LARE Exam Preparation and Study-Guide: New Jersey Landscape Architecture Requirements

New Jersey Landscape Architecture Requirements

How To Get Registered in New Jersey

New Jersey has many opportunities for landscape architects to design spaces for people and the natural environment. Landscape architect's preserve the public's health, safety, and welfare. Get you landscape architect license in New Jersey and do your part to keep New Jersey beautiful.

Basic License Requirements

New Jersey has a few requirements you must complete before you can apply for a license. Complete the following requirements before you send in an application for landscape architect licensure.

Professional Education
Landscape Architecture Work Experience
Pass the LARE.

Education

All New Jersey landscape architect candidates must possess a professional degree in landscape architecture from a LAAB-accredited professional program. You can satisfy this requirement with either a masters degree or bachelors degree. Have your college send official transcripts to the state board when you send in your application to the state board.

Work Experience

In addition to a degree in landscape architecture, all candidates need at least four years of professional work experience in landscape architecture. Two years of work experience must be completed under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. You can only count work experience gained after college graduation. Your previous employers will complete experience verification forms to substantiate your work history and scope of experience.

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 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 state board.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in New Jersey :

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited college program in landscape architecture.
Get a job working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. Most candidates with a traditional landscape architecture degree need four years of work experience to apply for a license in New Jersey.
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 New Jersey board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the New Jersey 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.
Take professional development/continuing education courses. You need to complete enough continuing education in order to renew your license.

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. Prepare for the LARE and find the best work experience you can. The broader your professional knowledge, the better you will do on the exams. You’ll also become a better, more competent landscape architect. You can do it, too.

For More Information

For more information on landscape architect license requirements in New Jersey, 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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