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

Montana Landscape Architect License Requirements

Learn How to Get a Landscape Architect License in Montana

Montana is a state of natural beauty and agrarian landscapes. Many great gardens have recently been designed and built in the state. Get licensed to practice landscape architecture and take part in the beautification of Montana.

Basic Requirements

There are a few basic requirements that must be satisfied before you can apply for a landscape architect license with the Montana state board. These requirements fall into three basic categories:

Professional Education
Landscape Architecture Work Experience
Pass the LARE

Education

There are several different ways to satisfy the education requirement in Montana. The type of college degree you earned determines the amount of work experience you will need to complete before you can apply for a landscape architect license.

If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree from a LAAB-accredited college program, you need to demonstrate two years of professional work experience.

College degrees from non-accredited landscape architecture programs require three years of professional experience before you can apply for licensure.

Perhaps you have a college degree, but it’s not in landscape architecture. Montana will permit licensure if you have four years of professional work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

If you have eight years of work experience working for a landscape architect, you can apply for a license without any college education (if you meet the other requirements).

As you can see, there are several ways to meet the education requirement for Montana licensure.

Work Experience

In addition to professional education (or its equivalent), you need work experience in the profession. All work experience must be obtained after graduation. Your work experience needs to be conducted under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, also. Your work experience will be verified when you create a Council Record with CLARB and apply for a landscape architect license.

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 Montana 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 Montana state board.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in Montana :

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 Montana.
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 Montana board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Montana 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 Montana, 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.

Related Articles:

State Landscape Architecture License Requirements

LARE Passing Rates

LARE Workshops...Are Workshops Worth the Cost?

Why Get a Landscape Architect License?