LARE Section A Reading List and Study Guide

What is Section A of the L.A.R.E?

LARE Section A covers project management and construction administration topics.  Section A of the LARE exam is a multiple choice, computer-based test administered by CLARB.  

You have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete Section A on test day.

Project and construction administration covers a lot of important and complex topics. You may not have had a chance to gain first-hand experience on all aspects of construction administration and project management for landscape architecture projects before taking the exam.  Reading the books recommended by CLARB for Section A can help refresh you memory on these important topics.  Additionally, knowing as much as possible about construction project administration and landscape project management will make you a more knowledgeable landscape architect. 

LARE Section A Study Resources

Here are some books that CLARB recommends so you can prepare to take Section A of the LARE:

Construction Contracts by Jimmie Hinze

Construction Contracts is a superior learning tool and reference guide for landscape architects. Contract law fundamentals are presented, along with an thorough treatment of the construction topics which often result in litigation. The author uses case studies to teach and discuss important topics. Additionally, he gives an overview of other essential construction-related topics, including the procurement process for construction contracts, dispute resolution methods, surety bonds (very important for the LARE), construction insurance, construction safety, and labor laws. While CLARB recommends the second edition, a newer third edition is available which has many changes in construction law, regulation, and practice that have occurred during the past decade. Honestly, the reading is kind of dry, but the information is extremely important to know in order to pass Section A of the LARE the first time. This book is also a useful study aide for Section D, too.

Project Management for Design Professionals by William G. Ramroth, Jr., AIA

This thin, easy-to-read book explains the basics of project management in a multi-disciplinary environment. The most important thing to know is that time is money and the responsibility for project success or failure rests on the the project manager. Since landscape architects rarely receive formal training on project management, it is important to learn what you can after college. This book is a good introduction to the basics of landscape architecture project management. Although Project Management for Design Professionals was written by an architect, it does offer good advice, instructions, and techniques to help you think strategically, plan carefully, and prepare for the LARE exam Section A. You can buy it new from Amazon.com for less than $20, too.

Ready, Set, Practice: Elements of Landscape Architecture Professional Practice by Bruce Sharky

If you have a degree in landscape architecture, you may have a copy of this on your bookshelf. Ready, Set, Practice: Elements of Landscape Architecture Professional Practice is a textbook that is widely used in college courses on professional practice in most accredited degree programs in landscape architecture. The book covers key areas of professional practice from project management to marketing, legal aspects of the profession and technical specifications for landscape architects. It is an easy read and but is somewhat dated.

Sustainable Landscape Construction: A Guide to Green Building Outdoors, Second Edition by J. William Thompson

Sustainable Landscape Construction is a crucial complement to basic landscape construction texts, and is a one-of-a-kind reference for landscape architects. Sustainable Landscape Construction is filled with practical and influential ideas about how to construct outdoor environments for sustainability. This tremendously influential book has helped change and improve the way landscape architects solve design problems. The second edition includes the most important changes in this landscape revolution, along with the up-to-date scientific research in the field of sustainability and landscape architecture. These principles of sustainability are clearly articulated and are developed through specific examples. More than 100 projects from around the globe are described and illustrated. Topics relevant to the LARE Section A exam include designing, building, and maintaining environmentally sensitive landscapes. If you did not read this in college, it is highly recommended. The author was the publisher for Landscape Architecture magazine for years and it is really well-written and easy to understand.

Sustainability and Design Ethics by Tom Russ

Sustainability and Design Ethics features a system approach to value analysis that makes a rational argument for the rethinking of current design methods and environmental values and ethics which guide the design process. This book provides a contextual framework for the ideas and principles form our ethical codes and then critically analyzes existing ethical codes and the practices that stem from them. Its a practical book that uses examples to demonstrate how design ethics affect outcomes. Moral reasoning supports the new sustainable ethical ideas and professionalism and an ethical standard of care. Based on professional design practice experience and standard business ethics, this book has  detailed explanations of the underlying ethical reasoning involved in the challenges confronted by landscape architects. You may not agree with every word, but the Sustainability and Design Ethics will provide some though-provoking ideas and prepare you for the environmental ethics questions on Section A of the LARE test.

Other Study Guides:

Many LARE candidates have found these study guide resources to be useful.  Although, these are not officially recommended by CLARB, you might like to use them to prepare for the LARE.


LARE Review, Section A Practice Problems: Project and Construction Administration, 2nd ed., by Matt Mathes ASLA
This study guide for Section A of the LARE has numerous problems and questions to help prepare you to take and pass Section A of the LARE.  There is even a practice test to take.  One book reviewer opined that the test in the book was harder for her than the actual test.  If you can master the information  and test questions in this book, you will likely perform well on test day.  I still recommend using the books recommended by CLARB to help you prepare for the LARE, but a supplemental study guide might help you prepare as well.



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