The ASLA has launched an new initiative to change the way landscape architects signify that they are licensed professionals to the world. 'Professional Landscape Architect' (PLA) is the new term that is being pushed as a replacement to being 'registered' or 'licensed'.

Why PLA? To truly establish a designation that can be used universally, it is necessary to avoid words that have specific legal meanings, like the terms registration and licensure. While these terms are often used interchangeably, in reality each has a distinct meaning in the realm of professional regulation. Like the PE designation for engineering, PLA can be used in any jurisdiction where a landscape architect is duly licensed. Most important, the use of PLA can raise the profile of landscape architecture by creating a universally recognized symbol for licensed landscape architects.

I'm not sure that changing acronyms will really accomplish raising the standing of the profession, or even help clarify things to the public.

Is this too little, too late?

is this really a significant distinction worth having the ASLA (and perhaps the AIA) spend time promoting?