AIFD CFD study guide
AIFD CFD · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential is issued by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and is positioned by the organization as the first step on the path to Accredited membership. AIFD's own language invites designers to obtain the coveted stature of Accredited membership "by first becoming a Certified Floral Designer." That framing matters: the CFD is a milestone, not the destination. It suits working floral designers, studio and event florists, and serious students who want an external benchmark for design skill rather than another certificate of attendance. Because AIFD's public certification pages are largely navigational, candidates should confirm the current exam blueprint, fees, scheduling, and scoring directly with AIFD before registering. The AIFD CFD study guide has 5 sections and about 1,593 words.
01Design Elements and Principles
The elements of design are the raw visual materials: line, form, space, texture, color, and size. Line leads the eye and sets mood-vertical lines feel formal and architectural, horizontal lines restful, diagonals dynamic.
334 words, about 2 min02Floral Design Techniques and Mechanics
Mechanics are the hidden structure that holds a design together and delivers water. Understand stem preparation, anchoring, water sources, and finishing.
312 words, about 2 min03Color Theory and Color Harmony
Color has three measurable dimensions: hue (the family name, such as red or blue), value (lightness or darkness), and chroma or saturation (intensity). A tint adds white, a shade adds black, and a tone adds gray or a complement.
302 words, about 2 min04Botanical Knowledge, Conditioning, and Care
Conditioning is the process of preparing plant material to take up water and last. Start with clean buckets, clean tools, and a cool, shaded workspace.
320 words, about 2 min05Professional and Business Practices
Professional practice requires you to separate cost, price, markup, and margin. Cost of goods sold includes flowers, hard goods, and containers.
325 words, about 2 min