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How to become a licensed Landscape Architect in Colorado. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Landscape Architect
Governing Authority
Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations - Landscape Architects
Official website →(303) 894-7800
No Landscape Architect License Required
Colorado does not require a state license to practice landscape architecture. CLARB certification may still be valuable for credibility and portability to other states. Check local regulations for any municipal requirements.
Colorado does not require a state license to practice landscape architecture. This means there is no state regulatory framework specifically governing landscape architects. The title "landscape architect" is not protected. Practitioners may still obtain voluntary CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards) certification for professional credibility and portability to states that do require licensure. Local business licensing and municipal regulations may still apply.
Degree & Accreditation Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
No
BLA or MLA recommended
LAAB Accreditation
Not Required
Alternative Path
Voluntary registration; no mandatory licensing required
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.
Professional Experience
Verified0 years
Experience Required
No mandatory experience for practice; registration is voluntary
Experience Type
Not required
Supervised By
Alternative Experience Path
No mandatory requirements; voluntary registration available
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 Not Required
Landscape Architect Registration Examination
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.
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 | $50 |
License Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, LARE (4 sections at $535), license fee, and CLARB record | $100 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$50
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
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
CLARB Reciprocity
Varies
Endorsement Available
No
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.
Colorado does not regulate the practice of landscape architecture. There is no state licensing requirement, and the title "landscape architect" is not protected. Practitioners may voluntarily obtain CLARB certification for professional credibility.
Colorado has NO mandatory licensing for landscape architects. Registration is purely voluntary and only protects use of the title. Anyone may perform landscape architecture work.
Colorado does NOT have mandatory licensing for landscape architects.
Title protection only - voluntary registration available.
Anyone may practice landscape architecture without a license.
Only the title 'landscape architect' is protected.
No LARE, education, or experience requirements for practice.
No continuing education required.
There is no interstate compact for landscape architects. CLARB certification facilitates reciprocity across states.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#26 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Landscape Architects (SOC 17-1012)
Entry Level
$59,680
25th percentile
Median
$76,110
-4% vs. national avg ($79,660)Experienced
$95,950
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
820 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)
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.
Source: Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations - Landscape Architects — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations - Landscape Architects — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the LARE licensing exam.
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While Colorado does not require a state license for landscape architects, obtaining CLARB certification is recommended for professional credibility, insurance purposes, and portability to the 48+ states that do require licensure.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.