LicenseCompass

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

gold
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$100
Exam Fee
$1,410
Renewal Fee
$400
Total Estimated Cost
$2,010

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~Landscape Architects Technical Committee~Licensing Unit

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

$
Application FeeEst.$100
Exam FeeEst.$1,410
Total Estimated Cost$1,510

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. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.

  2. 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?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.