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

Monday, November 14, 2011

West Virginia Landscape Architect License Requirements

West Virginia Landscape Architect License Requirements

How-To Guide to Professional Licensure

West Virginia is a charming state with a long history of of built spaces and natural and agrarian landscapes. Landscape architects help preserve the natural environment and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare and create beautiful, usable space. Follow the advice in this article to get licensed to practice landscape architecture in West Virginia.

Basic Requirements

There are a few requirements that landscape architect candidates need to complete before applying for a landscape architect license in West Virginia.

Professional Education
Landscape Architecture Work Experience

Education

All candidates for a landscape architect license in West Virginia need to have a college degree in landscape architecture from a LAAB-accredited program. Candidates who possess an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture need to complete two years of professional work experience in the profession. If you have a graduate degree in landscape architecture, only one year of professional practice is required before you apply for licensure.

Work Experience

All work experience should be conducted under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps as you walk on the path towards licensure:

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program.
Get a job working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The amount of work experience you need will to have is determined by your level of education. See the discussion on education above to find out how much you need before applying for licensure.
Create a Council Record on with the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards’ website at www.clarb.org. Forward the completed council record to the West Virginia licensing board.
Complete the West Virginia landscape architect application. If you transmitted a CLARB council record to the board, you can reduce the amount of paperwork that has to be completed.
Register for the LARE at www.clarb.org.
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.
Wait for your landscape architect license in the mail.
Get a seal made so you can sign and stamp drawings.
Keep your license up-to-date. West Virginia requires continuing education classes as a condition to renew your landscape architect 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 West 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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