Examination
Individuals interested in becoming a landscape architect must take the four section Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE), administered by the Council of Landscape Architect Registration Boards (CLARB).
Section 1 – Project and Construction Management
Section 2 – Inventory and Analysis
Section 3 – Design
Section 4 – Grading, Drainage and Construction Documentation
Individuals must receive a passing score on all four (4) sections to meet the examination requirement.
The SC Board of Landscape Architectural Examiners no longer pre-approves examination candidates. Candidates can go directly to www.clarb.org to establish a profile and CLARB Council Record to begin the examination process.
All examination fees are paid directly to CLARB. Please visit www.clarb.org for examination fees.
CLARB offers YouTube Videos, an orientation guide, recommended reading, and ASLA resources on their website at www.clarb.org/take-the-exam
Q. How do I apply to take the LARE?
A. The SC Board of Landscape Architectural Examiners no longer pre-approves exam candidates. Candidates can go directly to www.clarb.org to set up an account to begin the registration process for the exam.
Important note: Candidates registering for the LARE will be required to establish a CLARB Council Record prior to registering for the exam. Please note that CLARB requires three (3) professional references, but the Board requires five (5) professional references. Candidates can either:
- Put all five (5) references on the Council Record; or
- Put three (3) references on the Council Record, and submit the additional two (2) references directly to the Board upon completing the exam.
Q. Are there state sections required for the exam in South Carolina?
A. No. South Carolina only requires that candidates pass the four (4) parts of the exam:
Section 1 – Project and Construction Administration
Section 2 – Inventory and Analysis
Section 3 – Design
Section 4 – Grading, Drainage and Construction Documentation
Q. Are study materials available for the exam?
A. Please contact CLARB at (571) 432-0332 or at www.clarb.org
Q. How do I apply for licensure once I pass all four (4) sections of the LARE?
A. Request that CLARB transmit the Council Record to the SC Board of Landscape Architectural Examiners upon passing all sections of the exam. Board staff will contact the candidate with information to complete their licensure application upon review of the Council Record.
Any person licensed to practice landscape architecture by any other state or jurisdiction whose requirements are determined by the Board to be commensurate with the requirements of this state, may be registered to practice in this state without taking the examination. Reciprocity is assessed on the individual basis and only once a complete application is submitted to the Board.