Full Membership

In Ontario, only Full Members of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) have the legal right to use the title “landscape architect.”

Eligibility for Full Membership is based on an assessment of education, professional experience, and examination requirements.

Anyone who uses the title “landscape architect” in Ontario without being a Full Member of OALA may be subject to prosecution. Learn more about the Use of Title.

Eligibility

You may be eligible to apply for Full Membership if you:

• Joined OALA as an Intern Member and have completed all components of the Professional Development Program (PDP);
• Hold CLARB certification;
• Are currently registered as a Full Member of an equivalent regulated Canadian landscape architecture association recognized by OALA.*

* The Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) and the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA) are currently recognized as equivalent regulated Canadian associations.

Applying for Full Membership

Application Process

• Create a user account on the OALA website.
• Complete and submit the application form through your Member Dashboard.
• Applications are reviewed by the Examining Board, which meets six times per year: January, March, May, June, September, and November.

Fees

• A $125 + HST application fee is required at the time of submission.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive an invoice for your annual membership dues, which must be paid within 30 days of the invoice date.
• Annual dues for Full Membership in 2026 are $665 + HST and are prorated based on your approval date.

Once the Examining Board reviews the applications, applicants are notified of the outcome, including any recommendations from the Examining Board.

If an application is not approved, applicants may reapply with new or additional information to support their application.

Each application route has specific eligibility and admission requirements. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen route and complete all required steps before admission to Full Membership.

In some cases, applicants may be asked to appear before the Examining Board to provide clarification or additional information.

Apply for deemed certification (“As of Right”) in Ontario

If you are already licensed as a landscape architect in another equivalent regulated Canadian jurisdiction (AALA or BCSLA), you may be eligible to apply for deemed certification ("As of Right").

This pathway allows eligible applicants to begin practicing in Ontario for up to six months while their standard labour mobility application is being processed.

Once OALA has received the required application materials and issued a notice of receipt, applicants are deemed certified for a one-time period of up to six months. This option cannot be renewed or extended.

Learn more about deemed certification (“As of Right”) and begin your application.

Questions

If you are already a licensed landscape architect in another jurisdiction or have questions about Full Membership, you may contact the Registrar ([email protected]) for more information.

Last updated July 2026