(a) Each applicant for initial licensure as a landscape architect shall:

(1) Be at least 18 years of age;

(2) Hold a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in landscape architecture from a college or school of landscape architecture, environmental design, or its equivalent approved by the board; and

(3) (A) Have at least 18 months of training in the actual practice of landscape architecture as may be approved by the board, provided that at least one year of such actual practice shall be subsequent to receiving such undergraduate degree; or

(B) Have earned a postgraduate degree in landscape architecture from a college or school of landscape architecture or environmental design approved by the board.

(b) Persons who, on July 1, 1993, held licenses as landscape architects issued under the laws of this state shall not be required to obtain additional licenses under this chapter but shall otherwise be subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter, including those pertaining to renewal of such license; and such licensee shall be considered licensed for all purposes under this chapter and subject to the provisions hereof.

(c) The applicant for initial licensure must have passed a written examination generally covering the matters confronting landscape architects, provided that persons holding a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree or a Bachelor of Science of Landscape Architecture degree in landscape architecture from approved colleges or schools of landscape architecture, environmental design, or their equivalent shall be permitted to take such examination upon furnishing proof of completion of the 18 months' experience requirement or the educational equivalent and proof of their graduation to the board. The examination shall cover such matters as are reasonably calculated to test the knowledge and skill of the applicant in the field of landscape architecture. Failure to pass the examination shall be grounds for denial of a license without a further hearing.