LARE Exam Preparation and Study-Guide: New York State Guide to the LARE and Licensure

Get a Landscape Architect License in New York

Central Park in New York City. Image by Ed Yourdon.

New York state has a long history of landscape architecture and landscape architects. In fact, Frederick Law Olmsted coined the term "landscape architect" while working on central park. There are many opportunities for landscape architects in New York City and upstate New York.

New York has a complicated point system that is used to determine your eligibility to take the LARE and become a licensed landscape architect. Here are the basic requirements and steps you need to take to get a landscape architect license in New York state.

Prerequisites

There are a few prerequisites you need to meet before you can register for the LARE. New York uses a point system to determine candidates' eligibility. You need to earn 12 points before you can take the LARE exam. Here are some ways to earn point towards licensure.

Education

Accredited bachelors degree in landscape architecture (4 year program) = 8 points
Accredited bachelors degree in landscape architecture (5 year program) = 9 points
Graduate degree in landscape architecture and a 4 year degree in landscape architecture = 9 points
Graduate degree in landscape architecture and a 5 year degree in landscape architecture = 10 points
Four-year non-landscape architecture degree and accredited graduate degree in landscape architecture = 8 points
Non-accredited 4 year landscape architecture degree = 7 points
Accredited undergraduate civil engineering or architecture degree = 6 points
Two-year technical degree related to landscape architecture = up to 4 points
Non-related degree (other than mentioned above) = 2 points for AA, 4 points for bachelors degree

Work Experience

You need a combination of education and work experience to qualify for a landscape architect's license.

Working for a landscape architect or civil engineer earns one unit per year for a maximum of two units.
Working for a planning firm or government agency that does work related to landscape architecture construction earns up to 2 points (1 point per full-time year)
Teaching landscape architecture or conducting research on landscape architecture that leads to publication is worth 1/2 point per full-time year for a maximum of two points.

4 Ways to get 12 Points

Get a five-year BLA degree (9 points), work for a landscape contractor for one year (1 point), and work for a landscape architecture, architecture, or engineering firm for two years (2 points). This is one way to earn 12 points towards a license in New York.

Graduate with a four-year bachelors degree in landscape architecture from an accredited college (8 points), work for a planning office or government office for two years (2 points), and work for a landscape architect or landscape contractor for two years (2 points). You qualify for 12 points with this education and work experience combination.

Earn a four-year bachelors degree in landscape architecture from an accredited college (8 points), decide you need more student debt an go back to school to earn a masters degree in landscape architecture (1 point), conduct research and publish an article related to landscape architecture for two years after grad school (1 point), and work for a landscape architect office for two years (2 points). By combining extensive education and some work experience, you get the requisite number of points needed for licensure.

Maybe you discovered landscape architecture later in life. You already have a bachelors degree in an unrelated field and went back to school and earned a masters degree in landscape architecture from an accredited institution (8 points). You can earn the four points you need by working fora landscape architect's office for two years (2 points) and working for a landscape contractor or planning firm for two years (2 points). Your education and work experience now add up to the necessary 12 points.

Stepping Stones To A Landscape Architect License

Complete the education requirements.
Start gaining work experience
Register for the multiple-choice sections of the LARE with CLARB. Section A, Section B, and Section D are administered by CLARB for the state of New York.
Prepare for the LARE. Read the recommended books suggested by CLARB. Test your level of preparedness by taking some practice exams. Attend a LARE prep workshop to get individualized feedback.
Submit an application to the state of New York to take the graphic sections of the LARE. The New York board will verify your work experience and education and determine your eligibility for the exam.
Wait for final approval from New York State and pay the fees.
Maintain your license. Take continuing education courses and workshops. You are required to complete a certain number of professional development hours to renew your license.

Final Thoughts

A landscape architect license is an important milestone in you life and professional career. Many before you have jumped through the hoops and successfully achieved licensure. You can, too. Good luck.

Related Articles:

State Landscape Architecture License Requirements

LARE Passing Rates

LARE Workshops...Are Workshops Worth the Cost?

Why Get a Landscape Architect License?