Our Industry: Landscape Licenses, Certification & CEUs - Explained!

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In the ever-evolving world of landscape design and construction, staying professionally credible - and legally compliant - means understanding the different paths of licensing and certification available to you. Whether you’re a licensed landscape architect, a certified designer, or a state-licensed contractor, each role comes with its own set of standards, exams, and expectations.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the major types of professional qualifications in the landscape design industry and why continuing education units (CEUs) are more than just a requirement—they’re a reflection of your commitment to excellence.

⬆️ I have had the honor of presenting at many professional conferences, including the Philadelphia Flower Show. I love helping others designers stay inspired and run successful businesses!

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👉🏽 The Basics of the Licensing and Certification Options In The Landscape Design World:

Initial licensing and certification requirements vary significantly across the different professional tracks in the landscape design industry.

To become a licensed landscape architect, individuals typically complete a degree such as a BLA or MLA, followed by supervised work experience under a licensed landscape architect. They must also pass a national exam, and some states also require additional exams on local laws or regulations. Once licensed, landscape architects must meet ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials. Education Units (CEUs) are typically tied to state licensure and must meet standards set by the state’s licensing board—many of which follow guidelines established by the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). Deadlines for CEU submissions usually align with the license renewal period, which is often annually or biennially, depending on the state.

Each state licensing board that oversee landscape contractors or design/build professionals will have a different scope of regulation. These boards often require professionals to pass a trade and/or business exam and complete state-specific CEUs focusing on safety, contracts, or business practices. CEU requirements for contractor licenses typically must be completed before an annual license renewal deadline, which varies by state. Unlike the national LA CES system, these contractor board CEUs may not be reciprocal across states.

The Certified Professional Landscape Designer (CPLD) credential, offered by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), is a voluntary international certification that validates a designer’s professional skills, education, and experience through a peer review process. CPLDs must earn continuing education units (CEUs) annually and renew their certification every 3 years. The APLD Virtual Chapter holds a comprehensive class (I took it!) to help designers prepare their application. For more information: https://www.apld.org/certification

👉🏽 Why is Continuing Professional Education Important?

For many of us, our professional certifications and licenses require a certain number of CEUs (Continuing Education Units) annually. So, if you are maintaining your designation as a Certified Professional Landscape Designer, a State Landscape Contractor's License, or a Landscape Architect License, staying current is non-negotiable. These requirements ensure that we remain accountable to safety standards, environmental regulations, and evolving design best practices.

But beyond fulfilling requirements, continuing education is the backbone of long-term professional development for designers. It’s what keeps us sharp. It’s how we discover better tools, smarter techniques, and more sustainable solutions. And how we stay inspired to envision and install gorgeous, enduring landscape designs.

And let’s not forget: our clients notice. A professional who is actively learning shows a commitment to excellence. When we invest in our growth, we send a clear message - we take our work seriously and are dedicated to providing the highest level of expertise, safety, and creativity.

Want industry specific support for the business side of your landscape design business? Check out my comprehensive business system built specifically for landscape designers: Foundations of a Landscape Design Business !