LARE study guide
LARE · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) is the examination used by landscape architectural registration boards to judge whether a candidate is ready to practice independently and in the public interest. It is administered by CLARB, a council of registration boards; the boards themselves set licensure requirements and issue the license. Candidates normally sit the LARE after completing the education and supervised-experience requirements their own board specifies. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CLARB. Topics on this exam: Project Planning and Design, Construction Documentation and Administration, Construction Materials and Methods, and Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management. The LARE study guide has 4 sections and about 1,060 words.
01Project Planning and Design
Project Planning and Design covers site inventory and analysis, programming, concept development, schematic design, and design development. Know how to separate existing conditions (inventory) from conclusions (analysis), build a program from client needs, and test a concept against zoning, accessibility, circulation, and environmental constraints.
266 words, about 1 min02Construction Documentation and Administration
Construction Documentation and Administration covers drawings, specifications, schedules, details, bidding, contracts, submittals, RFIs, change orders, payment applications, and closeout. Know the document hierarchy, CSI MasterFormat divisions, and the difference between design intent and means and methods.
248 words, about 1 min03Construction Materials and Methods
Construction Materials and Methods tests how landscape elements are built: soils and aggregates, concrete, asphalt, unit paving, wood, metals, retaining walls, drainage structures, irrigation, and planting. Know material properties, typical assemblies, jointing, base preparation, compaction, and compatibility.
269 words, about 1 min04Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management
Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management tests contours, spot elevations, slopes, earthwork, swales, inlets, detention and retention, and stormwater calculations. Know how to read contour interval and direction, compute gradient, and route water away from structures.
277 words, about 1 min