BCSLA BOARD OF EXAMINERS
Role of the Board of Examiners
The role of the BCSLA Board of Examiners is a general check on the Standards
of the Profession (PDF) at the point of entry through an examination as
defined in the
Architects (Landscape) Act [RSBC 1996] Chapter 18, Section 8 and Section
2.22 of the BCSLA By-Laws (PDF) as
amended March 5, 2005.
The Board of Examiners focuses on the following aspects:
(1) to be satisfied that there are regular examination for
entry into the profession of landscape architecture in British Columbia,
provided not less than once a year;
(2) to be satisfied that such examinations are administered through a fair and reasonable
procedure;
(3) to notify new members of successful completion if the examination process
and remind them of their principled obligations as professionals, and
(4) to act as a review panel for appeals from the examination process, or to
hear special circumstances relating to entrance standards under an application
for entry into the profession.
Board Selection Profile
The Board of Examiners consists of at least six persons, who have been
designated in the past as those who would be familiar with the nature and
standards of the profession, plus a lay-member. The current legislation
specifies the following composition for the Board of Examiners:
(1) the President or a Director of the Society designated for the purpose by the President of the Society;
(2) the Past President or a Director of the Society designated for the purpose by the President of the Society. The Past President is Chair of the Board of Examiners.
(3) four or more persons appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council including:
a person nominated by the Principal of Kwantlen College,
a person nominated by the Director of the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture of The University of British Columbia,
the head of the Landscape Architecture program of the University of British Columbia or a person nominated by the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of British Columbia,
a person to represent the public interest in the development and maintenance of proper standards of professional practice in Landscape Architecture in British Columbia.
Pre-examination Process
All applicants for membership are reviewed by the Credentials Committee.
Applicants that meet all of the requirements for membership as outlined in the
BCSLA Bylaws and have sufficient practical experience will be recommended to
write the pre-examination sections of the LARE examination system. Upon successful completion of the pre-examination process the
Credentials Committee will recommend to the Board of Directors that the applicant meet with
the Board of Examiners.
Notification to Appear Before Board of Examiners
The Board of Directors through the office of the BCSLA will invite all
successful applicants to appear before the Board of Examiners. The
correspondence shall clearly state: the location, time of applicants' interview,
and the range of topics that may be covered during the interview process.
Applicants will be expected to review experience, provide a small portfolio of
2-3 varied projects and answer any questions related to the professional
practice of landscape architecture. The applicant must also discuss the
reasons (for registration and involvement with BCSLA).
At a minimum the Applicant must be prepared to demonstrate a working knowledge
of the following
(1) Builders Lien Act
(2) Contract
Administration
(3) Standards of the Profession
(4) BCSLA
Bylaws & Procedures
(5) Insurance
(6) Reason for
Registration and involvement with BCSLA
Exam Administration
(1) A summary of each Applicant member is sent to the Board of Examiners two weeks
in advance of the sitting of the Board of Examiners.
(2) The Board of Examiners will meet one hour prior to the first scheduled
appearance of an applicant to determine the session's specific questions
and minimum passing answers based on the broad topics listed above.
(3) Each candidate is introduced to the Board by the Registrar.
(4) The Chair of the Board welcomes the Applicant and introduces the Board of
Examiners.
(5) The Chair of the Board reads the prepared statement (word for word) that
explains the objectives of the oral exam.
(6) The Chair will then ask the applicant to start with a five minute review of
experience followed by a five minute presentation for two-three portfolio objects.
(7) The Board will then question the applicant to determine their knowledge in the
areas listed above.
Each Board member will keep notes on responses by
applicants. This should be kept to fifteen minutes to allow equal time for
all candidates throughout the day. Board members are requested to ask questions and probe but not provide answers or lengthy
explanations.
The Applicant will then be dismissed and the Board will deliberate for ten to
fifteen minutes on the success of the Applicant. A tentative
decision will be recorded by the Registrar subject to an overall review at the
end of the days' proceedings. The applicant will be notified of the Board decision by phone the following
work day by the Registrar. This will be followed by correspondence clearly
outlining any concerns that the Board had with the Applicants' evaluation.
Opening Remarks by the Chair
The examination will be as objective as possible and is intended to determine
your competence (or weak points) relative to Landscape Architectural practice in
British Columbia. Having current knowledge of conditions of practice
required to allow an individual to run their own office competently is our basic
criterion for deciding whether or not you will be granted registration. We
do not require that you be an expert in all facets of Landscape Architecture,
but that you have the ability to clearly articulate your beliefs or your
knowledge. However, if you are lacking in some of these areas, you must be
able to demonstrate a mature and realistic approach to solving the everyday
problems of the practicing Landscape Architect.