LARE Exam Preparation and Study-Guide: Arizona Landscape Architect License Requirements

Arizona Landscape Architecture License Requirements

How to Get Licensed In Arizona

Tempe Transit Station. Photo by Kimmus122.

Arizona is a complex state with vast expanses of beautiful deserts, rugged mountains, and sprawling urban areas. Landscape architects have helped transform the desert into some of the nicest and most diverse urban spaces in the United States. Take part in the green revolution by getting you landscape architect license in Arizona.

Basic Requirements

There are a few basic requirements you need to meet before you can take the LARE in Arizona.

Be 18 years of age or older.
Be of good moral character and repute.
Have a bachelors degree or masters degree in landscape architecture.
Prove you have eight years of “active involvement” in the profession of landscape architecture.
Demonstrate one year of landscape architecture-related work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

The state of Arizona requires landscape architect candidates to have at least 8 years of active involvement in the profession of landscape architecture. You college degrees can count for up to five years of experience. The rest of the time requirement can be met by working under the supervision of a landscape architect. As long as you have at least one year of work experience working under the supervision of a landscape architect, you can petition the board to approve additional years of landscape architecture work experience.

Ways to Get 8 Years of Experience

Example 1: You graduated with a 4 year bachelors degree in landscape architecture. After graduation, you worked for a landscape architect's office or planning firm for four years. You now have eight years of active involvement in the profession.

Example 2: After graduating with a five-year BLA degree in landscape architecture, you went to work in the landscape architecture department of a large multi-disciplinary firm for a year. After one year of work experience under the direct supervision of a landscape architect, you start working for a landscape architect as a garden designer. This situation would meet the experience requirement with a waiver from the Arizona state board.

Example 3: After graduating with a four-year degree in landscape architecture, you decide to get a graduate degree in landscape architecture. This will count for five years of active involvement in the profession. You complete the requirement for the remaining three years by working for a landscape architect office. This example meets the eight years of active involvement required by the board.

Example 4: After graduating with an unrelated undergraduate degree, you decided to go back to school and earn a first professional masters degree in landscape architecture. Since the graduate program was three years long (full-time), you can apply three years towards the eight years of experience required by Arizona for licensure. You still need to get five years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect to satisfy the board's requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Licensure

Arizona has authorized the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards (CLARB) to administer all parts of the LARE exam.

Register with CLARB and create a Council Record. You will need to complete the application process and send in work experience verification forms and college transcripts.
CLARB will notify you when your application has been verified.
Register for the LARE exam through CLARB's website. The multiple-choice sections (Sections A, B, and D) are offered in the spring and fall. You have a two week window to complete the exam sections at a computer-based testing facility. Graphic sections are offered in June and December on one day. CLARB will inform you of the test locations.
Prepare for the LARE. Unfortunately, most landscape architect candidates do not pass each section the first time. To stack the odds in your favor, use the CLARB recommended books to brush up on the test content. Attend a LARE review workshop or review session or take a practice exam to help you gauge how ready you are for the exam. Go into the exam prepared and confident.
Take and pass all sections of the LARE exam.
After you have passed Each section of the LARE, forward your CLARB council record to the Arizona board and submit an Arizona state landscape architect license application and fee.
The Arizona board will review your application, professional education, and work experience and contact you with more information. If the state board find that you meet all the qualifications.
Pay the license fee, receive your license in the mail and celebrate.

Final Thoughts

Arizona is one of the easier states to become licensed in. There is not a state-specific test required by the state to get your licensed. Make sure you prepare for the LARE and walk into the exam confident and knowledgeable. Good luck.

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