Public Information

What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?

A landscape architect is an individual who holds a professional license to practice landscape architecture, as defined under Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5615. Under BPC section 5615, a landscape architect is a person who offers or performs professional services, for the purpose of landscape preservation, development and enhancement, such as consultation, investigation, reconnaissance, research, planning, design, preparation of drawings, construction documents and specifications, and responsible construction observation. Landscape preservation, development and enhancement is the dominant purpose of services provided by landscape architects. For more information about the practice of landscape architecture, please refer to BPC section 5615 in the Landscape Architects Practice Act.

Engagement in the practice of landscape architecture or use of the title or term "landscape architect," “landscape architecture,” or “landscape architectural” by an unlicensed individual is a violation of the Landscape Architects Practice Act under BPC section 5640.

Landscape architects who are initially licensed in California are required to have six years of combined training and educational credit, pass the national licensing examination, and pass the California Supplemental Examination. Once licensed, landscape architects are required to comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice.

Landscape designers are not licensed or regulated by the State of California. BPC section 5641 states:

        This chapter shall not be deemed to prohibit any person from preparing drawings for the conceptual design and placement of tangible objects and landscape features or plans, drawings, and         specifications for the selection, placement, or use of plants for a single family dwelling. Construction documents, details, or specifications for the tangible objects or landscape features, and alteration of         sight requiring grading and drainage plans shall be prepared by a licensed professional as required by law.

For a general description of the permitted practice for various landscape professionals/practitioners, please see the Permitted Practices In California chart.

How do I verify the status of a landscape architect license?

You may click here to verify the status of a license or contact the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC).

Can I file a complaint against a landscape architect or unlicensed individual?

Yes. Complaints against landscape architects and unlicensed individuals can be submitted to the LATC; click here for a complaint form. Consumers wishing to recover monies can seek recourse through the small claims or civil court systems.

Can a landscape contractor (Class C-27) provide landscape design services?

A landscape contractor may only provide design plans if he/she performs or supervises the installation/construction, as stated in BPC section 5641.4.

Can an architect provide "landscape architectural" services?

Architects may provide “landscape architectural” services but may not use the protected title of “landscape architect”, as specified in BPC section 5641.3.

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Candidate Information

Changes to the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) application/registration and administrative processes occur regularly; therefore, it is important that candidates carefully read and understand all examination information found on LATC’s Web site and the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board’s (CLARB) Web site at www.clarb.org.

How soon will I receive my LARE results?

Official examination results are sent to the LATC by CLARB. Results from the June graphic performance sections of the examination are received in mid-September and December results are received in mid-February. The LATC receives results from the multiple-choice sections of the examination approximately four to five weeks after the examination date (March and September). Once the LATC processes examination results, the scores are immediately mailed to candidates. Due to confidentiality laws, LATC staff cannot release score information over the telephone.

How can I obtain a license?

In California a candidate must have a minimum of six years combined qualifying education and training/experience to be eligible to take the LARE. Credit for education and training/experience can be accrued as outlined in the laws governing landscape architecture, specifically CCR section 2620 - Education and Training Credits. There are many ways a candidate may obtain a landscape architecture license; it is always advisable for candidates to review the laws carefully and then contact the LATC for specific questions or information.

Candidates should be aware that, although California accepts the education and training/experience as outlined in law, CLARB and other state licensing boards may not recognize the same education and training/experience. This can make obtaining CLARB Certification and reciprocal licensure difficult for those who deviate from the traditional method of acquiring education and training/experience for licensure.

Does the LATC administer any sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)?

No. CLARB administers Sections C and E (graphic performance sections) in June and December and Sections A, B, and D (multiple-choice sections) in March and September. Visit CLARB's Web site at www.clarb.org to confirm specific LARE fees, schedules, examination dates and test center deadlines.

I want to begin the examination process. Can I just register on-line with CLARB?

First-time candidates must first apply to the LATC and obtain approval through a Notice of Eligibility prior to registering with CLARB.

Candidates who have previously been approved to take the LARE in California are considered approved for purposes of registering with CLARB.

Can I apply to take the LARE before I complete all training and education requirements?

Current regulations do not allow early testing. In order to take the LARE in California, candidates must meet all of the following examination eligibility requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Hold a degree (Associate, Bachelors, or Masters) or extension certificate (UCB Extension and UCLA Extension) in landscape architecture.
3. Have at least six years of combined educational and training/experience credit.
4. Have at least two years of training/experience credit (1500 hours of qualifying employment equals one year of training/experience credit; limited to 40 hours credit per week) with one year of training/experience credit under the direct supervision of a landscape architect licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction gained after obtaining a qualifying degree.

I have a degree in a related field and 10 years of experience as a contractor. Can I take the LARE?

No. Current California regulations require applicants to have a degree or extension certificate in landscape architecture in combination with qualifying training/experience credit.

I have a unique situation that is not addressed in your examination eligibility requirements. Can I appeal for an exception to be qualified to take the LARE?

No. Candidates must meet all educational and training/experience requirements; credit for education and training/experience can be accrued as outlined in the laws governing landscape architecture, specifically CCR section 2620 - Education and Training Credits.

Does the LATC require a CLARB Council Record for licensure or for taking the LARE?

No. A Council Record is not required in California.

Where is the LARE administered?

Visit CLARB's Web site at www.clarb.org for testing center locations.

I registered on-line with CLARB to take the LARE. Can you verify that I am scheduled?

LATC staff cannot verify registration of any LARE sections. Candidates should contact CLARB at (571) 432-0332.

Does CLARB offer reasonable accommodations for LARE candidates with disabilities?

Yes. CLARB honors requests for reasonable accommodations for all Sections of the LARE in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any candidate who requires special accommodations must submit a request with the required documentation to CLARB. Requests are considered on a case by case basis.

Does the LATC offer study materials or any type of examination preparation for the LARE?

No, although candidates should review the LATC Candidate Guide carefully. Examination preparatory courses are not available through the LATC; however, study materials are available from CLARB. Candidates may also contact the California Council of the American Society of Landscape Architects, California chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and landscape architecture programs under the Links page for possible preparatory courses.

I failed a section of the LARE. Can I appeal my examination results?

There is no appeal process for failed sections of the LARE; however, CLARB does offer red line reviews for Sections C and E. Visit CLARB's Web site at www.clarb.org for more information.

I recently moved to California, but hold a landscape architect license in another state. How can I become licensed in California?

If you are currently licensed in another state, British Columbia or Puerto Rico, in good standing, and have taken and passed either the Uniform National Exam (UNE) or the LARE, you can apply for reciprocity in California.

How do I appeal the denial of a license?

Under the provision of BPC section 485(b), an applicant has the right to a hearing for appeal of the denial of their application for licensure. The request for hearing must be submitted in writing to the LATC within 60 days after service of the denial notice, otherwise the applicant's right to a hearing is deemed waived.

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Candidate Information - California Supplemental Examination

What is the examination format?

The California Supplemental Examination (CSE) is a 100 question multiple-choice examination. Please refer to the CSE Candidate Guide for more information on the examination format.

Where can I take the CSE?

The CSE is administered by the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) as a computer based multiple-choice examination under contract with Psychological Services, LLC (PSI) at 13 testing centers throughout California and 10 additional testing centers nationwide. California testing locations include: Anaheim, Atascadero, Bakersfield, Carson (Los Angeles Area), El Monte (Los Angeles Area), Fresno, Hayward (Bay Area), Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Clara (Bay Area) and Santa Rosa. Nationwide testing locations include: Cranberry Township, PA, Boston, MA, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Southfield, MI, Des Moines, IA, Albuquerque, NM, Houston, TX, Las Vegas, NV and Portland, OR.

Where can I get further details on the CSE?

Candidates may access detailed information on procedures and knowledges required for taking the examination from the LATC CSE page. Candidates without Internet access can request a copy of the information by contacting the LATC.

How will I be notified of my eligibility to take the CSE?

Once all five sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE) are passed, candidates will receive an eligibility notification to take the CSE.

Are there study materials provided to prepare for the CSE?

The LATC Web site contains information on preparing for the CSE, as well as specific knowledges that will be tested.

How do I find out about special accommodations for the CSE?

A request for reasonable accommodations can be made directly to the LATC by filling out a Reasonable Accommodation Request form. Please refer to the form for specific details on the request.

Can I take the exam at any time?

Eligible candidates may take the CSE as soon as their application and payment is processed.

How many questions do I have to answer correctly to pass the CSE?

Pass rates will vary.

If I don't pass the CSE, is there a waiting period before I can take it again?

Yes. To ensure the security of the CSE, a wait period of three months from examination date is required.

Is there a limit to the number of times I can take the CSE?

There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can take the CSE. Candidates are only limited by the waiting period between examinations. To ensure the security of the CSE, a wait period of three months from examination date is required.

I have already taken and passed the previous California Section administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Boards (CLARB), do I have to take the CSE?

No. The exception to this is if a licensee lets their license lapse for more than three years; in which case the licensee is required to take and pass the CSE.

Can I appeal my CSE scores?

No. There is no provision for an appeal of a candidate's examination score.

I want to gain licensure in California through reciprocity. What are the options for gaining licensure in California?

The candidate must submit a reciprocity application and all required fees. Once determined eligible, the candidate will take the CSE administered by the LATC as a computer based multiple-choice examination under contract with PSI. There are 13 testing centers throughout California and 10 additional testing centers nationwide.

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Licensee Information

What are the requirements for a landscape architect stamp?

The stamp, authorized by Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 5659 and 5673, may be purchased from any convenient source and shall be of the design illustrated under California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 26, Section 2606.

Can a landscape contractor (Class C-27) provide landscape design plans?

A landscape contractor may only provide design plans if he/she performs or supervises the installation/construction, as stated in BPC section 5641.4.

Can an architect provide "landscape architectural" services?

Architects may provide “landscape architectural” services but may not use the protected title of “landscape architect”, as specified in BPC section 5641.3.

Is a landscape architect required to notify the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) when establishing a corporation?

No. The LATC issues licenses to individuals, not to businesses or corporations. For more information on how to establish a corporation, please contact the Secretary of State’s Office at (916) 653-6814 or visit their Web site at www.sos.ca.gov.

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Licensee Information - Model Water Efficient Landscaping

What is the history behind the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance?

Assembly Bill (AB) 325 of 1990 created the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act requiring the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to develop a Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. This Model Ordinance was adopted and went into effect January 1, 1993, requiring all local agencies to adopt a water efficient landscape ordinance, unless proven unnecessary, by 1993. In 2004, AB 2717 requested the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) to convene a task force in order to evaluate and recommend improving the efficiency of water use in urban irrigated landscapes. The outcome was 43 recommendations, some of which included updates to the Ordinance. In 2006 AB 1881 was enacted requiring DWR, no later than January 1, 2009, to update the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance reflecting the recommendations of the CUWCC task force and requires local agencies, no later than January 1, 2010, to adopt the updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or equivalent.

What is the purpose of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance?

The principle intent of the new Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is to update existing regulation reflecting improvements, since the early 1990’s, in landscape design, irrigation technology, and water management. Additional changes were made to regulation that would further specify water conservation efforts; for example, delineating specific irrigation time periods and prohibiting guidelines for common interest developments banning the use of low water-using plants.

For more information, please visit the Department of Water Resources’ Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Web site.

Did anything change in the updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance affecting licensed landscape architects?

Specific to the landscape architecture profession, the updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance will now explicitly require a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, or any other authorized person (or irrigation designer for irrigation design plans) to sign off on the landscape design plan, irrigation design plan, and grading design plan. All other requirements in the original Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance pertinent to the completion of the landscape documentation package are essentially unchanged (including the requirement for an irrigation audit by certified landscape irrigation auditor).

Will a licensed landscape architect be required to receive any certifications in order to comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance?

No. Licensed landscape architects will still perform their duties as prescribed in the Landscape Architects Practice Act.

My local water agency has its own water efficiency ordinance, which ordinance should I use?

Always use the local water agency ordinance; AB 1881 requires local agencies, no later than January 1, 2010, to adopt the updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or equivalent.

Can a licensed landscape architect perform irrigation audits?

No. In order to comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance irrigation audits shall be conducted by a certified landscape irrigation auditor. Licensed landscape architects may become certified.

A certified landscape auditor is a person certified to perform landscape irrigation audits by an accredited academic institution, a professional trade organization or other program such as the US Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense irrigation auditor certification program and the Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor program.