Landscape Architect Articles

LASN Licensure June, 200306-01-03 | News

Computer Administration of L.A.R.E.
to Begin in August

VIENNA, Va. ?EUR??,,????'??? The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) announced that sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) will be administered by computer.

The first computerized test will be given on August 11 and will include multiple-choice Section A and Section B. Examines can register for the test online at the CLARB Web site (www.clarb.org) and can take the test at any of more than 700 computer testing centers across the U.S. and Canada operated by the LaserGrade Computer Testing Company.

?EUR??,,????'??Today, with advancements in technology and the expanded development of computer-based testing facilities, we believe we have found a way to administer the multiple-choice sections on computer at a reasonable cost to exam candidates and without passing more work onto the boards,?EUR??,,????'?? said CLARB President William P. ?EUR??,,????'??Chip?EUR??,,????'?? Winslow, III. ?EUR??,,????'??In fact, candidates taking both sections in August should be pleased to learn that CLARB is passing substantial savings directly on to them.?EUR??,,????'??

CLARB Director of Examinations James Penrod says that because CLARB will be handling registration, administration and score reporting, giving the computerized sections in August will not place additional administrative or financial burdens on registration boards.

?EUR??,,????'??It was clear that any proposed change to the L.A.R.E. administration process had to have the support of the registration boards,?EUR??,,????'?? he said. ?EUR??,,????'??At their March meeting, CLARB members heartily endorsed it.?EUR??,,????'??

Licensure: Down but Not Out in Colorado

By Ron Bevans, Co-Chair, CCLA

Colorado State Flag

In the aftermath of Senate Bill 03-080 to license Landscape Architects, the Colorado Council of Landscape Architects (CCLA) has had the opportunity to take stock of the situation, reflect back on the successes achieved, and look towards the future. Based on the 2003 legislative session, there are two options: 1) return to the 2004 legislative session; or 2) abandon licensure efforts.

The CCLA believes that significant progress was made in the recent licensure efforts and plans to continue forward by returning in 2004.

Although efforts over the past four months did not result in the passage of a Licensure Act, the benefits of having gone through the process were many. Among the benefits are the following:

Interdisciplinary interaction: the dialogue developed between allied professions strengthened the standing of the Landscape Architects in the design professions.
Advocating the profession: it was apparent that the knowledge of the profession of landscape architecture held by many of the legislators was minimal and often non-existent. The result was the opportunity to educate a percentage of the legislative population, thereby developing a greater understanding of the breadth of the profession.
Political activism: Landscape Architects in Colorado have traditionally not taken an active role in the political and legislative environment. The licensure effort introduced or reaffirmed the role for Landscape Architects.

The CCLA has formulated three strategies for the future of licensure. Each of the following will be weighed over the next few months to determine the best course of action for the 2004 session.

Return to the legislature in 2004 with a bill that would have an alternative board structure: One of the key issues that rose in committee was the state?EUR??,,????'???s desire to avoid any additional government. Alternative approaches to management of a licensure act through the board structure are currently being explored.
Return to the legislature in 2004 with a bill that would have a joint board structure : this would require an agreement be struck with either the Architects or Engineers Board to agree to a joint board ?EUR??,,????'??? a difficult proposition.
Return to the legislature in 2004 with a bill that has the support of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Further discussions wit DORA will take place to determine what opportunity for support is available.

Once again, Representative Bob Briggs and Senator Andy McElhany are expected to carry the bill again next session. The best case scenario would result in a licensure act in the 2004 general session. Regardless of that outcome, the CCLA is committed to furthering the profession of landscape architecture through political activism, and the emphasis will remain on licensure.