LARE Exam Preparation and Study-Guide: Virginia Landscape Architecture License Requirements

Virginia Landscape Architecture License Requirements

How-To Guide for Landscape Architect Candidates

Virginia has a long history of human development and landscape design. From the earliest days of European colonization, colonists have designed gardens and urban spaces to enhance the beauty and usability of the environment. In addition to the built environment, landscape architects help preserve the natural environment. Landscape architects contribute to the sustainability and functionality of the built environment while protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Follow the steps in this guide to help you navigate the initial licensure process in the commonwealth of Virginia.

License Pre-Requisites

Before you can apply for a landscape architect license in Virginia, there are a few requirements that you must complete. These prerequisites fall into the following categories:

English Proficiency
Professional Education
Work Experience
Pass the LARE

English Proficiency

The Virginia licensing board and state regulation require all applicants to be able to speak and write English to the satisfaction of the board. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must take the TOEFL exam. If you were educated in the United State, this is probably the easiest prerequisite to satisfy.

Education

There are two ways to meet the education requirement for licensure:

Degree Option: Most landscape architect candidates graduate from an approved, LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program. In addition to a degree in landscape architecture, candidates with degree need to complete three years of diversified landscape architecture work experience. See the section on work experience for more information.

Experience Option: If you don’t have an LAAB-accredited degree in landscape architecture, you may still apply for licensure under the experience option. Professional work experience is substituted for landscape architecture education. See the section below for the work experience requirements for this option.

Work Experience

The amount of work experience you need is dependent upon your educational background.

Degree Option: If you have a LAAB-accredited degree in landscape architecture, the Virginia licensing board requires at least three years of professional work experience “with at least one year under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect”. The other 2 years could alternatively be under an architect, professional engineer or land surveyor, but such experience is credited only at a rate of 50%.

Experience Option: You may qualify to sit for the LARE exam if you have obtained eight years of combined education and work experience in landscape architecture or related fields at the discretion of the licensing board.

The following activities can be used and combined to substitute a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture degree:

A degree from an accredited (up to 5 years) or non- accredited (up to 4 years) school of landscape architecture
A degree or credits toward an allied professional discipline approved by the board (up to 3 years, with the first two years only crediting at a rate of 75%)
Any other bachelor degree (up to 2 years, with the first two years crediting 50% and succeeding years at 75%)
Any qualifying experience in landscape architecture under the direct supervision of a landscape architect (no limit)
Experience directly related to landscape architecture under direct supervision of an architect, professional engineer, or land surveyor (up to 4 years, crediting at a rate of 50%).
Mandatory: At least two years of work experience must be under direct supervision of a landscape architect.

Qualifying landscape architectural training and experience needs to be progressive in complexity and based on a knowledge of natural, physical and mathematical sciences, and the principles and methodology of landscape architecture in order to qualify for credit.

Pass the LARE

Virginia requires all landscape architect license candidates to apply for licensure with the state before they can take the LARE exam. Apply to the board after you complete the education and experience requirements and then apply to take all sections of the LARE exam once the Virginia licensing board notifies you that you are on the pre-approved list at CLARB.

Here are a few easy steps you can use to register for the LARE exam after you apply for licensure with the Virginia board.:

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.

Sign-up for the LARE through CLARB's website. Sections A, B, and D are computer-based, multiple-choice exams administered twice a year during a two week period. Graphic sections C and E are administered by the state licensing board in June and December.

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 state board.

Step-by-Step Guide To licensure

Follow these steps to get your license in Virginia :

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited college program in landscape architecture.
Get a job working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. You need three years of work experience to apply for a license in Virginia. Two years of work experience must be in a landscape architect office.
Apply for permission to take the LARE with the Virginia state board. Apply for a landscape architect license with the Virginia 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.
After you are approved by the state board to register for the LARE, 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.
Register for LARE sections A, B, and D through CLARB's website. CLARB administers the multiple-choice, computer-based exams.
Register for LARE Sections C and E with the Virginia state board.
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.
Pass the Virginia law and regulation exam for landscape architects.
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 Virginia, 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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