LARE Practice Test

A landscape architect creates, plans, and builds the spaces in which we live, work, and play. Landscape architects may work on specialized projects such as parks or gardens, as well as green building designs that produce useful, beautiful, and environmentally sustainable spaces. You can obtain your certification as a landscape architect through the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board (CLARB).

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What is the LARE?

The Landscape Architect Registration Examination examines whether applicants for a landscape architectural license have the necessary competency and behavior to practice and regulate landscape architecture. Candidates in most jurisdictions begin the exam process shortly after graduation.

The LARE is not a design competition; it is intended to assess your ability to practice landscape architecture.

The exam is broken up into four sections, and each section is completely independent of the others. In fact, it is generally recommended that you take only one or two sections of the exam at a time (but you must eventually take every section).

The material included in the exam is determined by the findings of a scientific job analysis study that is carried out every five to seven years among more than 5,500 landscape architects working in practice in the United States and Canada.

After you pass the test, CLARB will list you as a certified landscape architect who is qualified to fill the position’s responsibilities. By obtaining CLARB certification, you can demonstrate your professional standards and gain acknowledgment for your skills.

LARE Eligibility

In each jurisdiction, there is a unique set of requirements that must be met before one can begin the process of becoming licensed. It is strongly encouraged that you confirm the requirements with the jurisdiction in which you intend to become licensed.

Before you can register for the examination, you will first need to create a Council Record if you do not already have one and then add your educational background to it.

LARE Outline

You will be examined on your knowledge, skills, and abilities that directly relate to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare as part of a professional license examination.

Question Types

There are four different types of questions on the exam:

• Multiple-choice: You must select the one correct answer out of four answer choices
• Multiple-response: You must select two or more correct answers out of four answer choices
• Hot spot: You must select the most appropriate location of an image/diagram
• Drag-and-place: You must choose the appropriate project element(s) and drag and place the element to the applicable location

What’s on the Exam

As mentioned previously, the LARE exam is split into four independent sections.

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LARE Registration

To schedule your appointment to take the test, visit the CLARB website. Be sure to schedule your appointment as soon as you can so that you have the best chance of being able to take the exam at the testing location of your choice.

After the appointment has been set up, a confirmation email will be sent to your inbox. It is possible that your appointment will not be scheduled if you do not receive an email confirmation from Public Services International (PSI).

The LARE is given three times a year over the course of a two-week period in the months of April, August, and December.

Online Proctoring

Online proctoring was introduced in April 2022 as an additional testing alternative for candidates who choose to access the exam without having to attend an in-person test location. This enables applicants to register and take/write all sections of the LARE exam from the convenience of their own home or office, using a computer. A live proctor will supervise the candidate via video feed while employing advanced security mechanisms that will be explained to them during the registration and check-in process.

CLARB has prioritized online proctoring to provide applicants with a more accessible solution. In all jurisdictions where the LARE is offered, online proctoring is available for all sections of the exam. If you select this option, you must test your computer settings prior to your test day to confirm that the exam and security precautions can be conducted.

While online proctoring can provide many special accommodations, there are a few exceptions that require candidates to test at a traditional testing facility. Candidates can speak with CLARB staff to find the best solution for their specific circumstances.

Fees

The following is a breakdown of the various exam fees:

• Section 1: $385
• Section 2: $385
• Section 3: $610
• Section 4: $610

Test Day

You should make plans to arrive 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled appointment to give yourself enough time to complete the necessary check-in requirements. If you arrive after the scheduled time, you will not be permitted to take the examination.

When you arrive at the testing center, you must show one piece of valid and current identification. Driver’s licenses, valid passports, and State ID cards are all acceptable forms of government-issued ID with a photograph. The name on your ID must match the name you used to register for the exam. If your name has changed between exam registration and administration, you must notify CLARB prior to your test appointment, and you must bring proof of your name change with you to your exam.

Candidates will have access to an electronic whiteboard and a calculator within the exam program. No belongings, personal or otherwise, will be permitted into the PSI test center or proctoring room. Concerning cell phones: Cell phones, pagers, anything containing a computer memory chip, or any device with an alphanumeric keyboard are not permitted at the in-person testing site. However, a cell phone must be present in your online proctoring testing area but must be placed out of reach once you have been checked in and started testing. The online proctor will only use your cell phone to contact you when necessary.

Breaks are permitted during both in-person and online proctored exams. Breaks are initiated at the request of the candidate. When you take a break, all previously viewable items become inaccessible, including flagged or blank ones. During your break, the exam’s timer will continue to run.

How the Exam is Scored

Following the final day of each administration, the results will be made available around six weeks later. When the results are ready to be viewed on the CLARB website, candidates will be contacted by CLARB by email and notified on the CLARB website and social media.

The following is a breakdown of the exam passing rates from the previous two years:

• Section 1: The lowest 56% and the highest 64%
• Section 2: The lowest 56% and the highest 67%
• Section 3: The lowest 53% and the highest 64%
• Section 4: The lowest 58% and the highest 70%

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How to Study for the LARE Exam

How to Study Effectively

Your success on LARE test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking LARE practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free LARE exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

• The questions you got wrong
• The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
• The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many LARE practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the LARE practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Strategy for LARE Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

• Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

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By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.