Landscape Architecture Licensure Information

State Licensure Laws & Boards

Landscape Architecture licensure requirements are determined by each state. The state boards work with non-profit organizations ASLA, CLARB, LAAB to streamline and standardize the licensure process. ASLA stands for American Society of Landscape Architects. They have compiled the contact information for each state board on their website. Licensure requirements must be confirmed with the state board.

Download Landscape Architecture Licensure Overview from ASLA

State Board contact information can be found on the ASLA website at https://www.asla.org/StateGovtAffairsLicensure.aspx

CLARB

CLARB stands for Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. CLARB administers the licensing exams, called Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE), and coordinates exam eligibility with the state boards. They have compiled information on their website to show which states require LAAB accredited degrees for licensure. Please use the CLARB web page as a reference but the confirmation should always come from the state board.

To see which states require LAAB accredited degrees for licensure, start with the CLARB website at https://www.clarb.org/take-the-exam/check-eligibility

LAAB

LAAB stands for Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board. Information from LAAB: Accreditation is a non-governmental, voluntary system of self-regulation. Its core is the concept of self-evaluation. The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) accreditation process evaluates each program on the basis of its stated objectives and compliance to externally mandated minimum standards. The program conducts a self-study to evaluate how well it is meeting its educational goals. LAAB then provides an independent assessment, which determines if a program meets accreditation requirements. Programs leading to first professional degrees at the bachelor’s or master’s levels in the United States are eligible to apply for accreditation from LAAB. See a list of programs accredited by LAAB.

https://www.asla.org/accreditationlaab.aspx

Academy of Art University’s Landscape Architecture programs are not accredited by LAAB. But the BFA and MFA curricula are based on LAAB standards. In addition, our classes are taught by licensed landscape architects who are actively practicing in the profession. Our faculty mentor their students to guide them through the transition from academia to the profession. BFA and MFA students take a portfolio class to create a professional portfolio.

California State Board: LATC

LATC stands for Landscape Architects Technical Committee and is under the purview of the California Architects Board. LATC determines licensure requirements. California offers multiple paths to licensure. Candidates with degrees not accredited by LAAB can substitute with work experience. A total of 6 years is required which can be comprised of education and experience. https://www.latc.ca.gov/candidates/becoming_a_landscape_architect/

Examination

Information from LATC: The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) is the national licensing examination that measures knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the profession of landscape architecture; it is a product of the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) and formally adopted by California as its licensure examination. It consists of four multiple-choice sections. Visit CLARB for more information on the scope, structure and preparation guide for the LARE. CLARB also has resources for exam candidates on their website that include practice tests and other resources to help candidates better understand the content, format, and delivery for each section of the LARE.

https://www.latc.ca.gov/candidates/lare/

Download LARE Orientation Guide from CLARB

Here are the LARE exam sections and our courses pertaining to each section.

Inventory, Analysis, and Project Management (LAN 235/619 Site Inventory, LAN 392/700 Professional Practices, LAN 180 Plants in the Landscape)
Planning and Design (LAN Design Studios)
Construction Documentation and Administration (LAN 330 Materials and Details, LAN 360/683 Construction Documents)
Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management (LAN 260/617 Site Engineering)

https://www.latc.ca.gov/candidates/lare/sections.shtml

Education

California state board requires 6 years of “qualifying education and training experience, as specified in Section 2620 – Education and Training Credits” to be eligible to take the licensing exams.

4-year degree in landscape architecture not accredited by LAAB : 3 year credit
2-year or 3-year degree in landscape architecture: 1 year credit

https://www.latc.ca.gov/candidates/education/

Please confirm all eligibility requirements with the California state board LATC. Here is our interpretation of the state requirements but candidates must confirm their individual cases with the state board.

BFA students will receive 3 year credit towards the 6 years. After gaining 3 years of work experience, they can sit for licensing exams.
AA, MA, MFA students will receive 1 year credit towards the 6 years. After gaining 5 years of work experience, they can sit for licensing exams.

Experience

In California, a candidate who has a combination of 6 years of qualifying education and training experience shall be eligible and may apply for the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).

Experience obtained under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect: Up to 6 years credit
Experience as a licensed landscape contractor: Up to 4 years credit
Experience obtained under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape contractor: Up to 1 year credit
Experience as a licensed architect or registered civil engineer: Up to 3 years credit

https://www.latc.ca.gov/candidates/experience/