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How to become a licensed Landscape Architect in Minnesota. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Landscape Architect
Governing Authority
Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID)
Official website →(651) 296-2388
Yes
License Required
Practice Act
Regulation Type
Yes
LARE Required
Yes
CLARB Certified
24 hrs
CE Hours
$2735
Total Initial Fees
Degree & Accreditation Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Yes
BLA or MLA
LAAB Accreditation
Required
Alternative Path
Non-accredited degree with additional experience per MN Rules 1800.1500
Most states require a degree (BLA or MLA) from an LAAB-accredited (Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board) program. Some states offer alternative pathways through a combination of non-accredited education and additional years of supervised experience.
Browse approved landscape architect training programs to find the right fit.
Browse Landscape Architect study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Professional Experience
Verified2 years
Experience Required
Varied, progressive, nonrepetitive practical experience under a licensed landscape architect
Experience Type
Licensed landscape architect
Supervised By
Alternative Experience Path
Additional experience per MN Rules 1800.1500
Most states require 2-6 years of professional experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. Experience requirements may be reduced with a graduate degree (MLA) from an LAAB-accredited program. Some states accept CLARB-certified experience records.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedLARE Required
Landscape Architect Registration Examination
4
Sections
$2140
LARE Fee
No
State Supplemental
Retake Policy
Individual sections may be retaken; check with CLARB for scheduling windows
The LARE (Landscape Architect Registration Examination) is administered by CLARB and consists of 4 sections covering project and construction management, inventory and analysis, design, and grading, drainage, and construction documentation. California requires an additional state supplemental exam (CSE). Each LARE section can be taken independently.
Study guides for the LARE licensing exam.
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Practice Scope & Permitted Activities
VerifiedYes
Site Planning
Yes
Landscape Design
Yes
Grading & Drainage
Yes
Planting Design
Yes
Irrigation Design
Yes
Hardscape Design
Yes
Environmental Impact
Restricted Activities
Landscape architects' scope of practice includes site planning, landscape design, grading and drainage, planting design, irrigation systems, hardscape design, and environmental impact assessment. The specific scope varies by state, with some activities overlapping with civil engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $75 |
LARE Fee Total for all 4 sections at $535 each; paid to CLARB | $2140 |
License Fee | $120 |
CLARB Fee CLARB Council Record fee | $400 |
Renewal Fee | $120 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, LARE (4 sections at $535), license fee, and CLARB record | $2735 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (license expires June 30 of every even-numbered year)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$120
Regulatory Board
Landscape architect licenses must be renewed on a regular cycle, typically every 1-3 years. CE hour requirements range from 0 to 36 per cycle depending on the state, covering topics such as health, safety, welfare, sustainability, and professional practice.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
CLARB Reciprocity
CLARB certification accepted for reciprocity; facilitates license transfer between states
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards) certification facilitates reciprocity between states. Landscape architects with a CLARB Council Record can often obtain licensure in other states through a streamlined process. States without CLARB reciprocity require license by endorsement with full credential verification.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Minnesota uses the combined AELSLAGID board. Experience must be varied, progressive, and nonrepetitive per MN Rules 1800.1500.
Minnesota requires licensure under a practice act.
The LARE (4 sections) is required.
Regulated by the AELSLAGID board.
License expires June 30 of even-numbered years.
24 CE hours per 2-year renewal.
Experience must be varied, progressive, and nonrepetitive.
There is no interstate compact for landscape architects. CLARB certification facilitates reciprocity across states.
License expires June 30th of every even-numbered year.
Landscape Architect requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (you) | $2735 | 330–400 wks | |
| Iowa | $2790 | 330–400 wks | → |
| North Dakota | $2690 | 330–400 wks | → |
| South Dakota | — | 330–400 wks | → |
| Wisconsin | $2671 | 330–400 wks | → |
Minnesota ranks #21 out of 50 for lowest landscape architect licensing fees ($2735). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
Landscape Architect Schools in Minnesota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#19 of 51
Cost
#21 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Landscape Architects (SOC 17-1012)
Entry Level
$59,380
25th percentile
Median
$78,310
-2% vs. national avg ($79,660)Experienced
$106,640
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
210 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Landscape Architects (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.7%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
1,500
per year (avg.)
23,600 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
LARE (Landscape Architect Registration Examination) — 2023-2024National rate
70%
Overall Pass Rate
~70% per section across all four LARE sections.
Source: CLARB / ASLA (2024)
Pass rates are approximate national averages and may vary by state, exam provider, and candidate preparation.
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 330–400 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Moving to Minnesota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Landscape Architect license to Minnesota →
Transfer your Landscape Architect license from Minnesota to: Iowa → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
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Minnesota requires practice act for landscape architects. The LARE exam is required. CLARB certification is recognized. All licensing is managed through the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.