LARE Workshops - Fall 2011

Individual reviews of the graphic

sections  is one of the benefits of 

attending a LARE Workshop.

The LARE is an exam that all registered landscape architects must pass before they can become a full-fledged landscape architect.  If you are new to the LARE, check out the LARE newbie page. 

What is a LARE Workshop?

LARE workshops are live preparation events that help students prepare to take the LARE.  Usually the workshop will focus on preparing candidates for a particular section or both the graphic sections.  Most workshops feature a lecture or speakers who are familiar with the LARE exam content and format.  Graphic workshops give you the opportunity to test your skills on realistic graphic vignettes and get feedback from experienced landscape architects.

LARE Workshops can cost hundreds of dollars.

Is it worth the money?

LARE workshops and classes can be pricey. Some candidates find LARE test prep workshops very helpful. 

Quotes like "I highly recommend a review session for sections C and E.......i took one last year and it was significantly helpful for these two sections."1 

Other candidate disagree and state "[I took] prep courses for C & E, came across piles of study material from colleagues and past test takers...and really studied it. A lot. For months. Then I took all 5 sections and realized that 90% of what I had studied wasn't tested on the exam."2 

Choosing a LARE test preparation workshop is a personal matter.  If you think that attending a formal study event will help you, please sign up for one of the courses.  But, if you have a lot of diversified landscape architect experience and are disciplined, you probably can study and pass the LARE on your own.

Where can I find a LARE Workshop?

ASLA has an up-to-date list on their website of upcoming LARE exam preparation events. Some universities sometimes offer preparation classes and workshops. The best way to find local LARE test prep events is to contact your local chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Fall 2011 LARE Workshops

Southern California - Sections "C" & "E" Workshop

Location: UCLA Extension, Westwood, California

Dates: October 7 - 23, 2011

Section E:  October 07, 2011 (Friday)  12pm-7 pm, October 8 & 9, 2011 (Saturday & Sunday)  8am-5pm

Section C: October 22 & 23, 2011(Saturday & Sunday) 8am – 5pm 

Cost:  Session C: $459;  Session E: $599

Registration Information: http://tinyurl.com/LAREUCLA

Northern California - Sections "C" & "E"

Location: Marin Headlands (15 minutes north of San Francisco)

Dates: October 14, 2011 - November 13, 2011

Section E (Standard): October 14-16, 2011 - Fri-Sat-Sun 8:30-6:00 pm

Section C: October 28-30, 2011 - Fri-Sat-Sun 8:30-6:00 pm

Section E  (Advanced): November 11-13 - Fri-Sat-Sun 8:30-6:00 pm

Cost: $450 per course

Registration Information: Rayfreeman3@comcast.net

Arizona - Review Section "C" Workshop

Location: ASU’s Design North Building, Room 64, Tempe, AZ

Dates: October 15 - 16, 2011

Cost: $300 for ASLA members ($325 for non-members)

Registration Information: khunt@j2design.us

Louisiana - Section "C" & Section "E"

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Date: November 5, 2011

Cost: $160 for Section C, and $60 for Section E for ASLA members, or $200 (C) or $100 (E) for non-members

Registration Information: hblakeman@cpex.org

Texas - Section "C" & Section "E"
Location: University of Texas, Arlington
Dates: November 5 & 6, 2011 (Section C); November 12 & 13, 2011 (Section E)
Cost: $325 per course or $600 for both courses
Registration Information:   jfainlan@swbell.net or joepacktx@msn.com

Check out the ASLA LARE preparation website for more information.

Related Articles:
Pros and Cons of LARE Exam Preparation Workshops

LARE Section C Passing Rates

Is LARE Section C Difficult to Pass?
Section C and Section E of the LARE are the toughest sections to pass. Look at the chart below.  The average passing rate between 2004 and 2011 is only a little over 50%!  The only good news seems to be that the passing rate is generally improving. Examine the table below:

Section B of the LARE is a tough exam.  The average passing rate is a little over 50% during the sample period.  However, recent exam pass rates for Section B have been trending upward.  That being said, the mode for the same period is only 38%.

More Section C Passing Rate Data

	LARE Section C Passing Rates (June 2004-June 2011)
	2011 - June	60%
	2010 - December	70%
	2010 - June	58%
	2009 - December	61%
	2009 - June	46%
	2008 - December	71%
	2008 - June	51%
	2007 - December	56%
	2007 - June	39%
	2006 - December	48%
	2006 - June	52%
	2005 - December	41%
	2005 - June	38%
	2004 - December	31%
	2004 - June	38%
	Section C Average Passing Rate:	50.67%
	Mode:	38.00%

How to Pass Section C
There is no doubt about it, Section C is tough. Preparation is they key to passing Section C.  Study the exam topics using these reference books recommended by CLARB.

• Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects
• Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards
• The Dimensions of Parking

Also, check out the article on study guide references and exam preparation to help you get ready for the LARE.

Last Thoughts on Section C
Although many people must take Section C several times to pass, this doesn't have to be you. Prepare well and use the sample zoning reference that CLARB provides for the test.  Read and use those rules because that is what the evaluators use to grade your vignettes.  Also, label EVERYTHING. It took my a couple of tries to pass Section C.  It wasn't until I labeled everything on the sheet and drew arrows depicting vehicular and pedestrian circulation that I passed with flying colors.  You can pass Section C. Good luck.

LARE Section C Reading List and Study Guide

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

Section C of the LARE tests your ability to design a site that takes a variety of on-site and off-site factors into account.  You need to really study the design guidelines and zoning packet included with the test preparation materials provided by CLARB.  These design guidelines will definitely influence your design solution.  Circulation of vehicles, people, and sometimes horses is an important part of this graphic vignette section.  Also, your design solution will be evaluated on how it addresses sustainability when addressing on and off-site forces.

Suggested Study Material for Section C

CLARB recommends using three standard landscape architecture reference books to prepare for section C of the LARE.  You might already have one or more of these reference books, but all of them are good additions for your professional library.

Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards edited by Leonard Hopper

Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards is the standard reference book for landscape architects. It provides easy access to landscape architecture rules-of-thumb and design and construction standards used in the design, planning, construction and management of built landscapes. The information covered in this handy reference book covers a wide variety of topics from site analysis (important for the LARE) to unusual design problems, like zoo exhibits.  Buy it for the enormous assortment of highly detailed construction drawings and site elements. There is a student version that contains less information at a reduced price. Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards is an expensive book but you will refer back to it throughout your career.

Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects, 2nd Edition by Harris & Dines

This book is another fabulous reference for landscape architects.  Time-Saving Standards for Landscape Architects has a fairly complete section on site design and construction standards.  Important topics for the LARE Section C are storm water best management standards, urban tree planting details, sustainable planting ideas and concepts, energy and natural resource conservation, and site construction procedures.  There are over 50 sections of topics and information.  The book is kind of expensive, but it is still an essential professional reference book.

The Dimensions of Parking published by ULI 

This handy and authoritative guide published by the Urban Lands Institute is a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of parking.  Study the design guidelines for developing parking lots and parking spaces to prepare for Section C of the LARE.  Also, know how to design parking lots that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  This book has some good standards for complying with the ADA. You will probably find that this book has more information about parking than you every really wanted to know.  

Related Articles:

• LARE Registration Checklist
• Prepare for Section A of the LARE exam
• Section B Suggested Reading List
• What Topics are Covered in Section A of the LARE?
• How to Register for the LARE exam

What is the LARE Exam and How do I Qualify to Take the Tests?

The L.A.R.E is the Landscape Architect Registration Exam and it is the test used by most states in the United States and Canada to certify landscape architects.

The LARE has five sections that are common to all candidates.  Most states in the United States add an additional state-specific section, also.  Three sections (Sections A, B, and D) are multiple-choice, computer-based tests that are administered by CLARB.  Two sections (Sections C and E) are graphic sections where candidates solve problems related to grading and stormwater drainage on 11x17" answer sheets. Sections C and E are either administered by CLARB or by the individual state (depending on the state or province). Candidates must complete eligibility requirements and initiate a CLARB record before taking the test.

Am I Eligible to Take the Sections A, B, and D of the LARE Exam?

CLARB (Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards) requires LARE exam candidates to meet some basic professional pre-requisites before you can register for and take LARE Sections A, B, and D.  CLARB lists six ways that you can qualify to take the LARE:

1. Have an accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in landscape architecture from a LAAB or LAAC accredited university program. This is the most common way candidates qualify for the LARE.
2. Hold a accredited degree in architecture (Bachelors or Masters) and have 1 year of diversified experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. Your architecture degree must be accredited by NAAB to qualify.
3. Have an accredited engineering degree (either a Bachelors or Masters degree) and have one year of diversified landscape architecture experience under the direct supervision of a landscape architect.  Your engineering degree must be accredited by ABET to qualify.
4. If you hold an unaccredited undergraduate or graduate landscape architecture degree and have one year of landscape architecture work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect, you can qualify to take the LARE exam.
5. If you have three years of work experience in landscape architecture under the supervision of a licensed landscape architecture and have an undergraduate degree in any field, you can qualify to take the LARE test.
6. Or, if you have applied and been approved by a CLARB member board, you can qualify for the LARE exam.

The requirements listed above are the basic requirements set forth by CLARB to register for the LARE exam.  Some states have additional pre-requisite requirements that must be met before you can apply for the test. Check with the individual state boards if you plan on applying for landscape architecture licensure in the following states: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or Wisconsin. These states require pre-approval from their state boards before CLARB will let you register for the LARE exam.

How Do Qualify To Take the Graphic Sections C and E of the LARE Exam?

If you are seeking a landscape architect's license in the following states where CLARB administers the graphic sections, the qualification criteria listed above apply to you: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington.

If you are seeking registration in the following states, you need to be pre-approved by the individual state board (even though CLARB administers the graphic sections in these states) before you register for the test: California, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

If you are working on registration on any state or province not listed above, check with your individual state's registration board.

Related Posts:

• LARE Registration Checklist
• How Do I Register for the LARE?
• State Registration Board Requirements?
• LARE Section A Recommended Reading List