Education · 1 of 5

The path

One degree, two years of supervised work, a four-part exam, then registration.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, geography, visual arts and math. Get a summer job with a landscaping crew or a parks department.

2. 2

   Degree

   4 to 7 years

   Either a 4-year BLA (bachelor of landscape architecture) at Guelph, or any bachelor's followed by a 2 to 3 year MLA (master of landscape architecture) at Guelph, Toronto, UBC (University of British Columbia), Manitoba or Université de Montréal.

3. 3

   Intern or associate

   About 2 years

   Join your provincial association as an intern and work under a full member. Log your experience.

4. 4

   LARE (Landscape Architect Registration Examination)

   1 to 2 years

   Four sections on project management, grading and drainage, construction and design. Offered three times a year on a computer.

5. 5

   Full membership

   After the exam

   Apply to your provincial association, such as the OALA (Ontario Association of Landscape Architects). Some provinces add a short exam on local law.