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How to become a licensed Landscape Architect in South Dakota. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Landscape Architect
Governing Authority
South Dakota does not regulate landscape architects
No Landscape Architect License Required
South Dakota 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.
South Dakota 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
LAAB Accreditation
Not 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
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 |
|---|---|
Total Initial Fees No license required | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedRenewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
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.
South Dakota 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.
South Dakota is one of the few jurisdictions that does not regulate landscape architecture practice or title.
South Dakota does not regulate the practice of landscape architecture.
No state license is required to practice or use the title of landscape architect.
Practitioners may voluntarily pursue CLARB certification for practice in other states.
There is no interstate compact for landscape architects. CLARB certification facilitates reciprocity across states.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#33 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Landscape Architects (SOC 17-1012)
Entry Level
$66,900
25th percentile
Median
$69,680
-13% vs. national avg ($79,660)Experienced
$105,000
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
100 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)
Estimated total: 330–400 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: South Dakota does not regulate landscape architects — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Dakota does not regulate landscape architects — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the LARE licensing exam.
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While South Dakota 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.