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Licensure

Individuals seeking licensure in the state of Rhode Island may do so by examination or reciprocity. Examination is for applicants seeking initial licensure, reciprocity is for out-of-state licensed Landscape Architects wishing to provide design services within Rhode Island.

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Candidates seeking licensure are required to take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.).

 

The L.A.R.E. is a four-part fully computerized examination designed to determine whether applicants for landscape architectural licensure possess sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to provide landscape architectural services without endangering the health, safety and welfare of the public.  It is prepared and scored by CLARB in accordance with all current standards for fairness and quality of licensure exams. The L.A.R.E. is administered by Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB).

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Both forms of licensure require the applicant to take the RI State Supplemental Exam. To be eligible for the examination, candidates must meet the following requirements on or before the application deadline.

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  1. Applicant must submit a complete application package. Required forms are: application, reference forms and transcript. If you have passed sections of the exam in other States, a “Transfer Candidate Verification Form” must be completed by each State in which a section of the examination was taken, and returned directly to the applicant in a sealed envelope. Forms and any additional documentation must be in sealed envelopes and attached to the application. Items received that are not in sealed envelopes, will not be reviewed or considered by the Board.

  2. Must have completed a course of study and graduated from a college or school of landscape architecture approved by the board. In lieu of graduation from an approved college or school of landscape architecture, an applicant may present evidence of at least six (6) years of practical experience in landscape architectural work of a grade and character satisfactory to the board. Credit may be given for approved college education, in the discretion of the board. Submit official school transcript in a sealed envelope.

 

To be eligible for licensure in Rhode Island, candidates must meet the following requirements:

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  1. Must have either a minimum of two (2) years experience in landscape architectural work under the direct supervision of a registered landscape architect of a grade and character satisfactory to the board; or one years’ experience in landscape architectural work under the direct supervision of a registered landscape architect of a grade and character satisfactory to the board and one year’s experience in related work under the direct supervision of a registered “Allied Professional” (architect, engineer or land surveyor) of a grade and character satisfactory to the board.

  2. The sum of two (2) years of experience shall total 3,500 hours (A minimum of 1,750 hours must be under the direct supervision of a registered landscape architect, and up to 1,750 hours under the direct supervision of a registered allied professional). Hours worked on a part-time basis less than 10 hours per week shall not be calculated into the total time required. In addition, any hours worked in excess of 35 hours per week shall also not be calculated into the total time required.

  3. He or she has satisfactorily completed all sections of the examination as required by the board. If you have passed any sections of the L.A.R.E. via computer through CLARB, you must request that your scores be transferred to this Board.

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  • For additional information on the L.A.R.E. refer to the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards website: https://www.clarb.org/

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