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LARE for Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) Latest Update
LARE for Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) Latest Update
The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.), administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), is a critical assessment for aspiring landscape architects seeking licensure. In December 2023, CLARB implemented significant updates to the L.A.R.E. to ensure the examination remains relevant and legally defensible.
Overview of the L.A.R.E.
The L.A.R.E. is a fully computerized examination designed to evaluate whether candidates possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice landscape architecture without compromising public health, safety, and welfare. The exam is divided into four sections, each focusing on distinct aspects of landscape architectural practice:
- Inventory, Analysis, and Project Management
- Planning and Design
- Construction Documentation and Administration
- Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management
Candidates have the flexibility to take these sections in any order and may attempt multiple sections within a single examination period.
Key Updates to the L.A.R.E.
The updates introduced in December 2023 are a result of a comprehensive Job/Task Analysis (JTA) conducted by CLARB in 2022. This analysis involved surveying over 3,500 professionals across North America to identify the most common and critical tasks performed by landscape architects. The findings from the JTA led to several key changes in the L.A.R.E.:
Revised Exam Blueprint: The content and structure of the exam have been updated to align with current professional practices. The four sections now encompass:
Inventory, Analysis, and Project Management: Focuses on project management, data collection, stakeholder engagement, and both physical and contextual analysis.
Planning and Design: Covers stewardship and design principles, master planning, schematic design, and design development.
Construction Documentation and Administration: Includes construction plans and details, specifications and bidding processes, and construction administration.
Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management: Addresses stormwater management, grading and earthwork, and drainage systems.
Advanced Item Types (AITs): All sections now utilize advanced item types to better assess candidates' practical knowledge and application skills.
Sub-Domain Feedback: Candidates receive detailed feedback on their performance in specific sub-domains, helping them identify areas for improvement.
Exam Administration and Fees
The L.A.R.E. is offered multiple times a year, with upcoming administrations scheduled for April, August, and December 2025. Each section of the exam is priced at $535, and candidates must register by the specified deadlines to secure their preferred testing dates. CLARB provides both in-person testing centers and online proctored options, allowing candidates to choose the modality that best suits their needs.
Preparation Resources
To assist candidates in preparing for the updated L.A.R.E., CLARB offers several resources:
Orientation Guide: This comprehensive guide includes detailed information about the exam's content, structure, and sample questions.
Practice Exams: CLARB has introduced practice exams for each section, featuring 50 questions per section with instant results and rationales. These practice exams can be attempted up to three times and are available for $25 per section.
LARE Prep Week: The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) organizes LARE Prep Week, offering webinars and resources to help candidates understand the exam and effectively prepare.
Scoring and Results
Candidates must achieve a scaled score of at least 650 to pass each section of the L.A.R.E. In addition to the overall score, CLARB provides diagnostic feedback indicating performance levels in various sub-domains:
Well Below Proficient: Performance significantly below the minimum competency threshold.
Slightly Below Proficient: Performance just below the minimum competency threshold.
Proficient: Performance at or above the minimum competency threshold.
This feedback helps candidates identify specific areas where further study may be needed.
Transition for Current Candidates
Candidates who completed exam sections prior to December 2023 should refer to CLARB's Blueprint Equivalency resources to understand how their previous sections translate to the updated blueprint. CLARB provides tools and worksheets to assist in determining credit equivalency and offers personalized guidance through their support team.
Conclusion
The updates to the L.A.R.E. reflect CLARB's commitment to maintaining a rigorous and relevant examination process that aligns with current professional practices in landscape architecture. By providing detailed resources and support, CLARB aims to facilitate candidates' successful navigation of the licensure process, ensuring that licensed landscape architects are well-equipped to serve the public effectively.
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