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

Oklahoma Landscape Architect License Requirements

How-To Get Registered in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a great state located in the heart of the majestic, wind-swept Great Plains. Landscape architects play an important role in protecting the natural environment while creating beautiful human habitats. Get your landscape architect and lead the state towards a more sustainable future.

Basic License Requirements

There are a few basic requirements that all landscape architects must meet before they can apply for a landscape architect license on Oklahoma. These requirements fall under three basic categories:

Professional education
Landscape architect work experience
Pass the LARE exam

Education

The first step towards licensure is to graduate from college with a LAAB-accredited professional degree in landscape architecture. Either a bachelors degree or masters degree in landscape architecture will satisfy the requirement. Be prepared to have your school's registrar send official transcripts to the board when you apply for a license.

Work Experience

Most landscape architect candidates are required to work for three years in the profession before you can apply for a landscape architect license. All three years can be completed under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. However, there are a few other ways you may satisfy the professional experience requirement.

If you are involved in landscape architecture activities that are supervised by a licensed engineer, architect or planner, you may count up to two years of this experience towards the education requirement.

Work experience related to the on-site implementation of landscape designs during the construction phase can be used for one year of the education requirement.

When you apply for a landscape architect license in Oklahoma, you will document your work history on the application. Additionally, your current and past supervisors will evaluate you work performance on forms provided by the state board.

Pass The LARE Exam

Before applying for a landscape architect license, you need to successfully pass all parts of the LARE. Here are a few easy steps toucan use to register for the LARE exam.

First, set up a Council Record with the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards' website at www.clarb.com. Complete the record with your education experience and professional work history.

Next, let CLARB evaluate your Council Record. CLARB will send you a statement of eligibility to register for the LARE when you meet the requirements.

Sign-up for the LARE through CLARB's website.

Follow these steps to register for the LARE exam. CLARB makes exam registration fairly easy compared to other states that administer their own exams.

Pass The Oklahoma State Exam
Oklahoma has it's own exam that all candidates must pass in order to become a licensed landscape architect. The test covers topics about laws and regulations that apply to landscape architects and tests your knowledge of Oklahoma plant material. You must apply for a landscape architect license before you can register for the exam.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in Oklahoma :

Graduate from an approved 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 three years of work experience to apply for a license in Oklahoma.
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 Oklahoma board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Oklahoma 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.
Pass Oklahoma state exam on landscape architecture law and Oklahoma plant material.
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 Oklahoma, 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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