Professional development: Landscape architects
Professional development requirements
To maintain your practice, you must complete 24 professional development hours (PDH) within your 2-year license period.
- You can carry over up to 12 PDH. If you earn more than 24 PDH in the 2nd half of your 2-year license period, up to 12 extra hours can be carried over to the following 2-year license period.
- Example: If you earn 50 PDH in the 2nd half of your 2-year license period, only 12 can be carried over to the following 2-year period.
You may be audited
You may be audited by the board to confirm the professional development hours you've completed. To learn more, see Professional development audits.
Professional development resources
- Washington Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (wasla.org)
- Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (laces.asla.org)
What's allowed as professional development hours?
Because PDH activities are not pre-approved by the board you're responsible for seeking out appropriate activities. You may use our Landscape Architect Professional Development Worksheet to track your PDH activities and hours.
Below are examples of allowed activities and hours. At least 18 PDH must address public health, safety & welfare.
| Activity (1 PDH is equal to no less than 50 minutes of activity) | Maximum PDH |
|---|---|
1 hour of preparation and subsequent presentation of a professional development program at:
|
10 PDHs per year |
| Publications of an authored technical paper or article. | 10 PDHs |
| Publication of an authored book. | 30 PDHs |
| Serving as an elected officer or appointed chair of a committee in a professional society or organization. PDH won't be earned until the completion of each year of service. | 4 PDHs per organization |
| Serving as an elected officer or appointed member of a board or commission related to the practice of landscape architecture. PDH won't be earned until the completion of each year of service. | 4 PDHs per organization |
| Serving as an exam grader or on a committee writing exam materials for a professional registration exam. | 8 PDHs per 2-year period (biennium) |
| Membership on the regulatory board for the practice of landscape architecture. | 8 PDHs per year |
| 1 hour of attendance at meetings or hearings of the board. This credit doesn't apply to existing board members or parties or witnesses in hearings before the board. | 6 PDHs per year |
| 1 hour of participation in other recognized professional activities, outside normal duties of employment. | 2 PDHs per year |
| 1 hour of self-study. | 2 PDHs per year |
| 1 hour of participating in sessions or courses, sponsored by technical or professional societies, organizations, or the board. | No limit |
1 hour of participation in organized courses on:
|
No limit |
| 1 hour of attendance at professional or technical society meetings with an informational program. | 5 PDHs per year |
| Pro-bono service that has a clear purpose and objective, maintains, improves, or expands your professional knowledge or skill. (4 hours of service = 1 PDH) | 4 PDHs per year |
| 1 hour of participation in an activity involving substantial and organized peer interaction, excluding time spent during regular employment. | 5 PDHs per year |
Questions? Need help?
- Email us: landscape@dol.wa.gov
- Call us: 360.664.1497
