Landscape Architect Training

Interest

• Individuals interested in land use and circulation may think about a career as a landscape architect. To become a landscape architect, you must be accepted to an accredited landscape architecture program. Visit the American Society of Landscape Architects' website, asla.org, for information about accredited schools.

  To be accepted you must have a reasonably high grade point average, as well as an acceptable SAT, ACT or GRE score, depending on whether you are entering an undergraduate or graduate program. Some schools require a portfolio for entrance, while most accept the student as part of the general student body.

Education

• Accredited schools offer a bachelor's of science for landscape architecture, bachelor's of landscape architecture or master's of landscape architecture. The bachelor's degrees require four to five years of study, while the master's requires two to three years, depending on the student's undergraduate degree. After completing the undergraduate or graduate program, the future landscape architect must complete an internship.

Internship

• Most states require a landscape architecture internship from one to four years. This internship is important for the designer because it provides additional skills and education that augments what was learned in school. After the internship is completed, the future landscape architect can take the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam to become licensed.

Examination

• The LARE is a professional exam that allows the landscape architect to practice without supervision on any scale of project. The LARE has three multiple choice exams and two graphical exams, in which the landscape architect must design and draw elements from practice. If all of the exams are passed, the landscape architect can be licensed by the secretary of state.

Practice

• Upon completion of the requirements to become a landscape architect, the designer can practice, but she is required to complete continuing education modules or classes to stay current in the profession. Occasionally, a state board will audit a landscape architect's continuing education requirements to verify she has completed the education.