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

South Dakota Landscape Architect License Requirements

How To Guide To Initial Registration

South Dakota is a state with striking natural landscapes, rural agrarian areas, and pockets of urbanism. Landscape architects serve the public by defending natural resources and protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare. Follow the steps in this guide to become a registered landscape architect in the state of South Dakota.

Basic Licensure Requirements

Before you can apply for a landscape architect license in South Dakota, there are a few basic requirements you must complete. These requirements fall into three basic categories:

Landscape Architecture Education
Professional Work Experience
Pass The LARE Exam

Education

Most candidates for licensure satisfy the education requirement with a a masters or bachelors degree in landscape architecture from a LAAB-accredited program. You need to send official transcripts from your college or university to the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards (CLARB) when you establish a Council Record. See the section on registering for the LARE for more information on Council Records.

Work Experience

You need to have a total of eight years of experience in the profession of landscape architecture. Time spent studying landscape architecture counts towards experience. For example, a four-year BSLA degree is worth four years of experience and a five-year BLA program is worth five years of experience. The rest of the time must be completed working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. Your experience will be documented on the CLARB Council Record.

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 the above steps to register for the LARE exam. After you pass all sections of the LARE, notify CLARB to transmit your Council Record to the South Dakota state board. The board uses the CLARB record to verify your test scores, work history, and education. This makes South Dakota’s licensure process one of the simplest in the nation.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in South Dakota :

Graduate from an approved college program in landscape architecture.
Get a job working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. You need a total of eight years of experience (education and work experience combined) before you can apply for a landscape architect license.
Create a CLARB Council Record at www.clarb.com. You will need to verify your work experience and education with CLARB. You can start your 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 South Dakota board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the South Dakota 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 all questions on the open book take home South Dakota Law and Rule Examination.
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 South Dakota, 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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