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

Vermont Landscape Architect License Requirements

How-To Guide For Landscape Architect Candidates

Vermont was the last state to enact legislation for licensing landscape architects. The American Society of Landscape Architects lobbied the Vermont legislature and convinced the legislators that professional registration of landscape architects was in the best interest of the public’s health, safety, and welfare. While there are still provisions for grandfathering landscape architects with extensive experience in the state, this article explains how landscape architect candidates and recent graduates can become licensed landscape architects by taking the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE).

Basic License Requirements

Before you can apply for a landscape architect license, there are a few basic requirements that you must complete. These qualifications fall under three general categories.

Professional Education
Landscape Architecture Work Experience
Pass the LARE

Education

There are two ways to complete the education requirement.

College Option: Most landscape architects enter the profession through professional education. Vermont only accepts LAAB-accredited landscape architecture degrees to satisfy the licensure requirement. Proof of graduation from an approved Accredited Landscape Architectural Curriculum, such as transcripts, must be included in the license application packet. In addition to a college degree in landscape architecture, you need three years of landscape architect work experience before you can apply for licensure.

Experience Option: If you do not have an college degree in landscape architecture or your degree is not from an accredited program, you may still apply for professional registration. However, you need nine years of work experience related to the profession to substitute for the lack of college training.

Candidates for licensure must still pass all sections of the LARE exam before qualifying for a landscape architect license in the state of Vermont.

Work Experience

All candidates for licensure are required to complete at least three years of diversified professional work experience. The amount of work experience necessary varies depending on your educational background (college option versus experience option).

Accredited Degree Option: If you graduated with an accredited landscape architecture degree, your three years of work experience must have been performed under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Non-Degree Option: The experience option requires nine years of professional work experience. Proof of nine or more years’ experience in landscape architecture under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. While the board prefers that you have at least nine years working under a licensed landscape architect, you may substitute up to three years of work experience credit if you worked under an architect, professional engineer or land surveyor. Also, credits from a landscape architecture program accredited by the landscape architectural accreditation board may be substituted for use to not more than three years. The experience option requires more time to qualify for licensure, but there is more flexibility in the type of work experience that the board will accept.

All work experience will be documented on the landscape architect application. Additionally, you will send work experience verification forms to five references who will evaluate your ability to practice landscape architecture. Reference forms are sent directly to the board by the candidate’s reference.

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 you can 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 Vermont state board.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in Vermont:

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited college program in landscape architecture or substitute professional education with nine years of acceptable work experience.
Get a job working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The amount of work experience you need before qualifying for licensure depends on your education background. See the section on education above for more information.
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 and update it as you gain work experience.
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 Vermont board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont, 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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