Intern Membership

To become a Full Member of the Association and gain the right to use the title “landscape architect” in Ontario, applicants must first join as Intern Members and complete the Professional Development Program (PDP).

The program includes three components that can be completed at the same time.

Components of the Professional Development Program

Mentored Experience Reporting

Interns complete a period of mentored experience reporting work, typically 24 to 72 months, as assigned by the Examining Board.

• Submit three experience reports each year
• Work with an Advisor who reviews and signs each report
• Receive both mid-term and final assessments

Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.)

Successful completion of the L.A.R.E. is required to become a landscape architect in Ontario. The L.A.R.E. is managed, prepared and scored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB).

Independent Course of Study (ICS)

All Interns complete the Independent Course of Study. Interns work with their Advisor to confirm their reading list, track progress through each experience report, and complete all required readings. Both the Intern and Advisor must attest to completion of the ICS when applying for Full Membership.

Applying for Intern Membership

If you have an accredited landscape architecture degree: Graduates with a recognized Bachelor or Master of Landscape Architecture may apply immediately after graduation.

If you have other related education: Applicants with related degrees or diplomas must also have at least four years (48 months) of relevant professional landscape architecture experience post graduation before applying.

Internationally trained applicants are eligible to apply but must first have their degree reviewed for equivalency to fulfill the OALA standards. Learn more here.

To apply for Intern membership, you must:

• Create a user account; complete and submit your application through the Member Dashboard.
• Identify an Advisor who is an OALA Full Member with at least four years of membership. The OALA Advisor will be asked to confirm they will take on the role.
• Be currently employed in the field of landscape architecture
• Request that the university submit official transcripts to the OALA or have the accreditation firm send the credential confirmation directly to the OALA.
• Pay the application fee*

Additional requirement for other non-accredited degrees:

• Submit a summary of your four or more years, post graduate professional experience based on the experience areas outlined in the OALA Handbook.

*If you apply for Intern membership in the same calendar year as your graduation, the application fee is waived. Please note that annual membership dues still apply.

Suggestions for Your Search for an Advisor

Some applicants have asked how to find an advisor. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Check in your workplace for Full Members of OALA.
2. Check the OALA job board. We list new opportunities on an ongoing basis. These firms normally have landscape architects working there – and many are eligible to act as advisors.
3. Contact OALA Full Members who are doing work that interests you. Use our Member Directory to search by member name or firm.
4. Attend OALA or other professional social or educational events.

Advisor requirements: Your advisor must be an OALA Full Member with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a full member.