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

Michigan Landscape Architect License Requirements

How to Get Your First Landscape Architect License in Michigan

Michigan is a great state with forests, prairie, and lakeshore environments. Landscape architects protect the natural environment and design beautiful, functional spaces for people to enjoy. Licensed landscape architects are certified by the state and must demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge to safely practice landscape architecture and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Get your license and participate in the green revolution.

Basic License Requirements

There are a few pre-requisites that you must satisfy before you can apply a landscape architect license in the state of Michigan:

Education
Work Experience
Pass the LARE

Education Requirements

While you do not necessarily need a college degree in landscape architecture to become a licensed landscape architect, it is the easiest path. You can meet the education requirement by possessing either an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from a LAAB-accredited university, or possess a masters degree in landscape architecture. You get four years of work experience credit for a bachelors degree and five years of experience for a masters degree.

Perhaps you never finished a degree in landscape architecture. The Michigan board may allow you to use some college credits to substitute for work experience.

Work Experience

You will need to demonstrate seven years of work experience to qualify for licensure in Michigan. Your education can be substituted for up to five years of work experience. A bachelors degree is worth four years and a masters is worth five years of experience. The rest of the work experience can be achieved through working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. When you prepare your application packet, you will need to have five people testify to your ability to perform as a landscape architect.

Pass the LARE

Don’t wait to apply for licensure before you take the LARE. You can take the LARE through the Council of Landscape Architect Review Boards (CLARB) website. CLARB administers the LARE for the state of Michigan.

How to Register for the LARE

Start a Council Record with CLARB on their website at www.clarb.org. You will need to verify your education and work experience with CLARB. CLARB will evaluate your file and send you a statement of eligibility when you meet their requirements to take the LARE. Register for the LARE through CLARB’s website. After you take and pass all parts of the LARE, tell CLARB to forward your Council Record to the Michigan licensing board on your behalf.

Step-by-Step Guide to Licensure in Michigan

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program.
Get work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The amount of work experience varies depending on your level of education. See the discussion above on education and work experience for more information.
Set up a Council Record at www.clarb.org
Register for the LARE on CLARB’s website. CLARB will notify you when you are eligible to register for the LARE based on an evaluation of your Council Record.
Prepare for the LARE. Many candidates have found the LARE to be rather challenging and many people do not pass each section on the first try. You can increase your odds of success by preparing for the exam. Read the landscape architecture technical books recommended by CLARB, join a Google LARE group, attend a LARE exam preparation workshop, or take a practice exam at home. The more you study for the exam, the better your chance of success.
Take and pass all sections of the LARE.
Notify CLARB to forward your Council Record to the Michigan Board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the state of Michigan. You can find the application packet on the Michigan board website at their website.
Wait for your license to arrive in the mail. Celebrate! You are now a registered landscape architect.
Purchase a stamp so you can seal and sign drawings.

Final Words

Getting a license to practice landscape architecture is a difficult process. Follow these steps to make the path towards licensure as easy as possible. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t pass every section of the LARE on the first try. Most landscape architect candidates need a couple of tries to pass at least one exam. Just remember, many aspiring landscape architects have stood where you now stand and have acheived the goal of professional licensure. You can do it, too.

For More Information

For more information about licensure in the state of Michigan, contact the state licensure board at their website. ASLA also has a lot of information about getting a license on their website at www.asla.org.

Related Articles:

State Landscape Architecture License Requirements

LARE Passing Rates

LARE Workshops...Are Workshops Worth the Cost?

Why Get a Landscape Architect License?