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LARE FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
about the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)

How is the LARE administered?

The LARE is administered in the U.S. and Canada on specific dates set up by CLARB, the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. Multiple-choice sections (Sections A, B, and D) are administered at computer testing centers. Graphic sections (Sections C and E) are administered in regional testing centers.

 

When is the LARE administered?

The multiple-choice sections (Sections A, B, and D) are administered in January, April, July, and October at computer testing centers. The graphic sections (Sections C and E) are administered in June and December in regional testing centers. For specific test dates and registration deadlines, please view the schedules at the CLARB, website.

 

How do I apply to take the LARE?

Before applying you should determine the state or province in which you want to be licensed. The process, requirements, deadlines, and fees vary from location to location. For additional information on registering for the LARE, contact CLARB or your State or Provincial landscape architecture board.

What are the formats and time limits for each section?

Here are the question formats and time limits for each section:

 

Section QuestionsTime Limit
Section A - Project and Construction Administration 70 multiple-choice 1 hr. 45 min.
Section B - Inventory, Analysis and Program Development 90 multiple-choice 2 hrs.
Section C - Site Design 4 graphic vignettes* 5 hrs.
Section D - Design and Construction Documentation 120 multiple-choice 3 hrs.
Section E - Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management 4 graphic vignettes* 5 hrs.

* Please note that an essay-type problem, in which a site plan is verbally evaluated, may occasionally appear on the graphic exams.

What topics are covered in each section?

Here are the topics covered in each section:

 

Section TopicsApproximate Percentage
Section A - Project and Construction Administration Communication 20%
Standards of Practice 23%
Contract Administration 20%
Construction Evaluation 20%
Construction Practices 20%
Section B - Inventory, Analysis and Program Development Problem Definition 11%
Inventory 29%
Analysis 36%
Programming 24%
Section C - Site Design 4 Vignette Problems Develop and evaluate land use or site plans that consider off-site and on-site influences
Section D - Design and Construction Documentation Design Principles 16%
Resource Conservation and Management 18%
Graphic Communication 8%
Construction Documentation 20%
Materials and Methods of Construction 38%
Section E - Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management 4 Vignette Problems Manipulate land forms to convey run off, meet design requirements, and minimize environmental impact

What types of identification do I need to bring to the exam?

Here are the types of identification you need to bring to the exam. For the multiple-choice exams, you will need to present a total of two forms of valid identification. For the graphic exams, only one primary form of ID is required.

At least one primary form of valid picture ID is required.

  • Driver's license
  • Military ID card
  • Valid passport
  • State ID card

A secondary form of ID can be presented in conjunction with a primary form of ID.

  • Credit card
  • ATM/check/debit card

What materials should I bring to the exam?

You should bring the required identification to the multiple-choice and graphic sections. For the graphic sections you should also bring a no. 2 pencil, for filling in examinee questionnaires, and an array of drafting tools. Some state boards may also require you to bring a document authorizing your admission. Recommended drafting tools include the following.

  • Pencils and pencil lead (for hand and mechanical drafting)
  • Calculator (silent, handheld, nonprogrammable)
  • Sketch paper
  • Smooth drawing surface
  • Scales
  • Templates
  • Tracing paper
  • Tape dots or drafting tape
  • Roller ruler
  • 45" and 30"/60" triangles
  • Eraser
  • Compass
  • Drafting brush

Should I bring reference material to the exam?

No. You are not allowed to bring any reference materials to either the multiple-choice or graphic sections of the exam. However, the LARE Reference Manual will be provided at the exam site for the graphic section only.

Should I bring a calculator to the exam?

You will NOT be allowed to bring a calculator the multiple-choice sections. A calculator will be provided on the computer or a handheld computer will be provided by the test center. For the graphic section, you are permitted to bring a silent, handheld, non-programmable calculator, but you are prohibited from using any other devices.

What materials are provided at the exam?

The LARE Reference Manual is provided at the exam site for the graphic section only. A calculator, pencils, and scratch paper are provided for the multiple-choice sections, but not for the graphic sections. Any other materials that would need to be referenced, such as wood sizing charts, will be provided.

What materials are not allowed in the exam?

You cannot bring reference materials, personal items, calculators, cell phones, pagers, devices with a computer memory chip, devices with an alpha numeric keyboard, pencils, pens, or paper to the multiple-choice sections. A calculator, pencils, and scratch paper will be provided for you.

For the graphic sections, you cannot bring reference materials, cell phones, pagers, devices with a computer memory chip, devices with an alphanumeric keyboard, stamps, or press-ons. The use of color is not permitted on the exam.

How can I get a copy of the LARE Reference Manual?

You can download a copy of the LARE Reference Manual from the CLARB web site. You should familiarize yourself with the content of the manual during your exam preparation. Please note that you will receive a clean copy of the manual at the exam. You are not allowed to use your copy of the manual during the exam.

How are the multiple-choice sections of the exam scored?

Multiple-choice sections are graded by computer.

How are the graphic sections of the exam scored?

Graphic sections are assessed by Master Graders and will be reported as pass or fail. Each score is assigned a point value, and your total point value for a graphic exam is based on the combination of scores received for each vignette.

A cut score is established by committee for each administration of the graphic sections. If your total points are at or above the established cut score, you will pass the section. The cut score fluctuates from administration to administration, depending on the difficulty level of the exam, and is meant to ensure consistent scoring.

What are the passing rates?

LARE pass rates by section (all candidates).

 

Multiple-Choice Sections September 2008 March 2008 September 2007
Section A 75 71% 78%
Section B 75% 72% 74%
Section D 61% 61% 61%

 

 

Graphic Sections December 2008 June 2008 December 2007
Section C 71% 51% 56%
Section E 29% 37% 31%

 

When will my scores be available?

Scores from the multiple-choice sections are available approximately 4 weeks after you take the exam. Scores from the graphic sections are available 10 to 12 weeks after you take the exam. Scores are available online through the CLARB website.

What units of measure should I expect on the exam?

The exam is administered in both the U.S. and Canada. Multiple-choice sections are dual-dimensioned (using square brackets for SI) and graphic sections are distributed as either all-U.S. or all-SI depending on your specified preference at the time of registration.

Will I be penalized for guessing on the multiple-choice sections?

No, you will not be penalized for guessing. It is in your best interest to answer every question. If you don't know the answer, make a reasonable guess from among the most likely options.

Where can I find more information on the LARE?

The CLARB website has additional information about the exam.

 

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