Overview
LAAB and landscape architecture education
The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), affiliated with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), accredits first-professional degrees in landscape architecture — the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA). CHEA-recognized; a six-year accreditation cycle.
The Gate
LAAB accreditation and licensure
Landscape architecture is licensed in all 50 states and D.C. — you cannot practice without a license. A LAAB-accredited degree is the standard education requirement, and it dramatically shortens the path: with an accredited degree you typically need about two years of experience before the exam, versus roughly eight years with a non-accredited degree. You then pass the LARE (Landscape Architect Registration Examination), administered by CLARB, plus any state section.
The Path
From degree to licensed landscape architect
- 1 · LAAB-accredited BLA or MLAThe first-professional degree — the fastest route to licensure eligibility.
- 2 · Supervised experienceTypically about two years with an accredited degree, more without one.
- 3 · LAREThe CLARB-administered exam, sometimes with a jurisdiction-specific section.
- 4 · State licenseIssued by the state board of landscape architecture.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits landscape architecture programs? The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB), affiliated with ASLA, which accredits first-professional BLA and MLA degrees. It is CHEA-recognized.
- Do I need a LAAB-accredited degree to become a landscape architect? Effectively yes. Landscape architecture is licensed in all 50 states, and a LAAB-accredited degree is the standard education path — and it greatly shortens the experience required before the LARE exam.
- What is the LARE? The Landscape Architect Registration Examination, administered by CLARB, required for licensure, sometimes with a jurisdiction-specific section.
- Is landscape architecture a licensed profession? Yes. All 50 states and D.C. require a license to practice landscape architecture.
- What degrees does LAAB accredit? First-professional degrees — the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA).
- Can I get licensed with a non-accredited degree? Often yes, but with many more years of required experience (roughly eight versus two). A LAAB-accredited degree is by far the faster route.
- Is LAAB recognized by the government? LAAB is CHEA-recognized. Landscape architecture accreditation is generally not a federal Title IV gatekeeper.
- How do I verify a landscape architecture program? Search the LAAB list of accredited programs and confirm licensure requirements with CLARB and your state board.