Seeking Advice on Studying for Section 1 and Section 2 of the LARE

[Yingli]

Happy New Year to all!!

I’m looking for some advice on studying for Section 1 and Section 2 of the LARE. I’ve already purchased all the recommended books listed by CLARB for Section 1. However, after reading several online suggestions, it seems like I only need to focus on the LARE Prep Study Guide and take practice exams on CLARB and LARE Prep. Is that true?

I’m planning to take both exams in April 2025. Do you think that’s too late to start studying for both sections?

Thank you in advance! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post.

[JZ]

I found these two sections overlapped a lot but had different, deeper focuses, just as the newest blueprint illustrates. I passed these two sections separately and found the most difficult part was figuring out the key points behind those tricky questions. They're designed with traps, requiring not only memorization but also understanding and critical thinking.

CLARB practice tests and LARE Prep are good tools for gaining general knowledge, but I found myself better understanding the material by flipping through physical books. Everyone has their own preferred study methods. Personally, I could only pass one section at a time with a full-time job, and because English is not my first language. However, I have a friend who passed two sections every exam period, and her first language is also not English. I think it's different for everyone. So, make your decision based on your own study time and learning capacity.

[Shaun H]

LARE Prep does a great job taking allllll the information in the books and focuses it to the most relevant material for the tests.  Of all the recommended books, the only one I had access to was 'Timesaver Standards for Landscape Architects'.  It helped alot fill in gaps when I had questions, mostly for Section 4, Grading and Stormwater Management.  Of course the books are great reference material, but if you're short on time or don't feel like buying $500+ worth of books, focusing solely on LARE Prep Materials and tests and Clarb Practice Tests will get you through.  Not everyone studys the same, but that's all I used. 

I took 2 tests together in August and December and passed all 4 with the method above.  I studied a solid 2 months in the evenings and weekends leading up to the tests so you have ample time to prepare.  It was tough studying for 2 tests at once, but there was SO MUCH overlap it made sense.  Section 1 & 2 are perfect for taking together.  Good Luck!

[Gabrielle Green]

I just took section one in December, and thankfully I was able to pass. I used the LAREPrep study guides, both of their practice exams, and CLARBs practice exam. I really don’t think it would hurt to use the textbooks and at least peruse the information they provide. I think the LAREprep study guides gave a really good overview, However I don’t believe they went into depth enough for how intense the exam was. It is probably going to be critical that you take the LAREprep practice exams more than once to get familiarized with how they will ask questions. And CLARBs practice exam is really good for understanding the exam format. The LAREprep study guides give an in depth description of the exam basis and content CLARB deems most relevant to be teated on, mostly public transit and environmental/human concerns. 

[B Cooper]

Hey guys.  I've been using this website now for awhile called PASS THE LARE. I find them resourceful just to point me in the right general direction on what to expect in the upcoming exams. Usually I just take one of their practice exams right before I begin my weeks of studying before the exam just to get a feel of what I already know and when I need to brush up my knowledge on. Their practice tests cost around $50 with 2 per section but sometimes have discounts of up to 20% off. They're even empathetic enough to reimburse you if you accidentally bought their practice exam for the wrong section because they know how much this whole process is costing all of us an arm and a leg here.

From my previous experience I've taken Section 2 when it was in the previous test format but unfortunately did not pass. It felt overwhelming the first time and I decided to come back to it when I was ready. Thankfully they've helped me pass Section 4 and I was sadly 1-2 wrong answers away from passing section 3 but I still would trust them over the outdated Shake & Bake exams that CLARB provides. A lot of their questions just comes down to fundamental knowledge on what to study and they reference a lot of their questions from the reading list if you haven't already gone through them. Like I said I think they really are a great resource and it's better than paying someone a huge sum of money to tutor you after paying another huge sum of money just for the exam itself.

Here is the link down below and good luck to all of you:

http://passthelare.com/