CLARB is committed to advancing licensure and professional standards to ensure landscape architects are qualified to protect public health, safety and welfare. Through collaboration with licensure boards, professionals and industry experts, CLARB develops model licensure policies, regulations and practice standards that promote consistency, fairness and mobility in the licensure process.
Licensure & regulatory standards
To encourage consistency, defensibility and efficiency in licensure, CLARB develops model licensure policies that streamline the process, enhance mobility and ensure fair and consistent evaluation of qualifications across jurisdictions. These policies reduce confusion for candidates, support regulatory boards in upholding defensible licensing standards, and contribute to a more accessible and transparent licensure system.
CLARB's Uniform Licensure Standard for Landscape Architecture
The CLARB Uniform Standard establishes common, consistent requirements for education, experience and examination across jurisdictions. Developed through the Rethink Regulation initiative, this standard helps licensure boards reduce unnecessary barriers to entry, enhance mobility and strengthen regulatory consistency.
If you have questions or interest in discussing implementation strategies for your jurisdiction, please reach out to Zach Druga.
CLARB UNIFORM STANDARD
Jurisdictions highlighted in orange have adopted the CLARB Uniform Standard.
Practice standards
The purpose of the L.A.R.E. is to ensure that landscape architects have the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to practice safely and effectively. To maintain a relevant and legally defensible licensure exam, CLARB conducts a job task analysis (JTA) every 5–7 years. This study gathers input from licensed professionals across jurisdictions to identify the competencies required for practice.
Using the results of the JTA, CLARB develops the L.A.R.E. Blueprint, which forms the basis of the exam. Passing the L.A.R.E. is required for licensure in the United States, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands and Canada.
The value of CLARB’s standards
CLARB’s licensure and practice standards ensure clear, fair and defensible qualifications. These standards help candidates navigate the licensure process, support regulatory boards in maintaining consistency, and promote professional mobility—all while upholding the public’s health, safety and welfare.
- Consistency – Aligning licensure and practice requirements across jurisdictions.
- Efficiency – Reducing barriers and streamlining the path to licensure.
- Public trust – Ensuring licensed professionals meet standards of competency and accountability that balance accessibility and rigor.
CLARB remains committed to modernizing regulation, strengthening licensure and supporting the future of the profession, so landscape architects can continue creating resilient, sustainable and well-designed spaces that benefit communities everywhere.