LARE Exam - Is it worth it?

[Juan Lopez]

I guess it depends who you ask. I have worked in the field for 12 years working on the smallest to largest of landscape architecture projects.  I have worked for big names and small operations and I recently failed both section 1 and 2 by a slight margin! Turns out you really never use what you learned in school in the real world. Totally my fault. Did not study as hard as I could. I'm making no excuses.  That being said, I do find the Exam fees to be ridiculous and really aimed at weeding people out if for no other reason than financial reasons.  I find it hard to justify spending 2k-3k dollars for a license you will hardly use unless you are running your own show and plan to get sued. After all, there are many big names who are not licensed themselves but simply have someone at their firm that can stamp projects for them.

I guess this question is for people with plenty of work experience who know the ins and outs of how it goes down but is licensure really worth it?  Honestly I am debating because I really find the cost of these exams to be ridiculous.  In speaking with many of my colleagues, coworkers, and people who have been licensed for years, I find the feeling to be that it really isn't worth it in the long run and it will get you in more trouble than you want to be in.  Thoughts?

By the way big congrats to everyone who passed! 

[Matthew Sinclair]

Interesting topic. As someone who is pursuing licensure, I'm doing it for a few reasons:

1 - Allows for more flexibility (can freelance or start my own firm if I desire)

2 - Generally makes you more attractive to employers 

3 - Once you pass, the continuing ed requirements are reasonable

4 - Getting a license seems to be "industry standard" although I'm sure there are exceptions.

On top of my reasons, the only advice I can offer is how will it help further your career? If you have a stable job, don't need to be licensed, and don't want to pay for it, then maybe it's not necessary. But you can't be positive you'll be in the same position forever. Things change. Having a license is a way to give yourself some stability/credibility in the field in addition to your experience. Is having experience more important than licensure? Probably, but that doesn't mean it's worth nothing. There may be opportunities in the future that require licensure that you would be unable to pursue because you need someone else to stamp your drawings.

[Dvon 15]

2 additional reasons are the weight of the "RLA" behind your name. You will generally have more respect in the workplace from outside consultants, clients, construction workers, etc. than someone who is simply a Landscape Designer, Civil Designer/Technician, CAD drafter, etc. 

Another main reason people get licensed is that employers will typically pay a fully licensed & certified RLA 10-30k more [per year] than the above job titles.... or at least that is the case where I live.  

[bardslan...@gmail.com]

It is not worth it IMO.  Granted I don't work as a LA.  I worked in an architectural office for 5 years and was very successful but always 'nobody' because I wasn't an architect.  No opportunity for advancement.  Next and currently for 11 years I am a public sector civil construction manager (highway).  And again despite being respected and an a leader in the office I'm still 'nobody' because everyone else is an engineer.  Both of these positions they have taken the opportunity about once every year or two to make jokes about and landscape architects being of no value.  The past few years I don't mention anything about LA, it just brings me down in other people eyes.  They simply don't understand.  

I've passed section 1 and 2 no problem but paused on finishing because the crazy cost and I don't have time to study because I'm taking online courses for engineering licensure.  I'm rather unhappy about the bill of goods I was sold regarding the LA degree and wish I had majored in something more easily understood by lay persons. Granted there are excellent LAs doing excellent and valuable work and they are needed, but there is really not a benefit to PLA except looks nice on a signature line.  Probably I will finish the exams section 3 and 4 but since I work for an engineer I will never be allowed to obtain licensure without reporting to an LA - which is a stupid law.  I would never make as much money as an LA as I do now so there's no changing course.

Oh, and the annual dues on CLARB are absurd.  Little rambling there, sorry for that the question got me riled up.

[Penstemon Gimlet]

I'm currently looking for a job with a municipal entity and all the ones I've applied to require a license for higher level positions.  I think it probably just depends on what you want to do and where you want to work.  It's also helpful to signal competency and seriousness if you don't have a stellar resume or have taken time off during your career (like me). 

I completely agree that the education is problematically out of step with the profession. I loved my MLA program, doing creative writing assignments, making history power point presentations and "designing" art installations for crits where the goal was to amuse bored professionals.  I was in no way prepared for what the real work was, tedious, stressful and very technically oriented with very few opportunities for the types of designs we studied and developed as our studio projects. 

[Kindra Ericksen]

For me I got lucky and I found a firm that’s helping me pay for it, they want a licensed landscape architecture person on their team they didn’t want to pay the full price of having one already license so they are investing in me to get my license.  I know that’s not always the case.

I’ve been working in the industry for over 25 years and I definitely think it’s held me back from moving up especially in multidisciplinary firms.  I finally have the opportunity to do it I just finished section 4.  I did them in order I have passed the first three.  Fingers crossed but yes it’s expensive especially if you don’t pass one the first time.  

For me it’s been a lifetime goal and I’m really glad that I finally have the opportunity to do it.  I think everybody’s  situation is different. I got extremely fortunate and found a company that really wants it and really wants to help me get it.

[Kindra Ericksen]

It’s a shame that you’ve had such a discouraging experience.  I don’t think this is the case for most people taking the LARE however.

I think it does matter to get licensed.  At least in my profession working with civil engineers and multiple disciplinary companies they do value the landscape architecture.  Our creativity and our out-of-the-box thinking sometimes solves problems that the engineers don’t always solve.  I have found this to be the case a couple of times we look for things that are different than the engineers do.

I don’t think someone should be discouraged from doing it there’s always a way if you want to do it.  Study hard work for the right companies.

Although not all states require that you work on her in LA and you can work under a PE as well… I didn’t graduate from landscape architecture program although I did study at most of my undergrad.  I have for both LAs and PEs… In Wisconsin they gave me credit for both.  Some states are stricter… once your licensed your licensed, can become licensed in other states.   Also, if you work on federal projects which I do, they don’t know what state you’re licensed in as long as you’re licensed.  It will be nice to finally have mine.