Get your license: Landscape architect without an accredited degree

Learn how to get a landscape architect license if you have an unaccredited degree.

Who needs a license?

You can apply for this license if you have a bachelor's or master's landscape architect degree that is not accredited by the Landscape Architect Accreditation Board (LAAB).

1. Meet the requirements

To get your landscape architect license, you must have:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • At least 8 years of diversified experience working in landscape architecture.
    • A non-accredited degree can count toward this requirement depending on the type of degree it is.  
  • Passed the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).

2. Have education and experience verification sent to us

Complete section A of the Landscape Architect Employment and Experience Verification form for each work experience you're having verified. Have the work verifier complete sections B and C and send it to the following address:

Washington State Board of Licensure for Landscape Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012

Have your college or university send us your official transcripts by directly emailing them to landscape@dol.wa.gov or mailing them to:

Washington State Board of Licensure for Landscape Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9012
Olympia, WA 98507-9012

3. Submit your application

Apply for your license online

You can apply and pay the application fee online.

Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)

Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.

Apply for your license by mail

Mail a completed Landscape Architect License Application with a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the application fee to:

Washington State Board of Licensure for Landscape Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777

After you submit your application

If we approve your application, we’ll notify the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) that you’re eligible to take the exam. Contact CLARB to register for the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.

4. Take your exams

Landscape Architect Registration Exam

Take and pass all divisions of the LARE.

If you don't pass a division of the exam the first time, you can retest until you pass. However, after you pass your first division, you must pass all divisions of the exam within 5 years.

When you’ve passed all sections of the exam, ask CLARB to transmit your LARE scores to the state board.

Landscape Architect Law Review Exam

Complete, sign, and date a Landscape Architect Law Review Exam. You must score 100% to pass.

5. Pay your license fee

Pay your license fee online

You can upload your Landscape Architect Law Review Exam and pay the 2-year license fee online.

Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)

Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.

Pay your license fee by mail

Mail your Landscape Architect Law Review Exam with a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the 2-year license fee to:

Washington State Board of Licensure for Landscape Architects
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777

Get email updates

Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest rule changes, licensing updates, and board notices by email.

For veterans, military personnel, and partners

Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. You may also be able to get a temporary license if you're moving here with a current license from another state. Learn more about using your military training to meet professional license requirements.

If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. Learn more about getting reimbursed for fees.

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-1497
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: landscape@dol.wa.gov
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