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Full Membership

Eligibility of Full Member applicants is based on an assessment of relevant education, experience and examination.

There are various options through which an individual may apply to become a Full Member in the Association.

Path to OALA Full Membership

Option 1: Bachelor or Master Degree in Landscape Architecture

Persons who possess a bachelor or master of landscape architecture degree from an institution recognized by OALA are eligible to apply for associate status immediately upon graduation.

Option 3a: Three year diploma in landscape architectural technology from Ryerson Polytechnic University(1972-2000); OR Bachelor of Architectural Science – Landscape Option from Ryerson Polytechnic University(2000-2003)

Persons possessing a three-year diploma in landscape architectural technology from Ryerson Polytechnic University or Bachelor of Architectural Science – Landscape Architecture option from Ryerson Polytechnic University are eligible for associate status immediately upon graduation.

Option 3b: Extensive relevant professional experience

Persons who have a minimum of twelve years of progressively responsible landscape architecture experience in a professional environment, who possess either a bachelor or master of landscape architecture degree from an institution recognized by OALA are considered to be senior practitioners, and are eligible to apply for full membership through this option. 

Option 3c: Other Education

Persons who possess other related degrees, diplomas, and who have a minimum of four years of relevant professional landscape architectural experience, are eligible to apply for Associate status and complete the Professional Development Program (PDP).

Option 4: Candidates with equivalent membership in an equivalent Canadian organization* and/or who are CLARB certified

*Equivalent Canadian Organizations are those who are regulated and have equivalent education, experience and examination requirements to the OALA.  In 2022, these include the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) and the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA)

Persons who are certified full members (or equivalent) in an organization equivalent to the OALA and recognized by the OALA are eligible to apply for full membership through this option.

Application process for all applicants

Applications are processed by the Examining Board whose findings and recommendations are forwarded to OALA Council for approval. Following approval by Council, findings and recommendations of the Examining Board will be released to the applicant. 

An applicant who has been denied eligibility for admission may re-apply to the Examining Board on the basis of new information in support of the application.

An applicant who has been denied eligibility for admission by the Examining Board may appeal a decision to OALA Council.

Each option has specific eligibility criteria and subsequent admission requirements. To apply under any one of the options the applicant must first meet the eligibility requirements outlined and then satisfy the specific admission requirements prescribed for that option. All applicants may be required to appear before the Examining Board for clarification purposes.

Apply to become a Full Member

To begin the application process, please sign up for an account.