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

Minnesota Landscape Architect License Requirements

How To Guide For Getting Registered The First Time

So, you graduated college with a degree on landscape architecture and were lucky enough to find a job in the profession. Now you are ready to become a licensed landscape architect. This guide can help point you in the right direction.

Basic Requirements

Before you can apply for a Minnesota landscape architect license, there are a few prerequisites you must satisfy first. Landscape architect license candidates need eight years of experience to qualify for licensure. There are several ways to get credit for your experience.

Professional Education
Landscape Architecture Work Experience
Pass The LARE

Education

You need to have a LAAB-accredited college degree from a landscape architect program approved by the Minnesota licensing board. Either a bachelors degree in landscape architecture or a first professional degree MLA will satisfy the education requirement.

You can apply your time spent on college studying landscape architecture for experience credits. Here are some examples of how to turn education into experience:

Four-year undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from a LAAB-accredited program = 4 experience points

Five-year undergraduate degree from a LAAB- accredited program in landscape architecture = 5 experience points

Graduate degree from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program = 5 experience points

Unfortunately, there is not a path to licensure that doesn't include college education.

Have your university send official transcripts to the Minnesota state board when you are ready to apply for your license.

Work Experience

In addition to education in landscape architecture, you need to have practical work experience in the profession. You need a total of eight years of experience in the profession to qualify for a license. Fortunately, you can get up to five years of experience based on your education (see the discussion on education above). Most candidates satisfy this requirement by working for a landscape architecture firm or in a position where they are directly supervised by a licensed landscape architect. Your creditable work experience must be obtained after graduation. Unfortunately, that really cool internship in college can't be applied towards the professional experience requirement.

Pass the LARE

Before you can apply for licensure, you need to pass all sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE). It's easy to sign up for the LARE if you know where to go.

First, establish a Council Record with the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Board's (CLARB) at their website at www.clarb.org. CLARB uses your Council Record to see if you meet their requirements to register for the LARE.
Second, wait for CLARB to evaluate your Council Record. When you qualify to register for the LARE.
Third, sign up for the LARE using the online registration form on CLARB's website.

Signing up for the LARE is simple for Minnesota candidates. After you get a passing score on each section and meet the education and experience requirements, apply for a landscape architect license with the Minnesota state board.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in Minnesota :

Graduate from an approved college program in landscape architecture.
Get a job working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. You need three or four years of work experience to apply for a license in Minnesota.
Create a CLARB Council Record at www.clarb.com. You will need to verify your work experience and education with CLARB. You can start you Council Record after graduation.
Wait for CLARB to advise you if you are eligible to take the LARE.
Register for the LARE through CLARB's website.
Prepare for the LARE. Many candidates find the LARE to be extremely challenging. Increase you odds of success by studying. Read all the landscape architecture technical books recommended by CLARB, take a practice exam, join a Google LARE group, or attend a LARE workshop. Candidates who come prepared do much better than those who think the don't need to study.
Take and pass all sections of the LARE.
Notify CLARB to transmit you Council Record with your test scores to the Minnesota board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Minnesota state licensing board. Have your college send official transcripts directly to the board. Send experience verification forms to employers and colleagues who can impartially evaluate your professional experience.
Wait for your license to arrive in the mail. Celebrate when you open it...you are now a licensed landscape architect.
Purchase a stamp so you can seal and sign drawings.

Final Thoughts

The road to licensure can be long an full of frustrations along the way. Don't lose hope. Many aspiring landscape architects have stood where you are and have achieved their dream of becoming a registered landscape architect. You can do it, too.

For More Information

For more information on landscape architect license requirements in Minnesota, visit the state licensing board's website. You will find current laws and regulations as well as applications for when you are ready to apply.

Also, check out the American Society of Landscape Architects website for more information on licensure.

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