LARE Exam Preparation and Study-Guide

Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing. Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information. If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.

Landscape Architect License Requirements in Illinois

Landscape Architect License Requirements in Illinois

How To Become A Registered Landscape Architect in the State of Illinois

Illinois is a state full of prairie, woodlands, and rural agrarian landscapes as well as sleek urban centers with world-class examples of fine landscape architecture. There is a lot of opportunity for landscape architects in Illinois. This guides explains the basic requirements needed to obtain a license to practice landscape architecture in Illinois.

Basic Requirements

There are a few basic requirements you must satisfy before you can apply for a landscape architect license in the state of Illinois:

Education

All candidates for licensure need to have an accredited degree in landscape architecture. You can satisfy this requirement with either a bachelors or masters degree as a first professional degree. If you have an undergraduate landscape architecture degree and a masters degree in landscape architecture, you only need one year of work experience.

Work Experience

In order to qualify for an initial license in Illinois, you need to have some professional work experience working under the immediate supervision of a licensed landscape architect, architect, or engineer. Most candidates need two years of work experience before they can apply for licensure.

Pass the LARE Exam

You need to pass all sections of the LARE before you can apply for your landscape architect license. The Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards (CLARB) administers all sections of the LARE in Illinois. Set up a CLARB Council Record account at CLARB’s website and then apply to take the LARE. After you pass all the LARE sections, request to have your council record forwarded to the Illinois state board.

Step-By-Step Guide to Licensure

Follow these steps on your path to becoming a registered landscape architect in the state of Illinois:

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program. You will need to send official college transcripts to the board and CLARB to verify your education experience.
Get a job working for an architect, landscape architect, or engineer doing landscape architectural work. Most candidates who do not have a masters and bachelors degree in landscape architecture will need to have two years of documented work experience.
Set up a CLARB Council Record at CLARB’s website. You need to complete all requirements for the Council Record before CLARB will issues a statement of eligibility to take the LARE exam.
Register to take the LARE exam after you receive your notice of eligibility from CLARB. All sections of the LARE are administered by CLARB in Illinois.
Prepare for the LARE. Unfortunately, many candidates don’t pass the LARE on their first attempt according to CLARB’s statistics. You can greatly increase your chances of success through thorough preparation. Read the recommended technical books recommended by CLARB, attempt practice exams at home, join a LARE Google group, or attend a LARE exam preparation workshop. The more you prepare for the exam, the better you will do.
Take and pass all sections of the LARE.
Notify CLARB to send your Council Record (with your passing LARE scores) to the Illinois state board.
Apply for a landscape architect to the Illinois state board. You will need to have the work experience forms completed by your supervisor and sent to the board. Also, have your college send official transcripts to the state board to verify your education experience.
Wait for the state board to notify you of approval and pay the initial licensing fee. Wait for your license to arrive in the mail and celebrate! You are now a licensed landscape architect.
Get a stamp made so you can seal and stamp drawings.

Final Thoughts

While the road towards licensure can seem long and tiring, try to keep your ultimate goal in mind. All the trials, expenses, and tribulations will seem worth it on the day you can scream, “I’m a licensed landscape architect!” Study hard and good luck.

For More Information

For more information on licensure requirements and to get an Illinois landscape architect license application packet, contact the Illinois state board at their website at http://www.idfpr.com/profs/info/LandscapeArch.asp. ASLA also has information on getting and maintaining your landscape architect license on their website at www.asla.org. If you are not already a member of ASLA, consider joining. There are many benefits to belonging to the largest professional organization of landscape architects.

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Indiana Landscape Architect License Requirements

Indiana Landscape Architect License Requirements

How to Become a Registered Landscape Architect In Indiana

Indiana is a state full of contrasting urban centers and idyllic rural agrarian landscapes. Landscape architects play in important role in integrating and protecting these landscapes and the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Getting your landscape architect registration in Indiana will let you participate in making the state a better place.

Basic Requirements

There are some basic prerequisites that you must satisfy before you can apply for a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of Indiana.

Minimum Age

You cannot become a licensed landscape architect before your 18^th birthday. For most candidates, this is the easiest requirement to satisfy.

Education

You have two ways to satisfy the education requirement for an initial landscape architect license in Indiana.

Most landscape architect license candidates complete an accredited university degree in landscape architecture. The board will accept either a bachelors or masters degree in landscape architecture. There is no licensure benefit from possessing both a masters and bachelors degree in landscape architecture. To verify your educational experience in landscape architecture, you will notify you educational institution to send official transcripts to the state board and CLARB.

What if you don’t have a landscape architect college degree? There is a way to become a licensed landscape architect without a professional degree. You can substitute a degree for eight years of practical experience in landscape architecture “of a grade and character satisfactory to the board”.

Work Experience

Candidates need to have three years of documentable “diversified, actual, and practical experience in landscape architectural work of a grade and character satisfactory to the board”. The easiest way to satisfy this requirement is to work under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. You will have to verify your work experience to both CLARB and the Indiana board with work experience documentation forms.

Pass the LARE

The state of Indiana requires candidates for licensure to pass all sections of the LARE prior to applying for a landscape architect license. The Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards (CLARB) administers the LARE in Indiana. Before you can register for the LARE exam, you need to visit CLARB’s website and establish a Council Record. After CLARB evaluates your Council Record, they will send you a statement of eligibility to register for the LARE. Register for the LARE through CLARB’s website.

Criminal Background Check

The Indiana state board will run a criminal background investigation on your when you apply for licensure. They check for “an act that would constitute a ground for disciplinary action under IC 25-1-11 or...a felony that has a direct bearing on the applicant's ability to practice competently.” If you have some serious misdemeanors or a felony on your record, start thinking of how you will explain your situation to the board and how you can persuade the board that your history will have no bearing on your future and should not disqualify you from practicing landscape architecture in the state.

Step-by-Step Guide to Licensure

Follow this step-by-step guide on the path to getting your first landscape architect license:

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited college landscape architecture program.
Get three years of practical work experience in landscape architecture. You will need to verify your work experience with CLARB and the state board. Don’t burn any bridges with past employers since they will complete the work experience verification forms.
Create a CLARB Council Record. Complete the record with all the required information and wait for CLARB to send you a statement of eligibility to register for the LARE exam.
Register for the LARE exam through CLARB’s website.
Prepare for the LARE exam. It is very unfortunate, but many candidates don’t pass each section on the first attempt. CLARB’s own statistics show that the passing rates on several sections is really quite dismal. This doesn’t have to be your story, however. You can greatly improve your chances of success by diligently studying for the LARE. Read the landscape architecture technical books recommended by CLARB, study at home with practice exams, join a LARE Google study group, or attend a LARE exam preparation workshop. The more you know and the better you prepare, the better your chances of success on exam day.
Take and pass all sections of the LARE. Once you have passed all sections, have CLARB forward your Council Record (with passing test scores) the the Indiana state board.
Apply for initial landscape architect license with the Indiana state board. You can find the licensure application on their website at http://www.in.gov/pla/architect.htm.
Wait for your landscape architect license in the mail and celebrate when it arrives! Congratulations, you are now a licensed landscape architect.
Get a stamp made so you can stamp and seal landscape architecture drawings.

Final Thoughts

The road to licensure can be tough and full of pot holes. Just remember that many others have traveled the road and have become licensed landscape architects. You can be successful, too. Keep the ending goal in mind. Don’t let temporary setbacks discourage you. Do what you can to get the broadest work experience possible and study for the LARE exam. Many others have been successful. You can become a successfully licensed landscape architect, too. Study hard and good luck.

For More Information

For more information on becoming a licensed landscape architect in the state of Indiana, check out the state board’s website at http://www.in.gov/pla/architect.htm. The website features application instructions and checklists as well as state laws and regulations.

Also, check out the American Society of Landscape Architects’ (ASLA) website at www.asla.org for more information on licensure-related topics. If you are not a member of ASLA, consider joining.

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Iowa Landscape Architect License Requirements

Iowa Landscape Architect License Requirements

How To Get Your Initial Landscape Architect License in Iowa

Iowa is a lush prairie state in the middle of America’s corn belt. Landscape architects help protect the natural environment while making spaces for people in urban areas. As a licensed landscape architect, you can help make Iowa a better place.

Basic Requirements

Before you can qualify for a landscape architect license in Iowa, you need to satisfy a few basic requirements.

Education

There are several ways you can meet Iowa’s education requirement. The quality of your degree determines how much work experience you need to acquire before you can apply for licensure.

Accredited Undergraduate Degree in Landscape Architecture: If you have a LAAB-accredited undergraduate degree (either four or five years) you only need to have three years of work experience in landscape architecture.

Non-Accredited Undergraduate Degree in Landscape Architecture: If you have an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from an unaccredited university program, you can still qualify for a landscape architect license in Iowa. However, you will need to get four years of practical landscape architectural work experience before you can apply for a license in Iowa.

Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture: If you found landscape architecture later in life and went back to grad school for a first professional degree in landscape architecture, you can still qualify for licensure. Your master’s degree counts as one year of experience and your undergrad degree (in a subject other than landscape architecture) is worth two years of experience. In order to qualify for licensure, you will need four years of work experience.

What if you don’t have a college degree but have lots of work experience in the profession of landscape architecture? You can substitute a “minimum of ten years of practical experience in landscape architectural work which in the opinion of the board is of satisfactory character to properly prepare the applicant for the examination”.

Work Experience

Work experience is necessary before you can apply for a license in landscape architecture. The Iowa board prefers diversified landscape architecture work experience conducted under the the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The amount of work experience that you need to acquire before applying for licensure is determined by the amount and quality of education you have. See the above discussion for more information.

CLARB Council Record Registration

Before you can apply for a landscape architect license in Iowa, you will have to establish a Council of Landscape Architect Registration Board (CLARB) Council Record. The Council Record establishes your education and work experience. After CLARB evaluates your record, they will notify you when you are eligible to take the multiple-choice sections of the LARE. Register for Sections A, B, and D through CLARB’s website. You cannot register for Sections C and E through CLARB’s website. These sections are only available to you after you apply for licensure through examination through the Iowa state board.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps on your path towards becoming a licensed landscape architect:

Graduate from college with a degree in landscape architecture or complete 10 years of acceptable work experience in landscape architecture.
Gain work experience in landscape architecture by working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The amount of experience you need before you can apply for licensure depends on the your educational background. Please refer to the discussion on education above for more information.
Create a Council Record at www.clarb.org. Complete the record with all necessary information. Register for the multiple-choice sections of the LARE when you receive a statement of eligibility from CLARB.
Register for Sections A, B, and D of the LARE through CLARB’s website.
Prepare for the LARE. It may come as a surprise to you that many landscape architect candidates fail one or more section of the LARE. You can increase your chances of success through thorough preparation. Read the technical landscape architecture books recommended by CLARB, join a LARE Google group, assess your level of preparedness by taking practice exams, or attend a LARE workshop. The more you know, the better you will do. Learn what you can from mentors who have been there and got their license.
Take and pass the multiple-choice sections of the LARE.
Notify CLARB to transfer your CLARB Council Record to the Iowa state board.
Apply for a landscape architect license by examination with the Iowa board. This is when you apply to take the graphic sections of the LARE since they are administered by the board.
Pass Sections C and E of the LARE.
Wait for your license to arrive in the mail and celebrate. You are now licensed to practice landscape architecture in the state of Iowa.
Get a stamp so you can seal and sign drawings.
Maintain you license. Iowa has a continuing education requirement. Make sure you keep your license up-to-date by fulfilling all the rule necessary to keep your license current.

Final Thoughts

While the road towards licensure can seem long and complicated, don’t give up hope. Take it one day at a time. Many have been where you are now and have achieved the same goal you are working for. You can do it. Don’t get discouraged at little setbacks. Keep working towards your goal and you will eventually become a licensed landscape architect.

For More Information

For more information on the licensure process in Iowa and for application information, contact the Iowa Professional Licensing Bureau at http://www.state.ia.us/government/com/prof/landscape/home.html. Their website is a little easier to navigate than most other government licensing websites. Also, check out the American Society of Landscape Archtiects’ website at www.asla.org for information on licensure and for preparing for the LARE. If you are not a member of ASLA, consider joining. Membership in ASLA is an investment in your professional development.

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Hawaii Landscape Architect License Requirements

Hawaii Landscape Architect License Requirements

Go To Guide For Aspiring Landscape Architects

Hawaii is a lush tropical paradise on Earth with beautiful natural scenery and lush landscaped spaces. Being an island, there are some unique environmental issues that affect landscape architects. Licensed landscape architects play an important role in preserving and enhancing the islands of Hawaii. Get you license in Hawaii and become a player to help preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Hawaii.

Basic Requirements

There are some basic prerequisites you need to complete before you can apply for a landscape architect license in Hawaii.

Education

One basic requirement for a landscape architect license in the state of Hawaii is a college degree in landscape architecture. Your degree must be from a LAAB-accredited institution. Either a masters degree or bachelors degree is acceptable.

The amount of education you have achieved affects the amount of work experience you must complete before applying for a license in the state of Hawaii.

If you have an LAAB-accredited undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, you will need to demonstrate three years of professional work experience.
You need only two years of landscape architectural work experience if you have a bachelors degree and masters degree in landscape architecture.
Perhaps you have a college degree in a related profession but have been working under the supervision of a landscape architect. The state of Hawaii requires you to prove five years of supervised work experience before applying for licensure.
What if you do not possess a college degree but have extensive work experience in landscape architecture? You can apply for licensure after 12 years of acceptable work experience.

Send in official copies of your college transcripts when you apply for a license.

Work Experience

Work experience in landscape architecture is required for all landscape architecture candidates. All work experience must be supervised by a licensed landscape architect. The amount of work experience required for a landscape architect license in the state of Hawaii varies for each candidate depending on their level of education. See the section above for the details. The easiest way for candidates to verify their work experience is to establish a CLARB council record and keep the work experience up-to-date.

Pass The LARE

Before you can apply for your license in Hawaii, you need to pass the LARE exam. The first sep to registering for the LARE is to establish a Council Record with the Council of Landscape Architect Review Boards (CLARB) at their website. After completing your Council Record, CLARB will send you a notice of eligibility to take the LARE. Once approved, register to take the LARE through CLARB. In Hawaii, the test is only administered on the island of Oahu.

Not every candidate must pass the LARE to become a licensed landscape architect (but most do). If you have 15 years of documented work experience, you may qualify (at the state board's discretion) for licensure if you meet all the other requirements.

Hawaii Plants Exam

The state of Hawaii added an additional section to the LARE that tests your knowledge of plant material used in Hawaii. You can take this exam at the same time as the LARE.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to become a licensed landscape architect in Hawaii:

Graduate with a LAAB-accredited college degree in landscape architecture.
Get real-life work experience. The amount of experience you need varies depending on your level of education. See above.
Set up a Council Record at CLARB's website. Add you education and work experience. Wait for CLARB to send you an eligibility notice for the LARE.
Register for the LARE with CLARB.
Prepare for the LARE. The LARE exam is challenging for most landscape architect candidates. Improve your odds of passing the first time by studying really hard. Read the technical books recommended by CLARB, take a practice exam at home, or attend a LARE workshop to get personalized feedback. If you prepare for the LARE, you greatly improve your chances of success.
Pass all sections of the LARE.
Pass the Hawaiian plants supplemental exam.
Forward your Council Record to the Hawaii state board.
Apply for a landscape architect license with the state of Hawaii. You can download the application packet from http://hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/boards/engineer/.
Wait for your license in the mail. Celebrate when it arrives! You are now licensed to practice landscape architecture.

Final Thoughts

The road to achieving your goal of becoming a registered landscape architect can seem long and full of challenges. Don't give up hope even when you feel overwhelmed with the LARE. Remember that many have gone before you and achieved their goals. So can you. Prepare for the challenges ahead. Study for the LARE and do everything you can to become the competent professional you know you can be. You can do it!

For More Information

For more information on the application process or licensure regulations in Hawaii, contact the Hawaii state board at their website. ASLA also has has lots of information on licensure on their website.

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Saturday, November 5, 2011

Florida Landscape Architect License Guide

Florida Landscape Architecture License Information

How To Get You License In Florida

Florida is a gardener's paradise full of lush native plants and fascinating exotic species. All of this beauty constantly endangered by invasive species (both plant and animal), flooding, drought, sink holes, urban sprawl, and natural disasters. Landscape architects serve the public by protecting the health, safety, and welfare. Be part of the solution and become a Florida-registered landscape architect. This guide will explain the basic requirements for initial licensure.

Basic Requirements

There are a few basic prerequisites you have to complete before you can apply to take the LARE exam in the state of Florida.

Education

There are two ways that you can satisfy the education requirement. Most landscape architect candidates graduate with a LAAB-accredited bachelors or masters degree in landscape architecture. You will need to send official college transcripts when you apply for a license.

If you do not have a degree in landscape architecture, you can still qualify if you have six years of documented work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Work Experience

You are required to have at least one year of diversified work experience in landscape architecture. All the professional experience must be after your graduation date.

Peculiar Florida Provisions

In addition to passing the LARE, you are required to pass a Florida landscape exam. This multiple-choice computer-based test covers topics that directly relate to Florida's unique climate and environment.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to become a licensed landscape architect in the state of Florida:

Graduate from a LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program.
Work for a landscape architecture firm or in a position that is supervised by a licensed landscape architect. You need at least one year of experience before you can apply for an initial license in Florida.
Apply to take the LARE exam and Florida supplemental exam through the Florida state board.
Sign up for the LARE once the state board approves your application.
Prepare for the LARE. No matter how well you did in school, you still need to prepare for the LARE exam. Read the technical books recommended by CLARB, take a practice exam at home, or attend a LARE exam preparation workshop.
Take and pass all sections of the LARE.
Pay the license fee and wait for your license in the mail. Celebrate upon its arrival! You are now licensed to practice landscape architecture.
Get a seal made so you can sign drawings.
Take continuing education courses. Florida has some of the most stringent continuing education requirements for landscape architects of any state. Make sure the courses you take are approved by the state board.

Final Thoughts

While the road to licensure can be full of challenges and frustrations, keep your goal of holding your license in you hand in mind. Many landscape architects have stood where you stand today. Through diligent preparation, the succeeded and earned a license. You can do it, too!

For more information about Florida licensing requirements, check or the Florida board website. Also, ASLA has additional licensure resources on their website. If you are not a member, consider joining ASLA.

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Delaware Landscape Architect License Information

Delaware Landscape Architect License Requirements

Your Guide To Registration in Delaware

A landscape architecture license is an achievement that most aspiring landscape architects covet. Follow these steps to get on the path to becoming a licensed landscape architect.

Basic Requirements

There are a few basic requirements you need to complete before you can apply for a landscape architect license in the state of Delaware.

Education

For most people, the easiest path to licensure involves earning a college degree in landscape architecture from an accredited university. You can use either a bachelors degree or masters degree to qualify.

Work Experience

You need to have at least two years of diversified landscape architecture experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The work experience must be completed after you graduated from college.

If you do not have a college degree, you can still qualify for licensure. However, non-degree candidates need four years of experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. After four years of experience, you can register with the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards to take the LARE.

Pass The LARE Exam

Before you can apply for registration, you need to successfully pass all parts of the LARE. CLARB administers the LARE in Delaware and you can sign up to take the LARE through the CLARB website.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to become a licensed landscape architect:

Graduate with a LAAB-accredited landscape architect degree,
Get a job related to landscape architecture. You need to demonstrate two years of post-college work experience.
Register with CLARB and set up a Council Record.
Register for the LARE through CLARB's website.
Study and prepare for the LARE. You need to ensure you know the technical side of the profession. Read the technical books recommended by CLARB, assess you level of preparation by taking practice exams, or attend a LARE workshop. The more you know, the better your chance of success on your first attempt.
Take and pass all sections of the LARE.
Notify CLARB to forward your council record with you passing LARE scores to the Delaware board.
Apply for licensure with the Delaware state board. Download the application packet from the Delaware board website. Be prepared to send official college transcripts and experience forms with your application.
Wait for your license in the mail. Celebrate when it arrives! You are now a register landscape architect.
Order a rubber stamp made so you can sign and seal drawings.

Final Thoughts

The road to licensure can seem long and frustrating at times. Keep focused on your goal of earning a landscape architect license and remember that the hours of preparation will one day be worth it. Many candidates have difficulty passing the LARE. Preparation is an important factor in improving your chances of passing each section of the LARE the first time. Study hard and good luck.

For More Information

Check out the Delaware state board website for more information and application forms. ASLA has some good state licensure resources on the ASLA website.

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