Application Fee
$700.00Verified by CA Board of Business
Landscape Architect Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for landscape architect in California, including $700.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Landscape Architect in California
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated from high school in order to receive training/experience credit
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
National Examination (Landscape Architects Registration Examination) - administered by The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB):.
- 4
Construction Documentation and Administration $ 525.00.
- 5
Eligibility Application Evaluation Fee: $100.00.
- 6
Local Examination (California Supplemental Examination): $350.00.
- 7
CSE Application Evaluation Fee: $100.00.
- 8
Initial License: $700.00.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- National Examination - three (3) times a year, Local Examination - continuous Locations: Multiple Experience
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate in landscape architecture OR an architecture degree from a NAAB-accredited program
- two-year degree in landscape architecture accepted for one year
- any four-year degree
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Local Examination (California Supplemental Examination) | $350.00 |
| Initial License | $700.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Landscape Architects Technical Committee • Licensing Unit
- Current Filing Fee
$700.00
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$98,880 median (24% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated from high school in order to receive training/experience credit).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated from high school in order to receive training/experience credit).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated from high school in order to receive training/experience credit).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: National Examination - three (3) times a year, Local Examination - continuous Locations: Multiple Experience.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Eligibility Application Evaluation Fee: $100.00.; CSE Application Evaluation Fee: $100.00.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Local Examination (California Supplemental Examination): $350.00; Initial License: $700.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Landscape Architects Technical Committee~Licensing Unit and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $98,880, Landscape Architects in California earn 24% above the national median of $79,660. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$98,880Hourly estimate
$47.5424% above national median
Difference: +$19,220
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLandscape Architect Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Landscape Architect median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $98,880 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $92,600 |
| #3 | North Dakota | $91,250 |
| #4 | New York | $89,940 |
| #5 | Maryland | $86,390 |
Nearby States Comparison
Landscape Architect licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $98,880 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18 years |
| Oregon | $76,380 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $80,710 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 2-21 years |
| Arizona | $67,060 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Landscape Architects Technical Committee • Licensing Unit
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA, 95834
Phone: 9165757230
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $105,840 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $62,240 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,360 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $118,450 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Landscape Architect in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Landscape Architect salary in California?
The median annual salary for Landscape Architects in California is $98,880. Salaries range from $60,840 (10th percentile) to $191,690 (90th percentile).
How does the Landscape Architect salary in California compare to the national average?
Landscape Architects in California earn 24% above the national median of $79,660, with a state median of $98,880.
How many Landscape Architects work in California?
California employs approximately 2,820 Landscape Architects according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Landscape Architect license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Landscape Architects in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Landscape Architects Technical Committee / Licensing Unit. Review agency details at https://www.latc.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Landscape Architect license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.