Tuesday, September 27, 2011

LARE Section E Suggested Reading Materials and Study Guides

What Is Section E of the L.A.R.E Exam?
Section E is a graphic exam that has several 11"x17" graphic vignettes that will test your ability to conduct site grading, drainage and stormwater management.  You will have to locate site elements and place them in a way that reduces that amount of grading and impact on the site.  Additional skills tested include your ability to manage off-site and on-site stormwater. Water conservation and natural resource conservation are also topics covered on Section E.

The most important skill you must demonstrate to pass Section E is the ability to think in 3 dimensions and manipulate the landform to meet your design objectives.

What Study Materials Can I Use to Prepare Section E of the LARE?
The books listed below are recommended by CLARB to help candidates prepare for Section E.



Unfortunately for your profession, there are not a lot of good books on grading the landscape.  This book works at filling the gap on professional landscape architecture grading literature. Topics discussed in Grading for Landscape Architects and Architects include the history of grading, basic landscape grading principles, terrain forms, slope reinforcement techniques, and construction implementation of grading concepts. The best thing about this book is that it includes self-study exercises that give you the opportunity to put your knowledge to the test.  Practicing on the examples may really help improve your grading skills and confidence when you take Section E.




Site Engineering for Landscape Architects, 5th Edition by Strom, Nathan and Woland

Site Engineering for Landscape Architects is another fine textbook that teaches grading, drainage, and landform manipulation.  Read the article on Section B of the LARE study materials for a full review of Site Engineering for Landscape Architects. There is also a Site Engineering for Landscape Architects Workbook available that has exercises to help you practice your site engineering tools available from Amazon.com.




Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture, 2nd Edition by Harris & Dines
I highly recommend this classic book for your professional library. This is a standard professional resource used by landscape architects throughout the United States and Canada. Use the sections on grading, stormwater management, and natural resources conservation to prepare for Section E of the LARE.  If you don't have a copy of your own, consider purchasing one to study for the LARE. You will use it for the rest of your professional career. See the full review of Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects in the article on preparing for Section B.


Other Study Resources for Section E:

I stumbled across this book on Amazon.com the other day.  Although I have not purchased the book, a couple of landscape architects wrote reviews saying that this book helped them prepare for Section E and pass the exam.  If you have attempted Section E before and need to retake it, this book could help you pass the test next time.


Highly recommended....this book shows you how to solve grading problems like the grading vignettes found on Section E.  The author shows you how to solve common grading problems with step-by-step instructions.  Many landscape architect candidates find this book very helpful for improving their grading performance on Section E of the LARE.  What makes this book unique is that it was written from the perspective of somebody who is retaking the test.  There are 28 chapter exercises with solutions and nine practice grading vignettes. Landscape Grading: A Study Guide for the LARE Grading Examination is a good value for the money. If you are getting ready to re-take Section E, this book may help you prepare for and pass this section.  Check out the reviews on Amazon...this seems to be really well-liked by people who are trying to pass Section E.


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