Sections 1 - 4 Study Notes

[B]

It took me a year, doing 1 section per exam period, but I was able to pass each section on my first go around. It was in no small part to this group and the information that was talked about and supplied by others. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the information shared in this group, and as a 'pay it forward' I would like to offer my notes for all 4 sections. I don't know if they will help anyone else, but along with reading various books and other study guides posted in this group, I would condense what I thought was the most important terms and info down to these excel spreadsheets attached.

I struggled with how to lay these out over the past year and you will see that I kinda did things similar but jumped ship at certain points. Basically, the majority of the info is listed under the Alphabetical headings, and the terms in there will be grouped to help keep the info together. So, for example, in section 1 under C TERMS you would see "Chart, Bar (a.k.a. Gantt Chart)". So rather than putting it under the B terms (for Bar) for under the G terms (for Gnatt), I put it under C for 'Chart' and then the other chart types are there in C Terms as well. In other sections I went with a form like "Soil (Liquid Limit)", or even "Stormwater - Wet Ponds", but you get the idea.

Some of them also have yellow cells on some terms, and that was usually the most important terms that I thought to really study well. But you can feel free to just clear all the cells color if you like, but I am attaching the excel files themselves so you are free to add to them or edit them how you like. Figured it would be easier than PDFs. I pulled some quotes from some books into these, others are my paraphrase so it makes sense to me. So you may need to adjust to fit your needs. But in the end in the days before taking the exams these were all I would review.

I don't think I put any (or much) personal opinions into these. You may find a couple comments like "useless information" or "stupid answer" when it was something that I pulled from a practice test or other source that I thought was too 'college' in it's phrasing but wanted to at least know it just in case a silly question like that was actually asked on the exam. And that probably came into play in Section 3 which I was frustrated with at the time... lol.

In any event, I hope these are of some help to future test takers, and I wish you all the best of luck in taking your future exams!

[NilooH]

Hi B,
First of all congratulations on passing all sections.
Second of all thank you very much for sharing these notes with us . Unfortunately I failed section 3. But I am going to take it again and hopefully this time around I’ll pass it. Thanks again .

[Tia]

Thank you B for your time and effort in putting it together and sharing it with us. Appreciate!

[Tianyi Jiang]

Appreciate your sharing for free! Got a lot of encouragement and support from this group. Hope I could get the Sec 3 & 4 cracked in the next 6 months.

[Indigo Lu]

Congrats B! I downloaded and opened the spreadsheet section 2. It's so helpful! It also gives me some inspiration of a good way to organize my notes. Thank you so much for sharing those!

I just got my section 2 exam result and I failed by 637 for my first time. Thinking to take it again in August. I'm impressed that you passed all the sections on your first try. Did you read all the CLARB recommended readings? It will be nice if you can tell us more how you studied. Thank you!

[Debra J]

Yes a BIG congratulations on passing all sections!   You are so kind and thoughtful for sharing your hard work and time in putting this together Thank you so much, we all really Appreciate it!  I hope to pass two sections 2 & 3 for Aug exam date....ugh!

[Tia]

Hi Indigo Lu I got 637 too, we must have missed the same numbers probably just about one or two darn questions to get the passing score. :(

[B]

Some of you have asked some questions so I'll see if I can answer them in this post. Sorry I get wordy... it's gonna be long ;)

So I wouldn't be impressed that I passed on the first try... it really was a whole lot of luck. I left the 1st test thinking I failed for sure (mostly because it had been years since I took a test like that). Then that section 4, I wasn't sure how I could study any better, and figured I would get like a 649 or something just to tick me off lol. So honestly I think there might have been some right at 650's in there, if only they would tell you your score when you pass.

In any event, a big reason why I passed is I have a lot of practical experience which really helps on this exam, but also can hurt. I have been working as a Landscape Designer for the last 15 years under my father who is a licensed LA for 50 years now. When he took this exam, it was like 8 sections and one of them he had 8 hours to design an entire college campus... hand drawn of course. And the room he was in didn't have air conditioning in Florida. So drawing while using tracing paper, pen and sweating... not an easy combo. So yeah, we got it easy with this current test, it could be much worse. But having this much practical experience I know first hand that 90% of the way the LARE tests you is not applicable to the real world. So I actually had to change my thinking in order to take these tests and pass.

So when looking up information, think safety first and foremost in all of these tests. After that, code or plan requirements would be next on the list of things to understand. Nothing specific, all general terms. If you are looking up how to build a specific thing or trying to memorize the 16 sections of the CSI spec. STOP. Broaden your scope and just understand why the CSI is broken down into 16 sections. Always think general topics and understanding why something is, not just memorize facts. You will not pass these if you just try to memorize. You do need to know some things specifically like the parts of a wet pond (section 4) but you also need to know why they are placed where they are and what is their purpose. Again understanding why something is used or designed that way is more important than the definition of what it is.

So adjust your thinking, and don't try and think of logical or even practical reasons. Just understand concepts. Biggest mistake you can make on parts of this test, especially the graphic parts, is thinking "oh it would cost less if we put this playground over here". NO NO NO! Don't think, if the question didn't specifically say "which location would be the most cost effective" then don't insert your own logic or thinking. Answer the question EXACTLY how it is asked and do not put your own interpretation into it. In fact, read the question 2 times before reading the answers. Then after you've read the answers... read the question again. You must get into the head of the person who wrote the questions and not try and think it through. Logic and thinking actually hurt you on this test believe it or not.

As to the recommended reading from CLARB. The current list looks different from when I was taking some of these sections last year, but here is what I read:

Section 1:

Construction Contracts - Hinze - helped get me through this test for the most part

Project Management for Design Professionals - Ramroth - I had NOT read this one but WISH I HAD. Project Management was not a big part of my study for Section 1 and I felt it when taking the test. My first 3 questions were Project Management related and I was like "Oh no... I messed up big time... I'm just wasting my time being here". But I calmed down and just read, read, read and made it through. But some project management reading would have been helpful.

The other 2 books I don't think were on the list back then or maybe I just can't remember that far back lol. But this test was pretty much contracts and project management if I recall correctly.

Section 2:

Site Analysis - LaGro - Boring but worth a read.

Site Planning and Design - Russ - read this one too

The other 2 books (though they look different than when I took section 2) are about 'green' and 'sustainable' blah blah blah... I skipped the 2 books that were like this, so I'd probably skip these too. There isn't anything in Section 2 on that kind of stuff.

Section 3:

Landscape Arch Graphic Standards - Hopper - I think I rented this one and didn't really like it

Time Saver Standards - Harris and Dines - My dad had a copy in his personal library so I borrowed it. Eh, it is outdated, has errors, and it so wordy. I'm not sure who's time it is supposed to save. If you have a copy, skim through it for basic concepts but don't spend days reading.

Sustainable Site Handbook - Calkins - Bought it on ebook and immediately wished I hadn't. What a fluff book. The author just repeats herself over and over again just using different words. I couldn't get through the first couple of chapters before I stopped reading. Don't waste your money.

Planning and Urban Design Standards - Steiner and Butler - This wasn't on the list when I took section 3 so I don't know about this one, but I passed without it so meh.

Site Planing - Russ - I had bought this book for section 2 specifically because it was also in section 3, so it worked for me. I think this is the one that only 2-3 chapters are worth it for Section 2 and the rest are good for Section 3. Look at the chapter titles and refer to the CLARB Orientation Guide and you should see what I mean.

Section 4:

Site Engineering for LA - Strom - Buy this book for SURE. You can skip most of the last few chapters where he gets into really specific calculations and such. But I constantly went back to this book over and over while studying everything about storm water stuff. This is a must get.

TSS - As I mentioned in Section 3, I had it so I read it. It left me wanting and it was more of a way to get some topics to then go google elsewhere.

The other books I've mentioned above or that LA's Portable Handbook wasn't on it till I was almost ready to take the test, so I skipped it too. Maybe it's a good one but I have no idea.

And finally I think someone asked how I studied. Well since I work full time, I didn't study during the week almost at all. Saturday is my day with my family so that just left me with Sundays. First thing I did was map out what I would review and when. I made a calendar with all of the Sundays between signing up for the test and when my scheduled test day was. Then I would say 'okay I can read these 6 chapters over these 3 Sundays. Then I would take a LAREprep exam the next Sunday and it would take me longer to take notes on all the questions and look up things I didn't understand than it would to take the practice test, so that took all day. Then I would read another book for 2-3 Sundays, then take the second LAREprep test on the following Sunday. That got me through 2 months. In the final month of study, I would take any practice exams I could find (NOT Shake and Bake) and review all the extra notes that people would talk about on these forums. Great stuff here, go through all the posts back in time and see lots of good references to topics to study. All through this I was making those Excel spreadsheets and filling it with all the topics. So by the final 2 Sundays, I would have a full read through of all of the things I collected and research and add to it as much as I thought was needed. Then on that last week before the exam, I would break my Sunday rule and just spend 30-45 minutes every night going over a portion of that sections Excel spreadsheet. If it had 200 terms I would do 40 a night. Each night go back and review the previous night real quick before doing the next 40. Then that final Sunday before the exam was my go over everything day and just clear up anything I was uncertain on. And whatever days I had left, I would just go through that spreadsheet only, each night and the day of the test. I didn't kill myself studying and I think too much is actually a detriment. You just can't retain everything, so you have to find a way to just keep it fresh. Plus it is more interesting in short bursts than every... single.... day. I just couldn't handle that.

If you have bothered to read this far, then you get 10 extra bonus points! lol

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask. I hope some of this is helpful and I wish you all the best of luck in your future exams!

[Indigo Lu]

I read it all! Yay. This is very helpful!! I’m very encouraged. Appreciated it.

According to the study material you posted, for section 2 did you basically just read Lagro and 2-3 chapters of Site Planning and take some practice exams? I already finished Lagro ch.1-7 on site inventory/analysis and took two of the LARE exams. Since I’m gonna try again section 2, I wonder if you have any suggestion about what else should be done to pass the exam?

[B]

That is pretty much all I did. Just looked back over my calendar and I basically show a chapter per Sunday. So I went through it slow and steady and got as much info as possible. Go through that CLARB Orientation guide and look at each part of section 2 and make sure you understand what each one will contain. If you do that you should be good.

Also, do a search on this group for the phrase "section 2" and scroll down to the various posts that talk about questions and topics for section 2. Read them, there are always little gems of info that can be helpful.

[XH]

Congratulations! 

I just check my scores, unfortunately,  625..... very close to the goal, though.  I need to have another try, maybe this December. 

Very unsure when I went out the person vue test center this time. 

Test 4 is really hard, compared with other sections, to be honest. 

[XH]

Another thing I am still confused. I am not working  after graduated from school of architecture and landscape architecture ( I studied both architecture and landscape arch). Do landscape architects earn higher income compared to other designers or engineers, why the cost of LARE tests are so expensive, however, the income level for landscape architects are not very high? 

[blu bird]

Typically landscape architects don’t make as much as engineers. Idk why the cost for exams are so high. Funding for HQ green roof maintenance? The ASLA conference is so expensive too. At the very least if you have to take test again it should be reduced rate.

[XH]

I agree. The cost for people not earning very high income to get their license should be not very expensive makes more sense, at least match the income level. 

[Sunny Xu Zhang]

This has always been my problem with those testing agencies. They seem to be complete monopoly and I’m not sure if there are any other institutions to watch over their shoulder to regulate the price. The price doesn’t reflect market value, and I have noticed that Clarb has been consistently rising the price every quarter. At this speed, it is going to get out of control soon. Maybe at that time there would be protests and then price adjustments....

[XH]

It is true that the price for LARE is going up all the way. I believe that it is much less expensive to get PE for engineer and architects to take ARE. 

CLARB set pass rate between 64%- 77% which is not always 70%, because they want people to be back and retake more times before pass all exams. Could anyone work in CLARB explain the relationship between pass rate and standard score"650" ? I thought the score 650 based on all test takers performance and they let 70% people to pass. So the real correct questions you answered to get standard score "650" may fluctuate a little bit but the pass rate should be the same every time. But it is not, it is a range between 64% - 77%. So this makes all the tests be about luck. It is not only about how other people perform and you perform for the same exam, but also about when and which section you take. People got 640 or 630 or 626 and failed in this April may passed in last Aug. 

The CLARB people may never see these comments here or reply to explain how the score works. For everyone taking LARE, wish the best of luck is the most important :)  

 

[AS]

I reached out to CLARB about the above topic and this is what they had to say:

_______________________
"Thank you for your email, I am sorry to hear you are disappointed following the April administration. All comments that are left when taking the exam are provided to our Exam Writing Committee for review. We appreciate any feedback that you have to offer as we are always striving to improve the exam and administration process. The L.A.R.E. is a tool that is used by the regulatory boards to measure an applicant's knowledge to determine if they are able to protect the public's health safety and welfare. It would go against better business practices to assist exam candidates in completing the exam. This is why the only feedback provided on a failed exam is the scaled score or diagnostic feedback.

I can appreciate your frustration over the pricing of the exam and exam process. The L.A.R.E. and the licensure application process is most certainly an investment. We do try to keep costs down for those in the exam process and the fees associated with the exam are spread out through the exam candidate community. As the exam candidate population increases the cost per candidate should decrease. Given that the field of landscape architecture is relatively small, the cost for a candidate will be relatively more than other larger related fields".

[XH]

This is really an interesting point that “ Given that the field of landscape architecture is relative small, the cost for a candidate will be relatively more than other related fields.” Which doesn’t makes sense at all. And actually the numbers of test takers of LARE are growing these years actually, how can they explain why the price are rising up instead of decreasing? Maybe they really need money for green roof maintenance :)

Anyway, for the ones doing very well in the exam, this is not an annoying problem cause they maybe the top 30% or 40% of best performance people. But for ones be around at “650”, I only can pray the best of luck for future tests.

[AS]

Yeah i was quite frustrated with the response from CLARB. I feel as though they could care less if people pass, and they definitely are not doing anything to keep costs down. Section 3+4 are almost $600 each, on top of paying the ridiculous council record fee of $150 every year just to keep your name active in the system. 

[Lhellrei]

Tell me about it. In Canada it's $780 each for Section 3+4 because of the exchange rate

[Lhellrei]

The ISA (Arborist Certification) test is reasonably priced and they still give you one free re-write if you fail. After that, the test is half-price. CLARB could at least consider giving a discount for your first re-write for each LARE. 

[B]

For comparison I looked at the Architect testing. They have 6 sections to take at $235 flat fee for each section. Retakes are still $235 each but it doesn’t change per section. To have the record while in the process of testing is only $85 per person. Yes there are a lot more Architects than LAs but that means less tests to grade so less employees needed.

But get used to it, you will have the same fight with municipalities about tree removal fees and mitigation, etc. So get used to being raked over the coals moneywise. Granted it’s the owners pocket not yours but still.

[XH]

So it cost less even there are 6 sections to be taken. And they don’t have to pay like crazy $570 to retake one section. Not to mention that they pay less every year for record after pass all the exams. I believe other majors don’t charge so much money for license but make more money than Landscape arch. Oh..

Do Canadian landscape architects have to get the same exam of LARE and get license?

[XH]

Back to the exam, do you think that it is easier to take section 1, 2,3,4 every time than taking section 4 at first try before other sections? I began this LARE journey with taking section 4 first, failed. Then took section 1, passed. This time retook section 4, failed. I feel like it was a bad decision to begin with the hardest section and it is a strategic mistake.....

[BC]

XH,

Everyone has a different opinion on what order to take the exams. My opinion is that the sections that are related most to school/book knowledge should be taken first/sooner after college. Alternatively the sections that draw more from professional practice should be taken after a few years of work. With that strategy in mind I would probably take 3&4 first and then section 1 after a few years experience, section 2 could be whenever.  

With that said there is a big caveat, none of the sections actually reflect real world practice.... since all the sections are really based on what CLARB thinks is true based on some of the textbooks you could really take them in any order.  Sections 3 and 4 are the most difficult, so it boils down to your mentality, You may want to get the hard ones done first, or knock out the easy ones first to build up to the hard ones. The order doesn't matter too much.  

[B]

I would say the opposite and that sections 1 and 2 were more book knowledge, while 3 and 4 are more practical application and benefit from actual experience. I took them in order and found that to be good for me, but to each their own.

[Peter Salamon]

The old adage was 1 and 2 right out of school are easier then get harder if you wait, and 3 and 4 required more work experience.  

With the new test, I'd say that if your school taught a lot of urban design, 3 is the easiest.  1 and 2 are more by the book, but 1 was not from a book you'd read in school, (Hinze) 1 is more like 4.

[XH]

@BC That is the reason that I begin with section. 4. I wanted to pass the most difficult one, then take section 1.2.3 one by one. But it is much more about SWM and practical engineering stuff than I thought. @ B it is smart to take them in order. I saw many unfamiliar topic in section 4 this time and figured it out some are about section 2 and 3. Maybe they are not the questions account for scoring, but really impacted one’s confidence under pressure sitting in the test center. @ Perter I agree that it is easier for people learnt some about urban design cause the design principles and code(distance of setback etc.) weight much in this section. Section 1 should be taken before section 4. It is helpful for section 4.

Bad decision for me without lot of practical experience to retake section 4 this time. And to be honest, it was really a challenge for both physical and mental, sitting there and having brain storming under pressure for 4 hours without 1 minute rest....

I appreciate all your suggestions and posts of google group LARE. It answer my questions, gave me lot of courage And is very helpful. Let me know I am not doing it alone...:)

[Katie Toschlin]

People may want to keep in mind, too, that not all states allow us to take exams immediately following graduation. That was my idea initially graduating in Michigan but Virginia requires a number of years' experience directly under a licensed landscape architect. What helped me most recently in readying for Section 4 (I believe) was working at an engineering firm. I felt very comfortable with a majority of principles on the Orientation Guide starting off. I don't know how comfortable I would have been with all the material had I not worked with many of the concepts on a daily basis. That said, I am now studying for exams 2 and 3 in August so we'll see what happens in mid-September when we have the results. Best luck to all!

[Peter Salamon]

Well to clarify for people, unless VA is totally different, the rule isn't "you have to wait 3 years"  You can take your test any time, you just have to have 3 years to get the license.

[Tim Nickerson]

With Massachusetts, one needs pre-approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Landscape Architects before even taking the exams, and one needs to work under a licensed LA for at least 2 years before even applying.  Someone could take the exams before being approved by the state, but it is rare that the MA Board will accept them as valid exam results.  They have their reasons, but its more difficult to get registered in Massachusetts because of it.  Many will get licensed in a state that does not require the apprenticeship and then get reciprocity in Massachusetts.  

[B]

Yes each state is actually different. In Florida you only need 1 year of work under a licensed LA, but can take the tests during that year if you want. However, you also have to take a 5th test that is Florida specific and can only take that once you’ve passed the LARE. So each state has its differences.

[Lox Burner]

Love you so much, people like you make the world a better place 
Thanks a million

On Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 1:13:49 PM UTC-4 B wrote:

It took me a year, doing 1 section per exam period, but I was able to pass each section on my first go around. It was in no small part to this group and the information that was talked about and supplied by others. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the information shared in this group, and as a 'pay it forward' I would like to offer my notes for all 4 sections. I don't know if they will help anyone else, but along with reading various books and other study guides posted in this group, I would condense what I thought was the most important terms and info down to these excel spreadsheets attached.

I struggled with how to lay these out over the past year and you will see that I kinda did things similar but jumped ship at certain points. Basically, the majority of the info is listed under the Alphabetical headings, and the terms in there will be grouped to help keep the info together. So, for example, in section 1 under C TERMS you would see "Chart, Bar (a.k.a. Gantt Chart)". So rather than putting it under the B terms (for Bar) for under the G terms (for Gnatt), I put it under C for 'Chart' and then the other chart types are there in C Terms as well. In other sections I went with a form like "Soil (Liquid Limit)", or even "Stormwater - Wet Ponds", but you get the idea.

Some of them also have yellow cells on some terms, and that was usually the most important terms that I thought to really study well. But you can feel free to just clear all the cells color if you like, but I am attaching the excel files themselves so you are free to add to them or edit them how you like. Figured it would be easier than PDFs. I pulled some quotes from some books into these, others are my paraphrase so it makes sense to me. So you may need to adjust to fit your needs. But in the end in the days before taking the exams these were all I would review.

I don't think I put any (or much) personal opinions into these. You may find a couple comments like "useless information" or "stupid answer" when it was something that I pulled from a practice test or other source that I thought was too 'college' in it's phrasing but wanted to at least know it just in case a silly question like that was actually asked on the exam. And that probably came into play in Section 3 which I was frustrated with at the time... lol.

In any event, I hope these are of some help to future test takers, and I wish you all the best of luck in taking your future exams!