Oregon Landscape Architect License Requirements

Oregon Landscape Architect License Requirements

How to Get Registered in Oregon State

Oregon state is a beautiful place full of natural splendor and high-quality landscape design. 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 Oregon and participate in the action.

Two Types of Licenses

Oregon offers two types of licenses for landscape architect candidates.

• Landscape Architect In Training (LAIT)
• Landscape Architect

After you pass two sections of the LARE, you may apply for a Landscape Architect In Training (LAIT) license. As a LAIT, you may only practice landscape architecture under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. Many candidates use this professional designation as a stepping stone to full licensure. To qualify for LAIT status, you must successfully pass two sections of the LARE and complete the application with the Oregon state board. It only costs $50 per year to get a LAIT license.

When you qualify for a full landscape architect license, you have all of the legal rights and privileges of the profession and may sign and seal drawings. You may only apply for licensure after meeting all the education requirements, pass all sections of the LARE, and meet the professional work requirements.

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

There are three ways to meet the education requirement for the state of Oregon.

1. Graduate from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program and get three years of professional work experience.
2. “In lieu of graduation from an LAAB-accredited program, an applicant may satisfy the education requirement through five years credit through a combination of experience plus one of the following: a non-accredited BLA or MLA (four years credit); NAAB-accredited BArch or MArch (four years credit); ABET-accredited degree in civil engineering (four years credit); or any bachelor’s degree (2 years credit). Under this requirement, the applicant must also have up to 3 years of diversified experience in landscape architecture under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.” For more information on this route, read the ASLA summation.
3. If you do meet either of the above education requirements, you can satisfy the education requirement with eight years of professional work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Work Experience

The amount of work experience you need to qualify for licensure depends on your educational background. Any amount of work experience that you performed while under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect can be applied towards the experience requirement. You may apply up to two years of work experience credit if you worked under the direct supervision of a civil engineer, architect, or planner. The board will consider granting up to one year of experience for another form of work experience not covered above on a case by case basis. You will document your work experience when you apply for a landscape architect license.

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.

How to Register for Sections A, B, and D

1. To be eligible to sit for these sections of the LARE, you must have a confirmation letter of approval from Oregon board. The confirmation letter will be issued to your mailing address on record in the Board office following review of the following: A letter which identifies yourself as a candidate for the on-line exams, CLARB Section A, B, and D. Your letter must include your home address, work address, social security number and current email address. Please identify which address should be used as your mailing address. In addition, you need include an official university sealed transcript arriving with your letter of application.
2. Next, 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.
3. Then, wait for CLARB to evaluate your Council Record. When you qualify to register for the LARE.
4. Finally, sign up for the LARE using the online registration form on CLARB's website.

How to Register for Sections C & E

1. Section C and Section E of the LARE are administered here in Oregon two times each year on the nationally set dates.
2. Have at least one year of work experience working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.
3. Complete an application packet. Packets must be received in the Board office no less than 90 days prior to the scheduled examination date. Download the application from the Oregon board’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 Oregon :

1. Graduate from an approved college program in landscape architecture.
2. 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 Oregon.
3. Send a letter to the Oregon board with an official college transcript requesting authorization to take Sections A, B, and D of the LARE through CLARB.
4. 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.
5. Register for sections A, B, and D of the LARE through CLARB's website.
6. 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.
7. Apply to take LARE Sections C and E with the Oregon board.
8. Take and pass all sections of the LARE.
9. Notify CLARB to transmit you Council Record with your test scores to the Oregon board.
10. Apply for a landscape architect license with the Oregon 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.
11. Wait for your license to arrive in the mail. Celebrate when you open it...you are now a licensed landscape architect.
12. Purchase a stamp so you can seal and sign drawings.
13. 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 Oregon, 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. 

Related Articles:

• State Landscape Architecture License Requirements
• LARE Passing Rates
• LARE Workshops...Are Workshops Worth the Cost?
• Why Get a Landscape Architect License?
• Recommended Reading
• Practice Exams
• Upcoming LARE Workshops
• Free LARE Exam Preparation Resources

Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.