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

Ohio Landscape Architect License Requirements

How to Get Registered in Ohio State

Ohio is a state with a long legacy of urban development and agrarian landscapes dominated by some of America’s best river systems. Landscape architects help preserve the state’s natural beauty and design human habitats and communities. Registered landscape architects protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Get licensed in Ohio and participate in the action.

Basic License Requirements

Before you can apply for a landscape architect license, there are some basic requirements you need to satisfy.

Professional Education
Landscape Architecture Work Experience
Pass the LARE

Education

You must have a LAAB-accredited degree in landscape architecture. Either a masters degree or a bachelors degree can be used to satisfy the education requirement. Be prepared to have your college send official transcripts to the Ohio state board when you are ready to apply for a landscape architect license.

“A graduate degree in landscape architecture when that degree is preceded by an accredited undergraduate landscape architecture degree can substitute for one year of experience.”

Work Experience

All landscape architect candidates need at least three years of professional work experience in landscape architecture before they can apply for a license with the state board. At least one of the three years must be completed after graduation from a landscape architecture program. “The experience must be in areas directly related to landscape architecture and include experience in design, contract documents, contract administration, and office management.” There are several ways to meet the education requirement.

Experience will be credited as follows apply:

Experience directly related to landscape architectural work under the direct supervision of a landscape architect (100%; no limit)
Experience in the employment of government agencies, architects, civil engineers, city or regional planners, landscape design-build in areas directly related to landscape architecture under the direct supervision of a landscape architect (100%; no limit)
Experience in the employment of government agencies, architects, civil engineers, city or regional planners, landscape design-build in areas directly related to landscape architecture when not under the direct supervision of a landscape architect (50%; 1 year limit)

All your professional work experience will be documented when you apply for a license with 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 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 Ohio :

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 years of work experience to apply for a license in Ohio. One year must be completed after college graduation.
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 Ohio board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Ohio 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 Ohio, 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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