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.