Completed LARE, single attempt on each section (direct result of the UGA LARE Prep Course webinar)
Jael Wagoner
wk
Section 1, I highly recommend the Construction Contracts and Project Management for Design Professionals. Read these and took thorough notes to understand concepts WITH NO flashcards needed. Also bought LarePrep Exam. Passed on first attempt.
Section 2, ?
Section 3, ?
Section 4, certain sections of Time Saver Standards, Site Engineering for Landscape Architects, and Grade Easy online pdf by Richard Untermann. I took Ray Freeman's class for this, so all of that study material helped to narrow down which areas to focus. Also bought LarePrep exams. Passed on first attempt.
Robin S
Jael Wagoner
Roxy
Troy Anderson
Jael Wagoner
I have had so many requests for in sight on my testing methods that I am going to do a write up similar to others posted on this forum.
April 2019 - Section 1
Books:
Construction Contracts by Hinze - I used the $14.99 Indian version found on Amazon. This was my main source of information. Memorization is key.
Professional Practice of Landscape Architect by Rogers – This was a secondary source and I am not sure it was worth the money to be frank.
Study Tools:
LAREprep Practice Exams – Section 1 A & B
The Free Study Materials included in the pinned 6.29.17 post on this forum titled "START HERE!!! SECTIONS 1-4 Study Materials and Resources"
Study Habits: I would read on my lunch break almost every day. I made flashcards for terms I was not confident about and used them regularly; waiting in car-pool, sitting in the doctor’s office, at baseball practice... wherever I could squeeze it in. I purchased the LAREprep exams about 60 days out. I took them multiple times to get a feel for the test as well as learn some of the material
August 2019 - Sections 2 & 3
Books:
Site Analysis: A contextual Approach to Sustainable Land Planning and Site Design by Lagro
Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects by Harris & Dines (commonly referred to as TSS)
Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards by Hopper
A note about reading. Unlike section 1, I did not read these books cover to cover. I used them to learn about specific topics I needed assistance with; they were a tool, NOT a method.
Study Tools:
UGA Prep Course Webinar and Study Materials
LAREprep Practice Exams – Section 2 A&B, Section 3 A&B
The Free Study Materials included in the pinned 6.29.17 post on this forum titled "START HERE!!! SECTIONS 1-4 Study Materials and Resources".
A note about the UGA Prep Course:
I participated in the sessions for Sections 2-4 since I had already passed Section 1. This was held in early June and made available via webinar due to popular demand on this forum. This was invaluable, but not solely for the presentations. There is definitely value from the insight of the presenters and interpretation of the LARE methods provided. However, where I found the most value was in the study materials included. Not only was there a pdf version of the presentation given to each of the attendees, we were also provided with numerous documents, excerpts, practice material, study guides etc. for each session we attended. Before you ask, no I cannot share this information. The course leadership is depending on the integrity and ethics of the participants to keep the materials to themselves.
A note about the Free Study Materials;
Items available include sample exams, reading material, study notes from previously successful LARE candidates and other valuable study materials. NONE of this is copy written. The study notes from the previous candidates were AMAZING!
Study Habits:
I started studying soon after the UGA Prep Course Webinar. I used the practice tests and materials from UGA to isolate topics I was weak on. I created a study outline using the identified areas of weakness and the CLARB subject outline. This outline was organized based on how identified topics were related. I did not study for one section and then for the other. I studied for them together because it felt easier given the cross-over between the two.
I got up and studied before work most days and would set aside a block of time most weekends to study. I made more flashcards for terms I was not confident about and used them regularly just as before... wherever I could squeeze it in. Somehow, I incorporated studying into every aspect of my life. I even took materials to the salon while getting my hair cut and to the pool just to get some sun in my life.
I purchased the LAREprep exams for both sections (both A& B) about 90 days before the exam (the test code is only good for 90 days) and went through them multiple times to get a feel for the test again as well as learn more material. I used and reused and reused the study materials for both sections that came from UGA and the study notes I mentioned above.
August 2019 - Sections 2 & 3
Books:
Site Analysis: A contextual Approach to Sustainable Land Planning and Site Design by Lagro
Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects by Harris & Dines (commonly referred to as TSS)
Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards by Hopper
Study Tools:
UGA Prep Course presentations and study materials
LAREprep Practice Exams – Section 4 A&B
The Free Study Materials included in the pinned 6.29.17 post on this forum titled "START HERE!!! SECTIONS 1-4 Study Materials and Resources".
Study Habits:
I used the same methods as I did for Section 2 & 3, with one exception. I wasn’t able to study as much before work and on the weekend. Work was ridiculously busy and I was working a ton over overtime hours. I took off the three business days of the week of Thanksgiving and the Friday before I took the exam (I took it the first Saturday in December). I studied from the Friday afternoon before Thanksgiving (I am off work at noon every Friday) through the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
When studying in large blocks of time I would highly recommend breaks. I left most of my household chores for the week proceeding Thanksgiving. I would study for an hour then vacuum or fold laundry. I took materials with me to read through during the commercials while the Thanksgiving Day Parade and NFL games were on. I took a break from studying and went to a tree lighting with my family, then came home and hit the books again.
Food for thought, based on my experience;
First and foremost, establish where you stand based on your familiarity of the topics in the outline for each section provided by CLARB and a practice test or two. Create a “studying outline” that makes sense to you. If you are taking two sections in a testing cycle, don’t be afraid to cross-study the sections. They are inter-related. Also, its generally easier to study if you are organized.
Second, formulate a study plan that fits your lifestyle, ish. With that said, understand you cannot passively study for these exams. Everyone needs to accept that they must adjust your life as much as possible to revolve around learning the material for the topics you are weak in. Then incorporate studying into the small pockets of time where you are generally scrolling through social media or waiting in line. Carry materials with you everywhere just in case a study opportunity comes up.
Third, don’t waste your money purchasing every single book. Spend it on the UGA course instead. You will get plenty of study materials in addition to the course material.
Fourth, use this forum as a source of information. Ask questions, glean old posts for information and study material (there are quite a few documents floating in here around not included in the pinned message from 2017), help others. Chances are if you have a question, so does someone else. And teaching someone something is a great way to store that knowledge away for yourself.
Next, I emphasize the importance of using the study notes for Sections 2, 3 & 4. There are some in document format as well as table format. I can say with 100% certainty I would not have passed without them. The practice tests available on this forum and the ASLA website are very helpful. The LAREprep Practice Exams are well worth the money since they keep you on your toes with testing in “Larry’s” world.
Which brings me to my last point…. Do not forget that real world applications ARE RARELY the correct answer on the LARE. Learn the material the way they want you to answer it from the books provided. Once you are finished with the LARE you can brain dump the information and move on to filling out the paperwork to get your official license!
Good Luck.
