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

Washington Landscape Architect License Requirements

How to Get Registered in Washington State

Washington 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 Washington and participate in the action.

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 two ways to satisfy the state’s education requirement. The most common path to licensure is to graduate from college with a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture degree. If you have a landscape architecture degree, you only need three years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

If you do not have a degree in landscape architecture, you can still qualify for licensure by demonstrating eight years of work experience related to landscape architecture. If you have a non-landscape architecture college degree, you may substitute your education for part of the work experience requirement. Still, six years of work experience need to be performed under the supervision of a registered landscape architect.

Work Experience

All work experience will be documented when you apply for the LARE exam (see below) and complete your application for licensure. Your employers will submit work experience forms directly to the state 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 Washington :

Graduate from an approved 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 Washington.
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 Washington board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the Washington 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.
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 Washington, 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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