Florint’s Floristry Judging System

Florint’s Floristry Judging System consists of two important parts. First, we developed a transparent scoring system for floral design: the International 100-Points System. Then, we established a system for training professional florists in the use of this assessment system: our Judges’ Certification system. Together, these two elements form a scoring methodology that works exceptionally well. Our judging system has been adopted very widely. It has, in fact, has become the worldwide standard in assessing the quality of floristry design.

Certification for professional floristry judges & assessors

Florint puts tremendous effort into improving the quality level of floral design competitions. We have developed competition blueprints and formats for this purpose, in which the experiences of many years are collected. But an equally important aspect of competition quality has to do with the involved judges: are they genuine professionals..? Is the scoring process transparent..?

To be able to answer that question with a resounding ‘yes’, we set out to develop our certification system for floral design judges!

Understanding Florint’s Judges’ Certification system

The ‘JudgCert’ system developed by International Florist Organisation only certifies florists after a meticulous assessment. We critically evaluate all the aspects of whether a candidate can perform as a judge, both personally and professionally.

Four related certification levels exist:

1. National Certified Judge in Floristry Design (NCJFD)
2. National Certified Assessor in Floristry Design (NCAFD)
3. International Certified Judge in Floristry Design (ICJFD)
4. International Certified Assessor in Floristry Design (ICAFD)

The NCJFD and ICJFD certification apply primarily to competition settings, while the NCAFD and ICAFD certifications focus on floristry assessment in an education setting. Proper understanding of, and training in, the use of Florint’s 100-Points Scoring System is fundamental to the assessment process.

At first, interested candidates can only apply to be national certified judges (NCJFD) – and engage in judging on a national level. Once the candidate is certified on a national basis, they can apply for the advanced, international assessment.

The assessment process is organised by education experts from Florint and Flornet and a national florist association, which Florint must first license. The JudgCert certificate is valid for 5 years, after which it can be renewed by providing Florint with proof of relevant judging experience. 

Developing the Judges’ Certification system

Our European Judges’ Certification system is based upon Florint’s competence profile for a professional judge. We established this system together with our national member associations and partners such as Stoas University (now Aeres) and education network Flornet. Its objectives are:

• to enhance the reputation of (certified) international judges
• to function as an indicator of experience, skill and professionalism
• to provide a recognized international accreditation to European/international judges
• to encourage the development of knowledge and skills pertinent to professional judging
• to allow judges to demonstrate outstanding professionalism to peers and to potential prospects

In the 5 countries that were involved in the development process, national assessments were initially held. Many other countries have since then also organised their first national assessments, with the aid of the experts of the pilot group.

On the international level, the first 5 candidates were officially accredited as international certified judges in floral design in October 2013. Several other highly talented florists have since joined them.