One pager: Licensing standards must be maintained despite workforce shortages

Nationwide workforce shortages are hitting all corners of our society, from retail to education to government administration. In response, some occupations and policymakers are relaxing hiring criteria to help fill vacant jobs. This approach doesn’t work for highly technical professions that require rigorous qualifications to ensure public safety. Rigorous licensing standards are essential for professions like landscape architecture to ensure that professionals are qualified to perform their work safely.

In a recent survey of 1,200 registered voters, research from the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) shows strong public support for rigorous professional qualifications and support for multiple paths to licensure and not lowering standards.

Alaska is the latest jurisdiction to adopt CLARB's Uniform Standard

The State Board of Registration for Architects, State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyorsapproved the regulation update to adopt CLARB's model requirementsnts for licensing landscape architects last year, and following the review and signature process, the new requirements are effective April 17. To learn more about the Uniform Standard or to begin discussions in your jurisdiction, please contact Zach Druga, CLARB’s manager of government affairs & advocacy.

ARPL emphasizes the importance of protecting rigorous licensing

The Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) promotes a responsible, balanced approach to professional licensing by educating policymakers and the public on the importance of protecting rigorous licensing for professionals with high public impact. In the first quarter of 2024, ARPL took steps to:

• Conduct research and gather insights on public perceptions of licensing
• Help explain how ARPL professions are working to close the talent gap while keeping responsible licensing for professions trusted to protect the public
• Provide resources to help state partners educate lawmakers on the critical role of licensing boards

As licensing remains a top issue with policymakers, CLARB and ASLA’s membership in strategic coalitions such as ARPL strengthens the landscape architecture community. Learn more about ARPL. Learn More About ARPL

CLARB officially became the first corporate member of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) at the 2023 IFLA World Council in Nairobi, Kenya.  

Strategic partnership:
IFLA Americas and CLARB aim to strengthen landscape architecture profession in western hemisphere

The International Federation of Landscape Architects Americas Region (IFLA Americas) and The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at elevating and uniting the landscape architecture profession across the Americas.

Introducing: CLARB's 2023-2024 Leadership

During the Annual Meeting business session in September, we welcomed the 2023-2024 CLARB leadership into their new service terms. Congratulations and thank you to all who serve as CLARB volunteers!

Practice exams now available for $25

Assess your readiness with our new practice exams.

Use them to familiarize yourself with the exam format and preview the types of questions/answers you can expect on the L.A.R.E. — all at your own pace.

• 50 questions per section
• Instant results and rationale
• Attempt each section up to three times
• $25 per section

Spotlight: Ingrid Little, Ontario Association of Landscape Architects

305 candidates now ready for licensure

Congratulations to everyone who recently completed all sections of the L.A.R.E.!

View the full list of 305 candidates who are now ready to #getlicensed.

Online proctoring tips

If you're taking the October L.A.R.E. online, don't miss our handy checklists to ensure you're set up for success.

CLARB leader to serve as secretary/treasurer of CESSE

Matt Miller, CLARB's chief executive officer, was recently elected as secretary/treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives. CESSE provides leadership development through networking, education and the sharing of best practices for the professional leaders of STEM societies. Science, technology, engineering and math societies play a crucial role in the development of the professions that are key to advancing innovation.

Miller has served on the CESSE Board of Directors since July 2020. In his role as secretary/treasurer, Miller will chair the Finance Committee and serve as a member of the Executive Committee.