Where should I go, Section 1 or Section 2

[B Cooper]

Hello there,

I'll keep this as short as possible but not try to make this a therapy venting session. I've passed Section 3 and now failed Section 4 twice. I do Section 4 (Grading & SWM) for work almost all the time and am in disbelief I still have not passed. I do question whether if it's testing anxiety that I get or if I'm just not capable. I think my best option is to aim for Section 1 or 2 and not get relentlessly caught up on Section 4. I would like to know which section appeared to be easier to take and less overwhelming. Thank you for your time and good luck. 

Anyone in CLARB if you're reading this, stop putting together questions that make us want to repeatedly bang our head against a brick wall the entire 3 hour session.

[Kimberly Klavoon]

I took section 1 last August and Section 2 this past December and while I feel like they are pretty similar, it may make the most sense to take Section 1 first.  1 felt a little more terminology heavy, and 2 sort of built on that.  If you're feeling brave, and feeling like you have enough time to prep I could see the possibility of taking 1 and 2 in the same administration - maybe 1 at the beginning and 2 on the last day so you have time to cram?  Biggest thing to keep in mind is that these questions are asking about health, safety, and welfare most of the time so answer with that thought (even if it isn't necessarily the most common/realistic answer!)  I found the LAREprep study guide to be helpful combined with the SGLA videos!  the CLARB tests were nice in that they get you comfortable with the actual testing format but if you've already taken these a few times you should be OK. 

[Douglas Short]

I agree with B Cooper!

LARE is rather absurd.  All of taking the exams have gotten thru an accredited school and these exams are rather redundant. When I think of the people making these exams I am pretty sure it's a bunch of folks who think they are clever by making questions that they are sure to stump test takers.  I actually think seeing high fail rates makes them happy.  Kind of the Karens of the world gathering to make people miserable.  Honestly, I've designed and installed probably close to 100 landscapes from small gardens to retaining walls to pergolas and irrigation systems.  I've passed 1, 2, and 3 (and then 1 again!) on the first attempt but cannot jump over the hurdle that is 4.  Yet I design retaining walls and drainage systems all the time.  

Section 1 is especially boring and the exam I relate to the least since most of it concerns very large organizations--I've never seen a project manual! but it is the center of much of the content in that section.  It's a lot of legal concerning contracts, etc.  That said, I found it to be mostly memorization and passed it using LARE prep and their tests alone.  So pretty straightforward.

There is the argument to make that you have a base knowledge you've stored by studying for 4 twice now, so that might make it easier.  I am worried tho that I am making the same mistakes over and over again and might be in an endless loop.

Honestly, I do think the more people here who complain to ASLA and frankly to CLARB, the better.  

Given that we all have the base knowledge through universities, it shouldn't be this difficult.

Good luck and keep us posted!