Education · 1 of 5

The path

An accredited degree, several years of supervised work, then a four-part national exam.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Art, biology and math. Learn to draw and to notice why some outdoor places feel good and others do not.

2. 2

   Accredited degree

   3 to 5 years

   The Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board accredits the professional degrees. Either a five-year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from high school, or a Master of Landscape Architecture after a different bachelor's degree.

3. 3

   Work under a licensed landscape architect

   2 to 4 years

   Most states require two to four years of documented experience. Keep a record with the national registration board as you go, because reconstructing it later is painful.

4. 4

   Pass the registration exam

   1 to 2 years of evenings

   The Landscape Architect Registration Examination has four sections covering project management, inventory and analysis, design, and grading, drainage and construction documentation.

5. 5

   Register in your state

   Weeks

   Apply to your state board. Only then may you call yourself a landscape architect and seal drawings.