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

Nebraska Landscape Architect License Requirements

How To Guide To Getting an Initial License

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Basic License Requirements

Before you can apply for a landscape architect license, there are some requirements you must complete first. These requirements fall into three broad categories:

Professional Education
Landscape architecture Work Experience
Pass the LARE

Education

There are a few different ways to satisfy the state's professional education requirements depending on you level of education. Your degree type also determines how much work experience you need to get before you apply for licensure.

Education and work experience combinations:

LAAB-accredited degree in landscape architecture requires two years of work experience.
Non-accredited degree in landscape architecture requires three years of professional experience.
If you have eight years of qualifying work experience (but no formal education in landscape architecture), you may apply for a landscape architect if you met all the other requirements.

Work Experience

All candidates for licensure need to have documented professional work experience in landscape architecture. You work experience must meet certain requirements in order to count toward the license requirement:

All work experience must have been accomplished under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Experience gained before you graduated college cannot be counted towards the experience requirement.

Your previous employers will verify your past experience on forms provided by the state board.

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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska state board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Nebraska Licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in Nebraska;

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 Nebraska board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Nebraska 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 whole licensing process can be quite intimidating. Don't let it get to you. Many landscape architects have stood in your shoes and felt the same way. Take each step along the path to licensure one day at a time. Study for the LARE and get lots of practical experience. Many others have been successful and you can, too.

For More Information

For more information about Nebraska landscape architect license regulations and application forms, visit the Nebraska state board website. Also, the American Society of Landscape Architects' website is a good resource for current information on landscape architect licensure.

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