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Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION EXAMS INFORMATION

The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) is a four-part fully computerized examination designed to determine whether applicants for landscape architectural licensure possess sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to provide landscape architectural services without endangering the health, safety and welfare of the public.  It is prepared and scored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) in accordance with all current standards for fairness and quality of licensure exams.  

If you have an LAAC or LAAB accredited degree in landscape architecture and wish to become initially licensed in BC, you may begin the exam registration process.  If you do not have an accredited degree, you will need to obtain approval before beginning the exam process.   All BCSLA Interns are issued a CLARB Candidate ID number upon acceptance of their BCSLA Intern application.  Use this information to create an active CLARB Council Record in order to register for the LARE (fees in US funds apply).

For all sections of the LARE, CLARB establishes the deadlines for completion of the online application. Candidates may check these deadlines on the CLARB website.  We strongly recommend that candidates apply for the LARE as soon as possible in order to make test center reservations (fees in US funds apply). There are very few BC test centers with a limited number of seats that are filled on a first come, first served basis. CLARB partners with PSI to administer the LARE.   After you register for the LARE, CLARB will send you an email with instructions about how to select your test center and schedule your exam appointment.

 CLARB offers remote proctor program options for all four LARE Sections if your computer is compatible with online proctoring software.   Candidates are able to register and write the exam from home, any time day or night, using their own computer. A remote proctor will monitor the exam live through a video feed using advanced security protocols.   All four exams are available at all test centres.

LARE Changes: 

1.  Alert: Changes are coming to the LARE in December 2023! Click here to learn more!

Earlier this year, CLARB conducted a Job/Task Analysis (JTA) which is a scientific study of the profession that ensures the content of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination remains legally defensible and relevant. The JTA results are also used to defend the legal scope of landscape architectural practice. 

The results of the survey determine the tasks that are performed most often, are most important and subsequently instill the knowledge required at the initial point of licensure; thus, the survey results form the basis of the L.A.R.E. The final report from the 2022 JTA is now available – click here to view.

The findings from this JTA have resulted in changes to the content and structure of the LARE. Beginning in December 2023, a new LARE blueprint will go into effect. Click here to view the new LARE Blueprint Recommended Resources.

2.  Exciting changes to the LARE announced on January 10, 2022 . Click here for complete information.

3. CLARB offers a number of resources—many of which are FREE—to help candidates better understand the content, format and delivery for each section of the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.  These resources are not intended to teach or be educational tools; they are designed to help candidates develop realistic expectations for the exam experience.  Click here to view the resources.  We also recommend that you participate in LARE Workshops or form study groups to assist you in preparing for the LARE.  Watch the videos.

4. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION EXAMS SAMPLE QUESTIONS

CLARB has provided sample questions to help LARE candidates prepare for the exams. These were created to provide a sample of what candidates will experience when they take the LARE.  Select the links below to begin your study strategy

 Are you ready to take the LARE? (new blueprint starts December 2023)
 Assess your readiness with our new practice exams.   Use them to familiarize yourself with the exam format and preview the types of questions/answers you can expect on the LARE — all at your own pace.
 
•    50 questions per section
•    Get instant results and rationale
•    Attempt each section up to three times
•    $25 USD per section

LEARN MORE

2023 LARE Sample Questions

Section 1: Project and Construction Management
Section 2: Inventory and Analysis
Section 3: Design
Section 4: Grading, Drainage, and Construction Documents

Practice Vignettes:
License Agreement
Practice E1 | Solution A | Solution B
Practice E2 | Solution A | Solution B
Practice E3 | Solution A | Solution B
Practice E4 | Solution A | Solution B
Practice E5 | Solution A | Solution B
Practice E6 | Solution A | Solution B
 

5. Sample Questions
CLARB leadership, in conjunction with Adrienne Cadle, Senior Psychometrician, Professional Testing Inc. led a session for Member Board Members and Member Board Executives in 2018.   The informative workshop utilized newly released examination questions that were asked to delegates.  CLARB has released the sample questions and answers. Please see below:

6. Sample Questions
Sample Answers 
 

7. LARE Prep Workshops 
The OALA, AALA and BCSLA co-host free webinars to go over LARE prep strategies and answer questions.   Watch this space for details on the next session.  Per CLARB policies, we are unable to answer any questions pertaining to contents we have seen on the exam. Per CLARB policies, we are unable to answer any questions pertaining to contents we have seen on the exam.

National LARE Study Session
BCSLA and OALA representatives provided an outline of how to register for the exams and some general tips. They will also discuss themes, questions, study materials.   The next workshop will be help in the Fall 2023. Stay tuned.

Below are resources from previous workshops: 

Click to view background photo & credits