There are various options through which an individual may be eligible to apply to become a Full Member in the Association. Eligibility of full membership for applicants is based on an assessment of relevant education, experience, and examination.
See the Path to Full Membership
OALA supports members and students aspiring to become professional landscape architects.
Become a Student Affiliate Member
Sign up to become a Student Affiliate to stay up to date with the profession and receive association newsletters and event notifications.
Study in an accredited program
Individuals with a Bachelor or Masters of Landscape Architecture from an accredited program are eligible to apply upon graduation. Information on accredited programs can be found in the OALA Handbook, Section 7.2 - Education Requirements.
Study in a non-accredited program
Individuals who have graduated from a related, but a non-accredited program, must complete a minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional landscape architectural experience (post-graduation) to apply for Associate membership. The Examining Board will review the experience report provided by applicants with a non-accredited degree and will be assigned a professional development period of 4-7 years. This experience period is in addition to the 4 years’ experience required to apply for Associate membership .
Only those who are interested in becoming a Full Member in the Association should apply for membership as an Associate. Those who do not aspire to become a Full Member, but are interested in the profession of landscape architecture, should apply for membership under the Affiliate category.
To apply for Associate membership, candidates will:
* Note: An advisor may also sign as an endorser on the application.
Candidates who meet these eligibility requirements will be accepted as Associate members. Upon acceptance, individuals with an accredited degree will be assigned a minimum two-year period in OALA’s Professional Development Program (PDP). Individuals with a non-accredited degree will be assigned a minimum four-year period in OALA’s PDP. Individuals accepted as Associate members will also receive an invoice for their annual membership dues.
The purpose of the Professional Development Program is to assist the Associate by providing the opportunity for regular interaction with active members as well as monitoring the Associate’s progress in acquiring appropriate professional experience and guidance.
The program consists of three components that can be done simultaneously.
There are several options for Full Member eligibility including:
*Equivalent Membership
Persons who are certified full members (or equivalent) in an organization equivalent to OALA and recognized by the OALA are eligible to apply for full membership. Currently, the two other regulated jurisdictions in Canada are the AALA and BCSLA. To learn more about the National Reciprocity Agreement for the Profession of Landscape Architecture in Canada, click here.
Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE)
Once you become a Full Member, you are required to participate in the Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) Program.
Volunteer
An excellent way to gain MCE credits is to volunteer within the Association. There are several committees that members can participate in including the OALA Council; or members also volunteer as Reviewers or Advisors for Associate members pursuing the PDP. Volunteering is the best way to stay active in the Association and enrich the education and involvement of future landscape architects.
Use of Title
An individual must be a Full Member of the OALA before they can be granted the exclusive use of the title landscape architect. The title is regulated the OALA granted by the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Act. Only Full Members of the OALA may use the professional credentials OALA after their name. To learn more about the use of title, click here.