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

New Mexico Landscape Architect License Requirements

How-To Guide to Landscape Architect Registration in New Mexico

New Mexico is a beautiful and diverse state with a long history of human habitation. Some of the oldest communities in America call New Mexico home. Landscape architects help defend and preserve the native beauty of the state and design habitable and sustainable human habitats. Use this guide to help you along the path towards becoming a licensed landscape architect.

There are two levels of landscape architect licensure in New Mexico: registered landscape architect and landscape-architect-in-training. A registered landscape architect is able to seal drawings and is fully able to independently practice landscape architecture while a landscape-architect-in-training cannot seal drawings and must work under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. Many landscape architect candidates apply for the landscape-architect-in-training while they work on completing all sections of the LARE.

Basic Requirements

There are some prerequisites that all New Mexico landscape architect candidates must complete before they can apply for a landscape architect license.

Professional Education
Work Experience
Pass LARE Sections A, B, and D

Education

All landscape architect candidates need to have some education and/or work experience in landscape architecture. There are several ways to satisfy the education requirement.

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program. You will need two years of practical work experience before you can qualify for registration.
Graduate from a non-accredited landscape architecture program offering a bachelors (four-year degree) or masters degree (at least two years). With a non-accredited degree, you need to have four years of work experience with one year of experience working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.
Possess a undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field. Under this option, you need five years of professional experience with one of those years serving under a licensed landscape architect.
Demonstrate ten years of professional work experience in landscape architecture. If you have a bachelors degree, you substitute your education for two years of work experience.

Work Experience

The amount of work experience you need for licensure depends on your professional education (see the education section above). All landscape architect candidates need at least one year of practical experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. You may not count work experience gained while working on your degree. Your work experience will be documented on the licensure application and when you establish a CLARB Council Record (more on this below).

Pass the LARE

To qualify as a landscape-architect-in-training, you must have satisfied the education requirement and have some professional work experience. Additionally, you must also pass two or more sections of the LARE exam. You can take the multiple-choice sections of the LARE while you are working completing the practical experience requirements. 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 two or more sections and meet the education and experience requirements, apply for a landscape-architect-in-training license with the state board.

These are the basic requirements you need before you can apply for landscape-architect-in-training status and register for the last two sections of the LARE exam.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in New Mexico :

Graduate from an approved college program in landscape architecture.
Get a job working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The amount of work experience you need varies depending on your education experience. See the section above on education for more information.
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. Sections A, B, and D are administered by CLARB in New Mexico. You need to apply for landscape-architect-in-training status before you can register for Sections C and E which are administered by the state board.
Register for Section A, B, and/or D of the LARE through CLARB's website. You need to pass at least two sections before you can apply for landscape-architect-in-training status with the state board.
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 at least two multiple-choice sections of the LARE.
Notify CLARB to transmit you Council Record with your test scores to the New Mexico board.
Apply for a landscape-architect-in-training license with the New Mexico 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.
Register for and pass the remaining sections of the LARE.
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.
Maintain your license. New Mexico requires all landscape architect to complete continuing education courses 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 Mexico, 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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