Thursday, October 27, 2011

How to Get a Landscape Architect License in Alabama


Alabama Landscape Architect License Requirements
Step-By-Step Guide to Licensure
Railroad Park, Birmingham, Alabama.
Photo by Nate Dreger Photo

Alabama requires anybody who practices landscape architecture in the state to have a license. There are several ways you can qualify for a landscape architect's license. 
Basic License Requirements
You need to meets few basic requirement to qualify for a landscape architect license in Alabama.
  1. Demonstrate to the Alabama state board that you have at least six years of experience in the field of landscape architecture. We will discuss different ways to satisfy the experience requirement in the next section.
  2. Pass the LARE exam.
Paths to Licensure
Alabama offers many pathways to licensure. Here are a few ways that you can use to meet the state's education and experience requirements.
Example 1: You graduated from college with an accredited four-year bachelors degree in landscape architecture. Alabama's registration board allows you to count you to apply each year of education to the experience requirement. Therefore, your four-year degree equals four years of experience. Now, you only need two years of experience working under the direct supervision of a landscape architect to complete the six year experience requirement.
Example 2: You have successfully completed a five-year BLA program. You can apply five years of college education towards the six years of experience required by the state of Alabama. You only need one additional year of professional experience working under the direct supervision of a landscape architect to complete the experience prerequisite.
Example 3: After completing an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field, you decided to go back to college and earn a masters degree in landscape architecture from an accredited program. The degree took three years to complete. You can apply the three years of graduate education in landscape architecture towards the six rears of experience required by the state of Alabama. You still need to get three additional years of experience working under the direct supervision of a landscape architect.
Example 4: After high school, you started working for a licensed landscape architect and have acquired six years of varied experience in all aspects of landscape architecture. You never finished a college degree in landscape architecture, however. That is still  O.K. In the state of Alabama. As long as you have six years of of work experience in the field supervised by a licensed landscape architect, you are still qualified for a landscape architect license in Alabama.
Step-by-Step Guide to Licensure in Alabama
  1. Graduate from an accredited landscape architecture degree or work for a licensed landscape architect for six years.
  2. Get six years of experience in the field of landscape architecture. You can mix and match education and job experience to meet the six year requirement.
  3. Set up a Council Record with CLARB.
  4. Submit an application to the Alabama registration board.
  5. Register for the LARE with the state of Alabama. See their website for more information on registering for the exams.
  6. Prepare for the LARE. You will need to study. Most landscape architect candidates do not pass every section the first time based on CLARB's own data. Therefore, it is in your best interest to prepare. Read the books recommended by CLARB, challenge yourself with a practice exam, or attend a LARE workshop. The more you prepare, the better your chances are at passing.
  7. Pass all sections of the LARE.
  8. After you pass the LARE and have met the six year experience requirement, you will receive a letter with instructions from the Alabama state board.
  9. Pay the license fee and wait for your license to come in the mail.
  10. Get a rubber stamp made so you can stamp and sign drawings.
Final Thoughts
The licensure process can be time consuming and frustrating at times. Don't get discouraged. Many others have gone before you and you can be successful, too. Prepare for the LARE and study hard and you will be successful.


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Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.
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How to Get a Landscape Architect License in Kansas


Kansas Landscape Architect License Requirements
Get a Licensed on Kansas
Legends Mall at Kansas City, Kansas.
Photo by Mediafury


It is pretty easy to get a license to practice landscape architecture in the state of Kansas. Keep reading to discover Kansas' landscape architect license requirements.

Basic Requirements
Kansas has a few basic requirements that you must meet to qualify got a landscape architect license.
  • You need an accredited college degree. You college degree must be accredited by LAAB to qualify. A masters degree or bachelors degree is acceptable.
  • You need work experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.
  • You need to prove that you have eight years of experience in the field of landscape architecture. Fortunately, you can apply the time spent working on your college degree as part of the eight years of experience. A four year bachelors degree in landscape architecture counts for four years of experience and a five year BLA degree counts for five years of experience. The Kansas state regulations are unclear about the value of a first professional masters degree but you could probably claim three years of experience based on the ways that other degrees are awarded experience years.
Ways To Satisfy the Experience Requirement

Example 1: You graduated from an accredited four-year bachelors degree program in landscape architecture. The bachelors degree qualifies for four years of experience towards the Kansas state license requirement. You still need to get four years of professional experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Example 2: You graduated from an accredited five-year program in landscape architecture. Your degree counts for five years of experience credit for the state ok Kansas. Now, you need three years of experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect.

Example 3: After graduating college with a degree that is totally unrelated to landscape architecture, you head off to grad school and graduate with an accredited MLA. While you cannot apply the years spent getting the unrelated undergraduate degree, you can apply the number of full-time years that it took to earn your masters degree in landscape architecture. For example, it took you three years to complete a MLA at Kansas State University. You can apply the three years spent studying landscape architecture as experience years for the purpose of licensure. Now, you need to acquire five years of experience working under the supervision of a landscape architect.

Step-By-Step Guide To Kansas Licensure
  1. Go to the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards (CLARB) website and create a council record. Complete the council record application and send in college transcripts and work experience verification forms. CLARB will notify you when your record is complete and you are qualified to take the LARE.
  2. Register to take the LARE through CLARB's website.
  3. Prepare for the LARE. Most landscape architect candidates fail one or more sections of the LARE the first time according to CLARB's own statistics. Study and prepare fore the LARE to improve your chances of passing the first time. Read the technical books recommended by CLARB, challenge yourself with practice exams, or attend a LARE preparation workshop. The more you prepare for the LARE, the better your chances are of success.
  4. Take and pass all sections of the LARE. 
  5. Once you have passed all sections of the LARE and have met the Kansas' star board experience requirements, forward your CLARB council record to the Kansas board. Kansas will evaluate your CLARB council record and notify you if you meet the requirements for licensure.
  6. Pay the license fee and wait for your license to come in the mail.
  7. When you receive your license, get a rubber stamp made do you can stamp drawings and celebrate!
  8. Maintain you license by taking continuing education classes.
Final Thoughts
Keep the end goal in mind when you are on your journey to becoming a licensed landscape architect. Do not get discouraged if you don't pass every exam the first time. When you are hit with adversity along the way, get back up, dust yourself off, and learn from your failures. Remember, others have done it and so can you.



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Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Texas Landscape Architect License Requirements


Get Licensed to Practice Landscape Architecture in Texas
Dallas, Texas courtyard.
Texas is the second largest state in the United States and is rapidly growing. As a result, there is a lot of opportunity for landscape architects to prosper in the Lone Star state. Getting a landscape architecture license in Texas is pretty straight forward and easy to do.  First, find out if you qualify to take the LARE exam in Texas.
Basic Requirements
There are only a few basic requirements that you must meet before you can take the LARE in Texas. 
  • First, you must have graduated from an accredited landscape architecture college program. 
  • Second, you need two years of internship experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. However, Texas does have a provision that allows landscape architects in training to start taking the LARE with only six months of experience.  
Step-By-Step Instructions To Get a Landscape Architect License in Texas
1.  Graduate with a degree in landscape architecture from a college.  Either a masters degree or a bachelors degree is acceptable in the state of Texas.
2.  Get a internship position working for a licensed landscape architect.  You need a total of two years experience before you can be a fully licensed landscape architect in Texas.  However, you can start taking the exam with only six months of experience.  
3.  Start you license application with TBAE.  This costs $100. The easiest way to apply is to use the on-line application. Otherwise, you can download a PDF form and mail in your application. 
4.  After you have started an application with TBAE, set up an account with CLARB. Texas requires all landscape architect candidates to register for the LARE exam sections with CLARB. 
5. Prepare for the LARE. There are LARE review workshops ocassionally offered in Texas. Read the suggested study guide books recommended by CLARB and take some practice exams to get a good feeling for the LARE and your level of preparation.  You may want to attend a LARE workshop or review session. Work on the areas that you feel weakest in or have not had much professional practice experience. Go into the LARE prepared and confident. 
6. Take and pass all sections of the LARE. Send your CLARB record to TBAE when you have successfully passed all sections of the LARE and have completed two years of experience. 
7. TBAE will contact you with further information once they receive your CLARB record. 
8. Receive your landscape architect license and celebrate! Congratulations and welcome to the ranks of professional landscape architects.

Final Thoughts
The LARE is a challenging exam and many landscape architect candidates do not pass on the first try. Prepare for for the LARE and know your stuff. If you prepare for the exam, you will walk in confident on test day and do well. Good luck!



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Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.
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Arizona Landscape Architect License Requirements


Arizona Landscape Architecture License Requirements
How to Get Licensed In Arizona
Tempe Transit Station. Photo by Kimmus122.
Arizona is a complex state with vast expanses of beautiful deserts, rugged mountains, and sprawling urban areas. Landscape architects have helped transform the desert into some of the nicest and most diverse urban spaces in the United States. Take part in the green revolution by getting you landscape architect license in Arizona.
Basic Requirements
There are a few basic requirements you need to meet before you can take the LARE in Arizona. 
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Be of good moral character and repute.
  • Have a bachelors degree or masters degree in landscape architecture.
  • Prove you have eight years of “active involvement” in the profession of landscape architecture.
  • Demonstrate one year of landscape architecture-related work experience under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.
The state of Arizona requires landscape architect candidates to have at least 8 years of active involvement in the profession of landscape architecture. You college degrees can count for up to five years of experience. The rest of the time requirement can be met by working under the supervision of a landscape architect. As long as you have at least one year of work experience working under the supervision of a landscape architect, you can petition the board to approve additional years of landscape architecture work experience. 

Ways to Get 8 Years of Experience
Example 1: You graduated with a 4 year bachelors degree in landscape architecture. After graduation, you worked for a landscape architect's office or planning firm for four years. You now have eight years of active involvement in the profession.
Example 2: After graduating with a five-year BLA degree in landscape architecture, you went to work in the landscape architecture department of a large multi-disciplinary firm for a year. After one year of work experience under the direct supervision of a landscape architect, you start working for a landscape architect as a garden designer. This situation would meet the experience requirement with a waiver from the Arizona state board.
Example 3: After graduating with a four-year degree in landscape architecture, you decide to get a graduate degree in landscape architecture. This will count for five years of active involvement in the profession. You complete the requirement for the remaining three years by working for a landscape architect office. This example meets the eight years of active involvement required by the board.
Example 4: After graduating with an unrelated undergraduate degree, you decided to go back to school and earn a first professional masters degree in landscape architecture. Since the graduate program was three years long (full-time), you can apply three years towards the eight years of experience required by Arizona for licensure. You still need to get five years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect to satisfy the board's requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Licensure

Arizona has authorized the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards (CLARB) to administer all parts of the LARE exam. 
  1. Register with CLARB and create a Council Record. You will need to complete the application process and send in work experience verification forms and college transcripts. 
  2. CLARB will notify you when your application has been verified. 
  3. Register for the LARE exam through CLARB's website. The multiple-choice sections (Sections A, B, and D) are offered in the spring and fall. You have a two week window to complete the exam sections at a computer-based testing facility. Graphic sections are offered in June and December on one day. CLARB will inform you of the test locations.
  4. Prepare for the LARE. Unfortunately, most landscape architect candidates do not pass each section the first time. To stack the odds in your favor, use the CLARB recommended books to brush up on the test content. Attend a LARE review workshop or review session or take a practice exam to help you gauge how ready you are for the exam. Go into the exam prepared and confident.
  5. Take and pass all sections of the LARE exam.
  6. After you have passed Each section of the LARE, forward your CLARB council record to the Arizona board and submit an Arizona state landscape architect license application and fee.
  7. The Arizona board will review your application, professional education, and work experience and contact you with more information. If the state board find that you meet all the qualifications.
  8. Pay the license fee, receive your license in the mail and celebrate.
Final Thoughts
Arizona is one of the easier states to become licensed in. There is not a state-specific test required by the state to get your licensed. Make sure you prepare for the LARE and walk into the exam confident and knowledgeable. Good luck.



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Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.
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New York State Guide to the LARE and Licensure


Get a Landscape Architect License in New York
Central Park in New York City. Image by Ed Yourdon.
New York state has a long history of landscape architecture and landscape architects. In fact, Frederick Law Olmsted coined the term "landscape architect" while working on central park. There are many opportunities for landscape architects in New York City and upstate New York.
New York has a complicated point system that is used to determine your eligibility to take the LARE and become a licensed landscape architect. Here are the basic requirements and steps you need to take to get a landscape architect license in New York state.
Prerequisites 
There are a few prerequisites you need to meet before you can register for the LARE. New York uses a point system to determine candidates' eligibility. You need to earn 12 points before you can take the LARE exam. Here are some ways to earn point towards licensure. 
Education
  • Accredited bachelors degree in landscape architecture (4 year program) = 8 points
  • Accredited bachelors degree in landscape architecture (5 year program) = 9 points
  • Graduate degree in landscape architecture and a 4 year degree in landscape architecture = 9 points
  • Graduate degree in landscape architecture and a 5 year degree in landscape architecture = 10 points
  • Four-year non-landscape architecture degree and accredited graduate degree in landscape architecture = 8 points
  • Non-accredited 4 year landscape architecture degree = 7 points
  • Accredited undergraduate civil engineering or architecture degree = 6 points
  • Two-year technical degree related to landscape architecture = up to 4 points
  • Non-related degree (other than mentioned above) = 2 points for AA, 4 points for bachelors degree
Work Experience
You need a combination of education and work experience to qualify for a landscape architect's license. 
  • Working for a landscape architect or civil engineer earns one unit per year for a maximum of two units.
  • Working for a planning firm or government agency that does work related to landscape architecture construction earns up to 2 points (1 point per full-time year)
  • Teaching landscape architecture or conducting research on landscape architecture that leads to publication is worth 1/2 point per full-time year for a maximum of two points. 
4 Ways to get 12 Points
Get a five-year BLA degree (9 points), work for a landscape contractor for one year (1 point), and work for a landscape architecture, architecture, or engineering firm for two years (2 points). This is one way to earn 12 points towards a license in New York.
Graduate with a four-year bachelors degree in landscape architecture from an accredited college (8 points), work for a planning office or government office for two years (2 points), and work for a landscape architect or landscape contractor for two years (2 points). You qualify for 12 points with this education and work experience combination.
Earn a four-year bachelors degree in landscape architecture from an accredited college (8 points), decide you need more student debt an go back to school to earn a masters degree in landscape architecture (1 point), conduct research and publish an article related to landscape architecture for two years after grad school (1 point), and work for a landscape architect office for two years (2 points). By combining extensive education and some work experience, you get the requisite number of points needed for licensure.
Maybe you discovered landscape architecture later in life. You already have a bachelors degree in an unrelated field and went back to school and earned a masters degree in landscape architecture from an accredited institution (8 points). You can earn the four points you need by working fora landscape architect's office for two years (2 points) and working for a landscape contractor or planning firm for two years (2 points). Your education and work experience now add up to the necessary 12 points.
Stepping Stones To A Landscape Architect License
  1. Complete the education requirements.
  2. Start gaining work experience
  3. Register for the multiple-choice sections of the LARE with CLARB. Section A, Section B, and Section D are administered by CLARB for the state of New York.
  4. Prepare for the LARE. Read the recommended books suggested by CLARB. Test your level of preparedness by taking some practice exams. Attend a LARE prep workshop to get individualized feedback.
  5. Submit an application to the state of New York to take the graphic sections of the LARE. The New York board will verify your work experience and education and determine your eligibility for the exam.
  6. Wait for final approval from New York State and pay the fees.
  7. Maintain your license. Take continuing education courses and workshops. You are required to complete a certain number of professional development hours to renew your license.
Final Thoughts
A landscape architect license is an important milestone in you life and professional career. Many before you have jumped through the hoops and successfully achieved licensure. You can, too. Good luck.



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Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.
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Qualify For a Landscape Architect License in Georgia


Landscape Architect License Requirements in Georgia
Did you know that Atlanta, Georgia is the landscape architecture capital of the Southeast? Over 800 landscape architects are licensed in Georgia. Atlanta hosts many large design firms and multidisciplinary engineering firms. Learn how to get a landscape architect license in the state of Georgia and partake in the action.
How To Qualify For a Landscape Architect License in Georgia
Georgia Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Image by FLC.
You only need to establish a few prerequisites to the state license board to qualify to sit for the LARE. 
  • First, you need a degree in landscape architecture. You can qualify with either a masters degree or a bachelors degree. 
  • Second, you need to get 18 months of full-time work experience working under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. The state of Georgia is really insistent about the amount of experience you have. If you only work part time, the state requires 36 months of work experience. You will verify your quantity of work experience when you apply to take the exam.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to get a landscape architect license in Georgia.
  1. Graduate with a bachelors or masters degree in landscape architecture. You will need official transcripts from your university for your application.
  2. Work under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect for 18 months (full-time) or 36 months part-time.
  3. Apply to take the LARE exam with the state of Georgia. Send official college transcripts and experience verification forms in with you application. Wait for approval from the state board before you sign up to take the LARE.
  4. Create a CLARB council record. Register for the LARE through the CLARB website. CLARB administers all parts of the LARE for the state of Georgia. The multiple-choice sections are computer-based and are offered at test centers in Atlanta, Macon, and Tifton. The graphic sections are only offered at the Macon test site.
  5. Prepare for the LARE exam. Read the books recommended by CLARB, use a study guide, at test your readiness with a practice exam. Attend a practice workshop and get individualized feedback from experienced mentors.
  6. Take the LARE and pass all sections. The multiple choice sections are offered in spring and fall and the graphic sections are scheduled for December and June.
  7. Pass the Georgia state section of the LARE. You can take the Georgia section of the exam at the same places as the other multiple-choice sections of the LARE.
  8. Send your CLARB council record to the Georgia licensure board when you complete all sections of the LARE.
  9. Wait for Georgia to acknowledge your council record. The state board will send you further instructions by mail.
  10. Receive your landscape architecture license and celebrate.
Final Thoughts
Follow the steps above to become a licensed landscape architect in Georgia. Preparation for the LARE is extremely important. Most candidates do not pass every section the first time. You may want to consider attending a LARE review session or LARE exam preparation workshop to help improve your chance of passing each section on the first try. Prepare for success and enjoy the rewards.



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Disclaimer: The information posted here is for your convenience only and was believed to be up-to-date at the time of writing.  Please check with state licensure boards and CLARB for the latest information.  If you find something on this post is out-of-date or inaccurate, please send me a note. Thanks and good luck with your career in landscape architecture.
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Pros and Cons of LARE Prep Workshops


Is It Worth The Money?
Pros and Cons of LARE Prep Workshops
Let's face it...passing the LARE is tough. CLARB's own statistics prove that most landscape architect candidates don't pass each section on the first try. In order to pass the LARE and get your license, you need to study and prepare for the exam.
There are many ways to prepare for the LARE. LARE exam preparation workshops are one popular method some successful candidates use. 
What is a LARE Exam Preparation Workshop?
LARE exam preparation reviews and workshops give you the opportunity to learn more about the LARE exam and to focus your test-taking skills for a specific section of the LARE. There are two different formats: LARE reviews and LARE workshops. 
LARE Review Session
Review sessions typically cover what information will be tested on the section of the LARE you will take. The presenter will discuss the most important information to know that will increase your odds of passing a section of the LARE. 
LARE Workshops
Most workshops consist of two parts: a teaching component and a studio practice exam followed by individualized feedback. In addition to covering the important subject domain information, workshops also teach test-taking strategies and have practice tests that you complete in the workshop environment. Workshops usually last more hours than a review session and cost a little more. Some workshops, like those conduced by Jerry Hastings, include study packets that you download and study prior to attending the workshop. A workshop is as close as you can get to a real-life testing experience without taking the actual LARE. 
Many candidates chose to attend workshops to help prepare for the graphic sections of the LARE. You many be able to increase your chance of passing these highly challenging sections by practicing on lots of vignettes at a workshop. 
LARE candidates who attended a certain workshop passed at a higher rate than the national average.
One recent workshop in Northern California boasts that 61 of their 63 students passed Section C after attending the workshop. That is a 97% passing rate compared to 65% for all the candidates who took the exam.
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Workshops provide a focused environment to prepare for the LARE exam. The workshops are held in classrooms or meeting rooms where outside distractions are minimized. Some candidates really appreciate focused study in this environment.
  • You get individualized feedback on your design solutions on graphic vignettes for Section C and Section E.
  • Get your questions answered by experienced professionals.
Cons
  • Expenses. LARE workshops typically cost a few hundred dollars. While this is a lot of money for young professional, it's worth it if you pass the first time and avoid the expense of taking sections over and over again.
  • Time. While some workshops or clinics only last part of a day, many are one or two day events. 
  • Travel. Most candidates must travel to attend LARE workshops. 
Due Diligence
Not all LARE exam prep workshops are equal.  Before you commit your hard earned money and precious time, ask the workshop provider a few questions.
  • What was the passing rate of your last class? How does your students’ passing rate compare to the national average?
  • Will the workshop provider work with you if you do not pass after attending their workshop?
  • What percentage of students did the workshop provider hear from after the LARE?
  • Is the workshop or review session affiliated with or supported by a university or local chapter of ASLA?
Check out what other LARE candidates are saying about LARE exam prep workshops. Land8lounge.com. You can usually find an active forum post discussing LARE exam preparation strategies, resources, and workshops in the forum part of the website. 
Another place to find out more on upcoming LARE workshops and review sessions is Google Groups. You can read about how other landscape architect candidates are preparing for the LARE in the group “LARE EXAM”. See what other people say about workshops and review sessions they have attended and determine if a workshop is right for you.

Is a LARE Exam Workshop Right For You?
How you prepare for the LARE examination is a personal decision. Some candidates have really benefited from attending workshops. If you like individualized feedback on your performance and having you questions answered, attending a workshop could be just the thing to do. Otherwise, if you are short on cash, have a diversified work history, and the discipline to study on your own, save your money and forge ahead. 
For more information on upcoming LARE workshops, check out the LARE workshop listing page.
Check out the CLARB recommended reading list for books that can help you study for the LARE exam. Also, you can purchase study guides and practice exams to help you prepare for the LARE.

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