Landscape Architect, Licensed License in California
Quick Answer
To become a licensed architect in California, you must complete NCARB requirements plus the California Supplemental Exam (CSE). Application costs $100, ARE is $1,410, CSE is $100, and biennial license renewal is $400.
- Education Required
- 10 hours
- Exam
- ARE - Architect Registration Examination
- Total Cost
- $2,010 (est.)
- Timeline
- 7-12 years (education + 5 years experience + exam)
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Landscape Architect, Licensed license in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $1,410
- Renewal Fee
- $400
- Total Estimated Cost
- $2,010
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Landscape Architect, Licensed license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.
Landscape Architect, Licensed Salary in California
Entry Level
$65,660
Median
$105,840
Experienced
$181,110
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Landscape Architect, Licensed in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 7-12 years (education + 5 years experience + exam).
Landscape Architect, Licensed Licensing in California: What to Know
California requires the standard NCARB pathway (NAAB degree, AXP, ARE) plus a mandatory California Supplemental Exam (CSE) at $100, making it one of the few states with an additional state-specific exam. The eligibility evaluation application costs $100, the ARE is $235 per division across six divisions, and biennial license renewal is $400 with 10 hours of mandatory CE (5 hours disability access, 5 hours Zero Net Carbon Design). California requires five net years of experience and fingerprint-based criminal background clearance through DOJ and FBI. Small residential wood-frame projects under two stories are exempt from requiring a licensed architect under BPC section 5537.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Landscape Architect, Licensed license cost in California?
- The estimated total cost is $2,010, including application fees, exam fees ($1,410), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Landscape Architect, Licensed license in California?
- The process typically takes 7-12 years (education + 5 years experience + exam), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Landscape Architect, Licensed license in California?
- You need to pass the ARE - Architect Registration Examination. N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Landscape Architect, Licensed requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.