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

Hawaii Landscape Architect License Requirements

Go To Guide For Aspiring Landscape Architects

Hawaii is a lush tropical paradise on Earth with beautiful natural scenery and lush landscaped spaces. Being an island, there are some unique environmental issues that affect landscape architects. Licensed landscape architects play an important role in preserving and enhancing the islands of Hawaii. Get you license in Hawaii and become a player to help preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Hawaii.

Basic Requirements

There are some basic prerequisites you need to complete before you can apply for a landscape architect license in Hawaii.

Education

One basic requirement for a landscape architect license in the state of Hawaii is a college degree in landscape architecture. Your degree must be from a LAAB-accredited institution. Either a masters degree or bachelors degree is acceptable.

The amount of education you have achieved affects the amount of work experience you must complete before applying for a license in the state of Hawaii.

If you have an LAAB-accredited undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, you will need to demonstrate three years of professional work experience.
You need only two years of landscape architectural work experience if you have a bachelors degree and masters degree in landscape architecture.
Perhaps you have a college degree in a related profession but have been working under the supervision of a landscape architect. The state of Hawaii requires you to prove five years of supervised work experience before applying for licensure.
What if you do not possess a college degree but have extensive work experience in landscape architecture? You can apply for licensure after 12 years of acceptable work experience.

Send in official copies of your college transcripts when you apply for a license.

Work Experience

Work experience in landscape architecture is required for all landscape architecture candidates. All work experience must be supervised by a licensed landscape architect. The amount of work experience required for a landscape architect license in the state of Hawaii varies for each candidate depending on their level of education. See the section above for the details. The easiest way for candidates to verify their work experience is to establish a CLARB council record and keep the work experience up-to-date.

Pass The LARE

Before you can apply for your license in Hawaii, you need to pass the LARE exam. The first sep to registering for the LARE is to establish a Council Record with the Council of Landscape Architect Review Boards (CLARB) at their website. After completing your Council Record, CLARB will send you a notice of eligibility to take the LARE. Once approved, register to take the LARE through CLARB. In Hawaii, the test is only administered on the island of Oahu.

Not every candidate must pass the LARE to become a licensed landscape architect (but most do). If you have 15 years of documented work experience, you may qualify (at the state board's discretion) for licensure if you meet all the other requirements.

Hawaii Plants Exam

The state of Hawaii added an additional section to the LARE that tests your knowledge of plant material used in Hawaii. You can take this exam at the same time as the LARE.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to become a licensed landscape architect in Hawaii:

Graduate with a LAAB-accredited college degree in landscape architecture.
Get real-life work experience. The amount of experience you need varies depending on your level of education. See above.
Set up a Council Record at CLARB's website. Add you education and work experience. Wait for CLARB to send you an eligibility notice for the LARE.
Register for the LARE with CLARB.
Prepare for the LARE. The LARE exam is challenging for most landscape architect candidates. Improve your odds of passing the first time by studying really hard. Read the technical books recommended by CLARB, take a practice exam at home, or attend a LARE workshop to get personalized feedback. If you prepare for the LARE, you greatly improve your chances of success.
Pass all sections of the LARE.
Pass the Hawaiian plants supplemental exam.
Forward your Council Record to the Hawaii state board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the state of Hawaii. You can download the application packet from http://hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/boards/engineer/.
Wait for your license in the mail. Celebrate when it arrives! You are now licensed to practice landscape architecture.

Final Thoughts

The road to achieving your goal of becoming a registered landscape architect can seem long and full of challenges. Don't give up hope even when you feel overwhelmed with the LARE. Remember that many have gone before you and achieved their goals. So can you. Prepare for the challenges ahead. Study for the LARE and do everything you can to become the competent professional you know you can be. You can do it!

For More Information

For more information on the application process or licensure regulations in Hawaii, contact the Hawaii state board at their website. ASLA also has has lots of information on licensure on their website.

Related Articles:

State Landscape Architecture License Requirements

LARE Passing Rates

LARE Workshops...Are Workshops Worth the Cost?

Why Get a Landscape Architect License?