Monday, October 10, 2011

Louisiana Landscape Architect License Requirements


How do I become a Licensed Landscape Architect in the State of Louisiana?
Louisiana has a long history of landscape architecture. Follow these easy steps 
be be come a licensed landscape architect in the State of Louisiana. 
Photo by wallyg.

You must be licensed by the State of Louisiana in order to prepare “prepare landscape plans, grading plans, studies, designs, construction details, etc. for a fee.” 1

Here are the steps you must follow to become a licensed landscape architect in the state of Louisiana for a first-time landscape architect. 

Step 1: Meet the prerequisites to apply for a landscape architect’s license in the state of Louisiana. Have an accredited degree in landscape architecture or have 6 years of practical experience working for a licensed landscape architect. Have 1 year of experience working under the direct supervision of a landscape architect, landscape horticulturist, engineer, architect, or licensed professional with a contracting firm.

Step 2: Register for the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam (LARE) with the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards (CLARB).

Step 3: Study for the LARE exam. The Louisiana Chapter of ASLA offers LARE exam preparation workshops. Check out the study guide and test preparation resources on the Practice Exams page.

Step 3: Pass the multiple-choice, computer-based sections (Section A, Section B, and Section D) and pass the graphic vignette sections (Section C and E).

Step 4: Pass the Louisiana section of the LARE. The Louisiana Plant Characteristics section is offered at the same time as other sections of the LARE are given. If you are applying for a landscape architect license in Louisiana, you can take Louisiana Plant Characteristics at the same time as the other sections.

Step 5: Apply to the State of Louisiana and pay the new license fee.  Currently, the fee is $200 for new applications or $100 fee for those retaking the Louisiana Plant Characteristics section.

Step 6: Receive notification that you are now licensed in Louisiana. Record you license number, frame your certificate, and celebrate!

Step 7: Get a license rubber stamp.  You will use this stamp to seal your drawings. Check out the requirements for the landscape architect rubber stamp seal in the Louisiana Summary of Horticulture Regulations.

Step 8: Maintain you license through continuing education.  As a licensed landscape architect, you need to complete 8 CEU units each year to maintain you license in accordance with state law.  Check out the the Louisiana Summary of Horticulture Regulations.


What if I am Licensed in Another State?
Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo by wallyg.
You can apply for reciprocity in Louisiana.  The State of Louisiana has provisions that allow landscape architects who are licensed in other states to become licensed in Louisiana through a process called reciprocity.  

Here are the steps to take to become licensed in Louisiana if you already are a licensed landscape architect in another state:

Step 1: Fill out an application from the State of Louisiana. The application fee for reciprocity is currently $200. This fee is the same as the first time landscape architect license fee.  On the bright side however, there is no fee for the Louisiana Plant Characteristics section of the exam. You can download the application for the landscape architect license from the Horticulture Information Packet link. 

Step 2: Send in a copy of your LARE scores, transcripts, and any other information requested from the State of Louisiana. The application packet has all the details you need to follow.

Step 3: Successfully pass the Louisiana Plant Characteristics section of the LARE. There is no fee for the Louisiana Plant Characteristics section and the exam is offered at the same time and location as other sections of the LARE exam in the State of Louisiana.  

Step 4: Get a landscape architect seal stamp to seal drawings.  

Step 5: Take at least 8 CEU’s of continuing education each year to keep your license current.  You can transfer 4 hours of credits from the previous years.  Make sure you keep records of you continuing education training.

Final Words of Advice

Check with CLARB for test dates for the LARE.  Make sure you apply before the cut-off dates with the state of Louisiana.  For more information on state application cut-off dates, check out the Horticulture Information Packets link.


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Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.

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