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The Landscape Architecture Registration Examination (LARE) is a required examination in 47 states, one U.S. Territory, and three Canadian provinces for a person to be considered a registered landscape architect. Under a title act statute, Illinois, Massachusetts and Maine allow the practice of landscape architecture without taking the LARE, but the job title must be referred to as something other than landscape architect. Once a landscape architect is licensed in one state, he or she can register with the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), which can make applying for licensure in other states easier and quicker. The administration of the examination is available in multiple locations three times per year: April, August, and December. Multiple sections can be taken during the same administration of the test.

Structure
The LARE is currently a computer-based examination, with 4 sections. Each section has it's own time allotment for finishing the examination, both a total time allowed and a sitting time. Since the test is given over a 2 week period, it is possible to take multiple sections of the examination during the 2 week window. The test taker must sign up and pay for the examination in advance during the registration period which is posted online.

Section 1: Project and Construction Management
This section is given as multiple choice and multiple response. The exam covers topics such as contracts, topography, base maps, schedules, stakeholder information, construction details, budget estimates, change orders, inspections, scope of service and others details pertaining to projects and management of construction.

Section 2: Inventory and Analysis
This section is given as multiple choice and multiple response. It covers analysis and inventory for topics such as zoning codes, regulations, permits, site inventory, site use, circulation, climate, vegetation, soil, habitat, slope, hydrology, and site context.

Section 3: Design
This section is given as multiple choice and multiple response. There are two formats for choosing the answers, either dragging a project element onto a virtual site to indicate the correct location or clicking the location on the computer screen to indicate the correct answer. Some items tested in this section are proper placement of items on a site while minimizing the environmental impact and costs, suggesting design alternatives, minimization of noise through barrier placement, developing a master site plan and orientation of new construction.

Section 4: Grading, Drainage and Construction Documentation
This section is given as multiple choice and multiple response. There are two formats for choosing the answers, either dragging a project element onto a virtual site to indicate the correct location or clicking the location on the computer screen to indicate the correct answer. Some items covered in this section are protection plans for existing site conditions, erosion control plans, material plan, grading plan, stormwater management plan, planting plan, choosing correct construction details, bidding specifications, and technical specifications.

Scoring
According to the CLARB site, the examination is pass or fail. . The results to the test will be available on the CLARB website within 6 weeks of the last day of the 2 week period for the test. If the test taker passes the test, they will be notified that they have passed and will not receive a score. However, if the test taker fails the test, the test will be scaled, so that the test taker will be able to see how much improvement would be needed if they choose to retake the test. A passing score is 650 points

Preparation
One can find resources for test preparation on the CLARB website. CLARB offers a preparation guide, links to youtube videos, recommended readings, and the ASLA preparation page.

Testing locations
The CLARB partners with Pearson VUE testing centers to host the test three times a year, each over a two week period. Testing locations can be found here

Steps for Licensure
Contacting the state licensing board where licensing is sought, is the recommended first step for finding up-to-date accurate information about current state-specific licensing procedures. After contacting the respective state licensing board, contacting the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) for further information on the examination