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.
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.
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.
Here are the question and formats and time limits for each section:
| Section | Questions | Time 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* | 7 hrs. |
| Section D - Design and Construction Documentation | 120 multiple-choice | 3 hrs. |
| Section E - Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management | 4 graphic vignettes* | 5 hrs. |
Here are the topics covered in each section:
| Section | Topics | Approximate Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Section A - Project and Construction Administration | Project Administration | 22% |
| Construction Administration | 52% | |
| Assessment and Review | 26% | |
| Section B - Inventory, Analysis and Program Development | Problem Definition | 17% |
| Inventory | 23% | |
| Analysis | 36% | |
| Programming | 24% | |
| Section C - Site Design | Site Planning | 48% |
| Circulation | 31% | |
| Planting Design | 21% | |
| 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 | Grading and Surface Drainage | 75% |
| Subsurface Drainage | 25% |
Here are the types of identification you need to bring to the exam. You will need to present a total of two forms of valid identification.
At least one primary form of valid picture ID is required.
You should bring the required identification to the multiple-choice and graphic sections. Also consider bringing bottled water. 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.
No. The LARE Reference Manual is provided at the exam site for both the multiple-choice and graphic sections of the exam. No other reference materials are allowed.
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 prohibitted from using any other devices.
The LARE Reference Manual is provided at the exam site for both the multiple-choice and graphic sections of the exam. 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.
You cannot bring reference materials, personal items, calculators, cell phones, pagers, devices with a computer memory chip, devices with an alpha numberic 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.
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.
Multiple-choice sections are graded by computer.
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.
LARE pass rates by section (all candidates).
Please note that the content of the LARE changed prior to the April 2006 multiple-choice sections and the June 2006 graphic sections.
| Multiple-Choice Sections | March 2007 | April 2006 | October 2005 |
| Section A | 81% | 74% | 62% |
| Section B | 74% | 74% | 84% |
| Section D | 62% | 63% | 70% |
| Graphic Sections | December 2006 | June 2006 | December 2005 |
| Section C | 48% | 52% | 41% |
| Section E | 48% | 38% | 27% |
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.
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.
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.
The CLARB website has additional information about the exam.
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