Licensure is the foundation of professional practice. It ensures that landscape architects meet rigorous standards to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public and the environment.
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Start with CLARB
Start your free CLARB account to access exclusive resources, receive the latest updates and begin your path to licensure.
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Consider where you want to work
Licensure is issued by individual state, provincial or territorial boards. Each has its own requirements for education, experience and exam eligibility. If you plan to work in more than one jurisdiction, be sure to review each board’s requirements early in the process.
Your first license is called an initial license. Additional licenses in other jurisdictions are considered reciprocal licenses.
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The Three E’s
Complete your Education, Experience and Examination
Education
Complete your education
Most candidates earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture from a program accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) in the U.S. or the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC) in Canada, though that may not be the only option in your jurisdiction.
CLARB supports additional pathways to licensure that maintain rigorous standards. If you earned your degree outside the U.S. or Canada from a nonaccredited degree program or in a different discipline, refer to your jurisdiction's licensure requirements then contact our Support Team to learn about additional pathways that may be available to you.
Create your CLARB Record
After you’ve completed your degree, it’s time to upgrade your free account to a CLARB Record, a verified account of your education, experience, exam results, and — once licensed — your licensure history and continuing education. It serves as a common application you can use for exams, licensure and CLARB Certification.
Examination
Take the L.A.R.E.
The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) assesses your ability to practice landscape architecture safely and effectively. All four sections must be passed for licensure. Once completed, the exam requirement is fulfilled for all CLARB member boards. This means that you do not have to retake the L.A.R.E. to get licensed in additional CLARB jurisdictions.
Some jurisdictions may require an additional local examination. Contact the licensure board where you plan to seek licensure for details.
Experience
Gain practical experience
Most jurisdictions require candidates to gain supervised experience in the four regulated areas of practice under the oversight of a licensed landscape architect or a related design professional. This helps build your real-world skills and prepares you for independent practice.
Did you know? Most boards allow you to start the exam while you are gaining experience.
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Apply for licensure
Once you’ve completed your education, experience and exam requirements, use your CLARB Record to apply for licensure in your chosen jurisdiction(s).
As part of this process, your CLARB Record is automatically reviewed for CLARB Certification — a credential that confirms you meet or exceed CLARB’s Uniform Standard. Certification streamlines the review process, strengthens your application and demonstrates your qualifications across jurisdictions.