COMPREHENSIVE TEST
Date: March 2027
Location: Four Points by Sheraton Peoria, IL
Time: TBD
Click Here to Register for the Comprehensive Test
The Comprehensive Assessment will be offered March 2026 at the ISFA Annual Floral Design Show and Retreat. This is in place of taking the online and hands on courses.
Written Assessment (2hrs)
Design Assessment (2.5hrs)
Reference Texts used for the Written Assessment
• Flowers: Creative Design, by Johnson/McKinley/Benz
• The AIFD Guide to Floral Design
Cost
ISFA Members (Shop Owners and Employees) - $450.00
Qualified Horticulture Students* - $450.00
*Must be enrolled or have graduated within the past 12 months from an Illinois College or University
Personal tools needed for Practical Assessment: Knife, Scissors, Pruners and Wire cutters.
ICPF COMPREHENSIVE TEST
Date: March 2027
Location: Four Points by Sheraton Peoria, IL
Time: TBD
Click Here to Register for the Comprehensive Test