Continuing education exemptions
The Board requires all Registered Landscape Architects in active status to complete annual continuing education activities. Exemptions are allowed under the Board rule
804-025-0010, such as for illness, physical disability, or economic hardship related to disasters or emergencies. All exemptions must be approved by the Board. For questions about exemptions, please contact the Board office at
oslab.info@bgelab.oregon.gov.
Continuing education for landscape architects
Active Registered Landscape Architects need to complete continuing education activities every renewal year. The Board does not pre-approve activities, but Board rules explain which activities are generally accepted. The Board accepts activities from the
American Society of Landscape Architects Continuing Education Series (LA CES), among others.
Board rules also describe how professional development hours (PDH) are determined, what documentation is required, the audit process, and how to request exemptions.
Annual continuing education is not required for Landscape Architects-in-Training, those on inactive status, or those on inactive emeritus status. If you return to active status from inactive or emeritus status, you must meet modified continuing education requirements as explained in Board rule 804-025-0015. If you have questions about this, contact the Board office.
The Board conducts audits throughout the year. Registered Landscape Architects are randomly chosen for audits at each quarterly Board meeting. All identifying information is removed from documents submitted in response to audit, so Board reviews are anonymous.
Documenting professional development hours (PDH)
Active Registered Landscape Architects must keep records of continuing education activities completed during the three most recent annual renewal periods. The required documentation includes:
- A PDH log for each renewal period, listing the subject, type, sponsoring organization, location, duration, and instructor or speaker for each activity.
- Proof that each activity on your PDH log was completed.
You can store your continuing education records in the Board's
Registrant Portal, but this is optional. If you are audited, you may direct the Board to your portal record instead of submitting documents separately.
Each registrant must obtain verification of participation or provide documentation for PDH. If selected for audit, you must submit your PDH log and supporting documents. About 5% of active registrants are audited each year.
The Board prefers documentation from third-party providers that includes the provider's name, event title, dates attended, and anticipated PDH value. Recommended documents are:
- Certificate of completion
- Certificate of attendance
- Letter confirming attendance
- Transcript
If you cannot get proof of attendance from the provider, you may submit a sign-in sheet (with date, title, and presenter) along with the event agenda to show participation for PDH compliance. Receipts and registration confirmations are not acceptable documentation as these do not confirm attendance or completion.
If you do not have the documentation described above, or for self-directed activities (including those in
804-025-0020(3)), you can submit an activity summary for Board review. The summary must include:
- Name or title of the activity
- Date(s) and hours spent on the activity
- Location
- Presenter or instructor
- Written summary of the subject matter
- Anticipated PDH, explaining if the subject relates to health, safety, and welfare, and describing key elements that address protection of health, safety, and welfare in landscape architecture
Examples of PDH documentation
The following examples are provided to help Registered Landscape Architects understand what the Board expects as documentation of PDH. Additional example documents may be added as they become available.