California Supplemental Exam For Landscape Architects

California Supplemental Exam For Landscape Architects

Introduction 

The California Supplemental Exam (CSE) for landscape architects the tests landscape architect candidates knowledge of conditions and regulations peculiar to California. This exam is an additional requirement and augments the national Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE).

Why Take The CSE?

The California Supplemental Exam is one requirement that candidates seeking a  landscape architect license in the state of California. The CSE examines your specific knowledge of design, construction, and environmental conditions that are unique to California's unique climate and geology.

How Do I Register for the CSE?

Before you can register for the California Supplemental Examination, you mist apply for a landscape architect license in the state of California and pass all sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE). Once you meet these requirements, you send in an application to take the CSE and registration fee. After the board reviews and approves your application, they will add your name to the pre-qualified list for the exam. Contact the test provider and set up an appointment to sit for the CSE.

How Many Questions Are on the CSE?

The California Supplemental Exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that test your knowledge in several area of law, regulation, environment, and public safety issues.

How Long is the CSE?

You have 120 minutes to complete the landscape architecture CSE.

Test CenterLocations

The CSE exam is administered by Psychological Services LLC. There are 13 test centers located in California and ten additional testing centers located thought the United States.

California Test Center Locations:

• Anaheim
• Atascadero 
• Bakersfield 
• Carson
• El Monte
• Fresno
• Hayward
• Redding
• Riverside
• Sacramento
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Santa Clara 
• Santa Rosa

Test Centers Outside California:

• Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 
• Boston, Massachusetts 
• Atlanta, Georgia 
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Southfield, Michigan 
• Des Moines, Iowa 
• Houston, Texas 
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Portland, Oregon 
• Albuquerque, New Mexico

Final Thoughts

The CSE is a serious test. Treat it like the LARE and prepare ahead of time. Some of the information tested will be similar to content on the LARE while other topics cover specialized knowledge specific to California’s unique terrain and political climate. 

For More Information

There are a couple of places on the web to get more information about the CSE. First, check out the Landscape Architects Technical Committee website. They have a candidate guide for the CSE. Also, the test provider, Psychological Services, LLC., has another guide that covers some of the administrative aspects.

Coming Soon

I’m developing a study guide for the California Supplemental Exam for landscape architects to help all aspiring California landscape architects prepare for the exam.  The study guide will be released in the fourth quarter of 2012. Check out the CSE for Landscape Architects website for more information about preparing for the California Supplemental Exam (CSE) for landscape architects.

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Good luck studying for the California Supplemental Exam for landscape architects.