50-State Landscape Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
Landscape Architecture Licensing
Landscape architecture is a regulated profession in every state, and a license is required prior to practicing or soliciting business as a landscape architect.
State boards for landscape architecture each have their own requirements for licensure, but potential licensees will follow a similar path of prerequisites to obtain a license in any state.
In addition to individual landscape architect licensing requirements, many states require firms that provide landscape architecture services to be licensed as well. While not every state requires licensure of firms, there are often ownership, corporate structure, and entity name requirements to meet.
Before applying for a license, firms should identify a licensed landscape architect to serve as their landscape architect in responsible charge. The landscape architect in charge must have an active license in the state and is generally required to be an employee of the firm, although some states, like Oklahoma, require this individual to also hold a legal position within the firm.
In addition to the standard licensing requirements mentioned above, some states have additional requirements that go beyond what is required in other states. Additional requirements often include:
- Duration of state residency
- A reference from licensed landscape architect
- Additional experience
- Additional jurisdiction-specific exam (beyond the LARE)
Landscape architect licenses typically need to be renewed on an annual or biennial basis. In addition to filing a renewal application and paying the license renewal fee, the majority of states also require landscape architects to complete continuing education hours during the license renewal period.
This guide breaks down the specific requirements by state to become and practice as a licensed landscape architect at both the individual and firm levels.
