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

Rhode Island Landscape Architect License Requirements

How To Guide for Landscape Architect Candidates

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union but is big on design. Landscape architects help protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. You can get a license to practice landscape architecture in Rhode Island with a landscape architect license. Use this easy to follow guide to walk through the steps towards licensure.

Basic License Requirements

Before you can apply for a landscape architecture license in Rhode Island, you need to complete a few prerequisites. These requirements fall into three basic requirements:

Professional Education
Landscape Architecture Work Experience
Pass the LARE

Education

There are two ways you can satisfy the education requirement for an initial landscape architect license in Rhode Island:

Landscape Architecture Degree

Most candidates for licensure have a LAAB-accredited degree in landscape architecture or another approved landscape architecture degree. If you are not sure if you degree will be accepted by the board, contact the state licensure board to verify if your education is acceptable. In addition to the degree in landscape architecture, you need two years of practical experience in the profession. Refer to the section below for work experience requirements and qualifications.

No Degree

If you do not have a college degree at all, there is still a way to become a licensed landscape architect in Rhode Island. In lieu of the education requirement, an applicant must have at least six years of satisfactory practical experience in landscape architectural work. Credit may be given for approved college education at the discretion of the board. Contact the state board for additional information.

Work Experience

All candidates for licensure must have two years of diversified landscape architecture work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect or a related professional. A minimum of two years’ experience in landscape architectural work under the direct supervision of a landscape architect; or one year's experience in landscape architectural work under the direct supervision of a landscape architect and one year's experience in satisfactory related work under the direct supervision of an architect, engineer, or land surveyor is required before you may apply for a landscape architect license.

You will submit employment verifications when you apply for licensure and your current and previous employers on the form provided by the state licensing 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 Rhode Island :

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 three years of work experience to apply for a license in Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Rhode Island 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 the Rhode Island licensing exam. The state exam is offered through the state board only.
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 Rhode Island, 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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