Licensure
A current South Carolina Landscape Architect license is required to engage in professional landscape architectural activities in this state, as defined in S.C. Code of Laws, Section 40-28-20(6).
- Application by Exam fee (not licensed in any other state) - $50
- Application by Reciprocity fee - $200
- Certificate of Authorization registration fee - $200
- Reinstatement fee - $250 + renewal fee and late penalty fee for biennial period
- Biennial renewal fee - $200
- Biennial Certificate of Authorization renewal fee - $400
- Late fee (for delinquent renewals) - $20
- Licensee list - $10
Q. What is the experience requirement for licensure in SC?
A. There are four (4) methods to apply for licensure in South Carolina, as detailed below:
Method 1 – Accredited degree in landscape architecture; two years of varied landscape architectural experience; and pass CLARB – LARE.
Method 2 – Non-accredited landscape architecture degree or four-year degree in related program; five years of varied landscape architectural experience; and pass CLARB – LARE.
Method 3 – Reciprocity. Applicant must hold a license to practice landscape architecture issued upon examination in a state or jurisdiction with requirements substantially equivalent to or more stringent than those of this state. This requirement did not change with the new legislation.
Method 4 – CLARB Certification. Applicant must submit certification documents from the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards (CLARB) verifying qualifications for licensure.
Q. Do I have to send a copy of my social security card?
A. Yes. The Department requires that all applicants send a copy of their Social Security Card and driver’s license, passport, or other state-issued, photo identification as part of the Verification of Lawful Presence.
Q. Who is responsible for sending out the reciprocity verification form, LA Confidential Reference Information Regarding Applicant Application, and Employment Verification Form?
A. It is the responsibility of the applicant to send these forms to the appropriate individuals/agencies. The completed forms can be returned directly to the Board office by email, FAX, or U.S. Mail.
Q. I have a CLARB Council Record. Do I need to send out the forms?
A. The Board will accept the documentation on the CLARB Council Record. You will only need to provide two additional references that are not on your CLARB Council Record (the Board requires a total of five references, and we will accept the three on the CLARB Council Record).
Q. Can I apply for a Temporary Permit to practice landscape architecture in SC?
A. No, the Board does not offer Temporary Permits.
Q. What is an Emeritus Landscape Architect?
A. “Emeritus Landscape Architect” is a new designation for landscape architects that are completely retired from active practice, are 65 years of age or older, and have been licensed for ten (10) or more consecutive years. Individuals that meet this criteria and wish to apply for Emeritus status may do so by submitting the “Emeritus Application” located under “Applications and Forms.”
Instructions for Applying for Registration
Licensure by Examination:
In order to be eligible for licensure as a South Carolina Landscape Architect, applicants must successfully pass all sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) and meet the education and experience requirements by one of the four methods as detailed in the SC Code of Laws, Section 40-28-30:
Method 1 – Be a graduate of an accredited landscape architectural curriculum approved by the Board, and two (2) years of varied landscape architectural experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect or other qualified person approved by the Board.
Method 2 – be a graduated of a non-accredited curriculum or a four (4) year college with a degree in a related field approved by the Board, and five (5) years of varied landscape architectural experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect or other qualified person approved by the Board.
Method 3 – hold a license to practice landscape architecture issued upon examination by a legally constituted board of examiners of another state or the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States, with requirements substantially equivalent to those of this State.
Method 4 – Submit certification documents from the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards (CLARB) verifying qualifications for licensure.
When submitting an application to the Board Office for Licensure by Exam, the requirements are as follows:
(1) Complete the “Application for Landscape Architecture License by Exam” in its entirety. Application must include notarized signature. Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed.
(2) Check or Money Order only in the amount of $50. NO CASH IS ACCEPTED.
(3) Copy of your valid Driver’s License, State Issued photo ID or Passport
(4) Copy of your Social Security card.
(5) CLARB Council Record.
(6) Two (2) LA Reference forms from individuals who did not provide a reference on the CLARB Council Record (we require a total of five references, and will accept the three on the Council Record).
Licensure by Reciprocity:
Listed below are the instructions for applying for reciprocal registration as a landscape architect. When submitting an application to the Board Office, the requirements are as follows:
(1) Complete the “Application for Landscape Architecture License by Reciprocity” in its entirety. Application must include notarized signature. Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed.
(2) Check or Money Order only in the amount of $200.
(3) Copy of your valid Driver’s License, State Issued photo ID or Passport
(4) Official College/University Transcripts - Transcripts must bear the seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar.
(5) Reciprocity verification form(s)
(6) Employment Verification form(s)
(7) Five (5) Professional Reference Forms, at least three of whom must be registered landscape architects with professional knowledge of your experience.
*If you have a CLARB Council Record, the Board will accept that in lieu of the transcripts, reciprocity verifications, employment verifications, and three of the five professional references. You will need to submit:
(1) The Application for Landscape Architecture License by Reciprocity
(2) The $200 application fee by check or money order
(3) Two professional references that are not on the CLARB Council Record
(4) The CLARB Council Record
*** Reciprocity is assessed on the individual basis and only once a complete application is submitted to the Board.
Licensure by Reinstatement:
Licensees who allow their registration to lapse (fees are not paid by January 31st of the renewal year) must apply for reinstatement.
To apply for reinstatement, registrants must submit the following:
(1) Complete the “Application for Registration Reinstatement of License” in its entirety. Application must include notarized signature. Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed.
(2) Check or Money Order for the $250 reinstatement fee made payable to SC Board of Landscape Architectural Examiners.
(3) Copy of your valid Driver’s License, State Issued photo ID or Passport.
(4) Continuing Education Audit Form and copies of 20 hours of continuing education activities.