The Florida School of Woodwork (FSW) Certificate Program combines beginner-to-advanced, skills-building, and project-based classes to provide a practical foundation for woodworking careers. An FSW certificate signals dedication and demonstrated proficiency to employers and colleagues.
Eligibility and non-discrimination
- FSW admits students regardless of race, age, religion, or gender and prohibits discrimination or harassment.
- Applicants must be 18 or older due to insurance requirements; applicants who will turn 18 within six months may be considered.
Application and enrollment
- Applications are accepted throughout the year.
- Prospective students must take a week-long Beginning Woodwork class before enrolling to confirm interest and familiarize themselves with the school; alternatively, they may take this class during the enrollment period.
- During enrollment, applicants complete an application and interview (in person or by video call).
- Upon acceptance, a non-refundable $1,800 registration fee is required; this amount is applied to the required Capstone Residency (a 2-week graduation course).
- Accepted students receive access to the class schedule two weeks before the next year’s schedule is released (beginning in 2027).
Program timeline and format
- Required coursework includes Beginning Woodwork plus additional specified classes (list provided separately).
- Most classes are weeklong (5–7 days) unless otherwise noted.
- Although the program can be completed in one year, students have up to 36 months from completion of Beginning Woodwork to finish all classes and outstanding projects, including the Capstone Project.
100 Level (in any order):
- Hand Tools and Joinery
- Introduction to Box Making
- Router Skills (2-day Weekend class)
- Introduction to Casemaking
200 Level (in any order):
- Casemaking
- Chair making
- Veneering
300 Level (in any order):
- Electives:
- Carving
- Wood Bending
- Finishing for Furniture Makers*
400 Level (in any order):
- Finishing for Furniture Makers*
- Design
- Capstone
*Depending on the annual schedule, Finishing and Design may be completed in either order.
Descriptions
100 Level: Beginner. Student has never taken a woodworking class at the FSW. Student may have no experience in woodworking, may have limited experience from learning in a home environment, or may be self-taught. Student requires assistance to identify hand tools skills, joinery, and techniques, and is not expected to work independently without any supervision.
200 Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate. Student has taken basic introductory courses at FSW and demonstrates some proficiency in identifying skills, joinery, and techniques. Can operate independently on most power tools. Is likely to have some equipment at their disposal to work outside the school.
300 Level: Intermediate. Student has a foundation in hand tools, joinery, power tools, and techniques. Has general understanding of language and terms; can work independently with limited guidance. May be able to assist other students. Has access to and utilizes shop space outside the school and is working on individual projects.
400 Level: Advanced. Student can, and does, work independently and is actively working on their own projects. Student is starting to design projects, and understands and constructs increasingly complex joinery.