Our Profession

Landscape architects are uniquely qualified to design and manage the built landscape. Before being allowed to practice, landscape architects must complete a comprehensive set of educational, internship and testing requirements to ensure competency and to protect the public's health, safety and welfare. In addition, many states have implemented mandatory continuing education requirements to keep landscape architects up-to-date with current standards and practices.

Currently, licensure is required in all 50 states in order to be identified as a "landscape architect" and in 47states to practice landscape architecture. In the U.S., licensing is the prerogative of individual states under two types of licensure laws. Under provisions of Practice Acts, no unqualified individual may perform the work of a landscape architect. Under the provisions of Title Acts, no person may call themselves a landscape architect without holding a license.

Nevada has a Title and Practice Act.  View requirements for each state.

In order to obtain a license to practice landscape architecture, candidates must have a degree from an accredited university plus one to four years of working experience (internship) prior to taking a uniform exam. The Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE) is a three-day national comprehensive exam which may include a separate state section. The exam is administered and graded by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board (CLARB).  For information on registration, licensure and the LARE exam go to:  www.clarb.org

A bachelor's (BLA or BSLA) or master's (MLA) degree from an accredited university program is usually required for entry into the profession. Accreditation standards are maintained by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The mission of the LAAB is to evaluate, advocate for, and advance the quality of education in landscape architectural programs