LA Landscape study guide
LA Landscape · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Landscape architecture is a licensed profession in Louisiana, and the licensing exam is the final major hurdle for candidates who have completed the required education and work experience. The credential, administered through the state board in coordination with the national Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), signifies that a candidate has demonstrated the knowledge and judgment needed to protect public health, safety, and welfare in site design. The LA Landscape study guide has 10 sections and about 3,001 words.
01Project and Construction Administration
This domain tests how the landscape architect carries design intent through bidding, award, construction, and closeout. Expect questions on roles, construction documents, submittals, requests for information (RFIs), change orders, payment certification, site observation, and completion procedures.
334 words, about 2 min02Inventory and Analysis
This domain tests how you collect site facts and turn them into design decisions. Questions cover base maps, field verification, data sources, constraints and opportunities, suitability analysis, and graphic analysis methods.
311 words, about 2 min03Design and Construction Documentation
This domain tests whether you can produce a coordinated, buildable package. Expect questions on plan-set organization, drawing scale, dimensioning, notes, details, schedules, specifications, and consistency between drawings and written documents.
298 words, about 1 min04Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management
This domain tests terrain modification and stormwater control: contour interpretation, spot elevations, slope calculation, swales, inlets, culverts, detention, infiltration, erosion control, and permit triggers. Contours connect equal elevations.
305 words, about 2 min05Soil, Water, and Vegetation Management
This domain tests the growing system: soil texture and structure, compaction, pH, organic matter, infiltration, irrigation, plant selection, and establishment. Expect questions that connect soil conditions to plant health and water use.
280 words, about 1 min06Materials, Methods, and Construction Detailing
This domain tests how assemblies are built and drawn: paving systems, retaining walls, joints, tolerances, drainage layers, connection details, mockups, and specification language. A paving section typically includes compacted subgrade, base aggregate, bedding layer where required, and the wearing surface.
294 words, about 1 min07Site Planning and Land Use
This domain tests how program, context, regulation, and circulation shape a site plan. Expect questions on zoning, setbacks, floor-area ratio, lot coverage, access, parking, open space, compatibility, and sustainable land use.
298 words, about 1 min08Codes, Regulations, and Professional Practice
This domain tests legal and ethical practice: accessibility, building and zoning codes, permits, contracts, standard of care, liability, licensure, and professional responsibility. Expect scenario questions about scope and duty.
302 words, about 2 min09Communication and Documentation
This domain tests how you convey design and record decisions. Expect questions on drawings, reports, presentations, public meetings, minutes, correspondence, graphic standards, and project records.
294 words, about 1 min10Environmental and Cultural Resources
This domain tests how projects identify and respond to natural and cultural constraints: wetlands, floodplains, species, historic resources, tribal concerns, environmental review, buffers, and mitigation. Follow the avoidance hierarchy: avoid impacts first, then minimize, then mitigate.
285 words, about 1 min