Full Membership

In Ontario, only Full Members of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects have the legal right to use the title “landscape architect.” This is established under clause 10 (1) of the OALA Act.

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

Anyone who is not a Full Member and uses the title “landscape architect” may be subject to prosecution. Learn more about the Use of Title.

Pathways to Full Membership

Intern Membership and Professional Development Program

The most common path is to:

• Become an Intern Member
• Complete the Professional Development Program (PDP), including mentored experience reporting, independent course of study, and examination requirements

Option for Members of Equivalent Canadian Organizations and CLARB-Certified Candidates

CLARB-certified candidates, as well as Full Members of equivalent regulated Canadian landscape architecture associations, may be eligible to apply directly for Full Membership.

As of 2026, the two recognized equivalent Canadian organizations are:

• Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA)
• British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA)

Applicants who hold an equivalent designation with one of these associations may apply through this pathway.

Applicants from non-regulated Canadian jurisdictions are not eligible under this option and may instead be considered through the Senior Oral Examination pathway.

Senior Oral Examination - Senior Practitioner Option

Applicants from outside of Ontario with significant professional experience may be eligible to join through the Senior Oral Examination process.

To be eligible, you must:

• Have at least twelve years of experience practicing as a landscape architect
• Have legal authorization to use the title “landscape architect” in your jurisdiction
• Hold a recognized bachelor or master degree in landscape architecture

Applicants pursuing the Senior Oral Examination pathway must first join the Association as an Affiliate Member. Affiliate members may apply for Full Membership through the Senior Oral Process through their Member Dashboard.

Applying for Full Membership

Create a user account and submit your application through the Member Dashboard.

All applications are reviewed by the Examining Board. Once a decision is made, applicants are notified of the outcome, including any recommendations.

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

Each application pathway has its own eligibility criteria and admission requirements. Applicants must first meet the eligibility criteria for their chosen pathway and then complete all required steps for admission.

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