What is the passing score for the LARE exam?

Each of the four L.A.R.E. sections requires a scaled score of at least 650 to pass. Results are reported as pass or fail; candidates who fail also receive a scaled score showing how close they were to the passing point, plus performance feedback at the domain level. CLARB uses scaled scoring so that results are reported consistently even though the number of items differs between sections.

How many sections make up the LARE and how long does it take?

The L.A.R.E. consists of four computer-based sections totaling 335 scored items plus 40 unscored pretest items, for 375 items in all. Each section allows 3.5 hours of seat time, which includes 3 hours of exam time, for 14 hours of total seat time. CLARB administers the exam three times per year in two-week windows in the spring, summer, and winter, and candidates may take the sections in any order or attempt more than one section within a single window.

How much does it cost to take the LARE?

Each L.A.R.E. section costs $535, totaling $2,140 for all four sections. Candidates must also establish and maintain a CLARB Record, which costs $175 for the initial candidate Record and $165 per year for candidate maintenance. Optional practice exams cost $25 per section. Cancelling by an administration's cancellation deadline refunds the section fee minus the cancellation fee in CLARB's published fee schedule, requests after that deadline are not refunded, and registrations cannot be transferred or rescheduled to a later administration. Jurisdiction application and licensing fees are separate.

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the LARE?

Eligibility is determined by your state, provincial, or territorial licensing board rather than by CLARB. Most jurisdictions require a professional degree in landscape architecture from a program accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board, or equivalent education, together with qualifying professional experience. All candidates register through CLARB after establishing a CLARB Record, and some jurisdictions require CLARB to transmit that Record to the board for approval before registration is permitted.

How long do I have to pass all four LARE sections?

CLARB does not publish a single universal time limit for completing the four sections. Retake limits and the period for which a passed section remains valid are set by the licensing jurisdiction, so confirm the rule with the board where you intend to become licensed. Candidates should also note that CLARB periodically updates the exam blueprint following a job task analysis, and those who have not completed all sections before a transition may be required to take additional sections or repeat content.

Which LARE section is the most difficult?

Difficulty varies by candidate and by daily practice experience, and CLARB publishes section-level pass rates for each administration rather than a fixed ranking. Section 4, Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management, is the most calculation-intensive, requiring contour interpolation, slope and earthwork computation, runoff estimation, and drainage system sizing, and candidates who do not perform that work regularly typically allow the most preparation time for it.

What study materials and references does CLARB recommend?

CLARB publishes two free primary resources: the exam blueprint, which lists the content areas, tasks, and percentage weights for each of the four sections, and the L.A.R.E. Orientation Guide, which explains the four item types (multiple choice, multiple response, hot spot, and drag and place), testing protocols, and the reference information provided within the exam. CLARB also offers a practice exam for each section at $25. Widely used reference texts include Site Engineering for Landscape Architects, Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, and Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture.

What is on the LARE exam blueprint for each section?

Section 1, Inventory, Analysis and Project Management (90 scored items), covers Project Management (7%), Inventory and Data Collection (21%), Stakeholder Engagement Process (14%), Physical Analysis (39%), and Contextual Analysis (19%). Section 2, Planning and Design (85 scored items), covers Stewardship and Design Principles (17%), Master Planning (33%), Schematic Design (28%), and Design Development (22%). Section 3, Construction Documentation and Administration (90 scored items), covers Construction Plans and Details (50%), Construction Specifications and Bidding (20%), and Construction Administration (30%). Section 4, Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management (70 scored items), covers Stormwater Management (39%), Grading and Earthwork (44%), and Drainage Systems (17%).

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All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

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OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Is the content up to date?

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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Free LARE Exam Prep

Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.)

Prepare for the LARE exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Updated January 2026

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CLARB LARE Landscape Architect Registration Examination

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ArticleCLARB LARE Exam Guide 2026: Plan Sections Around Windows, Not Hope5 min read

Your Study Path

LARE CLARB LARE Landscape Architect Registration License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation

Section 1 FoundationsYou are here

Build project management, site inventory, and physical/context analysis fundamentals.

hours

Section 2 Planning and Design

Develop conceptual-to-development planning workflows and sustainability integration.

hours

Section 3 Documentation and CA

Strengthen drawing/specification interpretation and construction administration decisions.

hours

Section 4 Technical Calculations

Prioritize grading, stormwater, and drainage problem sets under timed conditions.

hours

Estimated total study time

185 hours

That's about 19 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the LARE Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age

Education

Education and licensure-board approval requirements are set by jurisdiction.

Experience

Required experience thresholds vary by jurisdiction and path to licensure.

Additional Requirements

•You must maintain a CLARB Record while progressing through exam and licensure steps.
•Exam is administered three times per year in testing windows.
•Testing is available at PSI test centers and via online proctoring where available.

LARE Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

6-12 months for many candidates to pass all four sections

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

PSI Services

Remote Testing Available

Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Sections are pass/fail independently; failed sections can be retaken in later administrations, and section-credit time limits are determined by jurisdiction.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$535 per section

Application Fee$175 initial CLARB Record (candidate)

Total Estimated Cost$2,315+ before any retakes and jurisdiction-specific post-exam licensure fees

Why Choose Us

Free LARE Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: CLARB publishes section-level pass rates for each administration through its exam results pages; rates vary by section and administration window.. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.

200 Practice Questions

Targeted coverage of the four current L.A.R.E. sections and subdomain logic.

AI Study Support

Get error-pattern analysis for grading/drainage and documentation-heavy prompts.

Independent Practice

Built around current section structure, scoring model, and administration windows.

Free Practice Access

Train on section-style question sets without a paid subscription gate.

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What You'll Study

14 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

Chapter 1: Project Management, Legal Framework & Contracts

6 sections

Chapter 2: Site Inventory, Surveying & Regulatory Framework

10 sections

Chapter 3: Physical, Contextual & Environmental Site Analysis

10 sections

Chapter 4: Stewardship, Climate Resiliency & Design Principles

5 sections

Chapter 5: Master Planning, Programming & Land Use

6 sections

Chapter 6: Schematic Design & Spatial Organization

6 sections

Chapter 7: Design Development, Materials & Planting Systems

9 sections

Chapter 8: Construction Drawings, Layout & Detailing

8 sections

Chapter 9: Construction Specifications & Bidding

5 sections

Chapter 10: Construction Administration, Submittals & Changes

5 sections

Chapter 11: Field Observation, Quality Control & Close-Out

4 sections

Chapter 12: Contour Interpretation, Grading & Earthwork Calculations

6 sections

Chapter 13: Stormwater Hydrology, Runoff & BMP Design

5 sections

Chapter 14: Site Drainage Systems, Hydraulics & Erosion Control

7 sections

LARE Exam Details

Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.)

Administered by CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards)

Official Source

650 scaled score required per section

Passing Score

375

Questions

3.5-hour

Hours

$535 per section ($2,140 for all four sections)

Exam Fee

Study time: No official CLARB hour target; preparation is typically planned by section

Prerequisites: Jurisdiction-specific eligibility; CLARB Record is required for exam process and licensure transmittals

Valid for: Section credit retention depends on jurisdiction time-limit rules

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards) content outline

Inventory, Analysis & Project Management26.9% scored content (90/335, plus 10 pretest)

Section includes project management, site inventory/data collection, stakeholder engagement, physical analysis, and contextual analysis.

Planning & Design25.4% scored content (85/335, plus 10 pretest)

Stewardship/design principles, master planning, schematic design, and design development.

Construction Documentation & Administration26.9% scored content (90/335, plus 10 pretest)

Construction plans/details, specifications and bidding, and construction administration.

Grading, Drainage & Stormwater Management20.9% scored content (70/335, plus 10 pretest)

Stormwater management, grading/earthwork, and drainage systems.

What's Included

14 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

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What's Next After the LARE?

After passing the LARE, you can pursue these career paths

ARE 5.0

Expand into architecture licensure pathways for interdisciplinary practice.

LEED AP BD+C

Add sustainable design/build credential value to landscape projects.

LEED AP ID+C

Strengthen integrated site/interior sustainability strategy skills.

LARE Exam FAQ

Official CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards) Resources

Verify information with these official sources

Register for the L.A.R.E.L.A.R.E. Examination Process L.A.R.E. Orientation Guide CLARB Program and Service Fees CLARB Pass Rates Page

More Free Resources

Spotify YouTube Blog & Newsletter

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Landscape Architect Registration Examination

1Chapter 1: Project Management, Legal Framework & Contracts

2Chapter 2: Site Inventory, Surveying & Regulatory Framework

3Chapter 3: Physical, Contextual & Environmental Site Analysis

4Chapter 4: Stewardship, Climate Resiliency & Design Principles

5Chapter 5: Master Planning, Programming & Land Use

6Chapter 6: Schematic Design & Spatial Organization

7Chapter 7: Design Development, Materials & Planting Systems

8Chapter 8: Construction Drawings, Layout & Detailing

9Chapter 9: Construction Specifications & Bidding

10Chapter 10: Construction Administration, Submittals & Changes

11Chapter 11: Field Observation, Quality Control & Close-Out

12Chapter 12: Contour Interpretation, Grading & Earthwork Calculations

13Chapter 13: Stormwater Hydrology, Runoff & BMP Design

14Chapter 14: Site Drainage Systems, Hydraulics & Erosion Control

Free LARE Exam Prep

Quick Facts

CLARB LARE Landscape Architect Registration Examination

Explore More CLARB LARE Landscape Architect Registration

LARE Section 1: Inventory, Analysis, and Project Management

LARE Section 2: Planning and Design

LARE Section 3: Construction Documentation and Administration

LARE Section 4: Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management

More From This Family

LARE CLARB LARE Landscape Architect Registration License: Complete Roadmap

Section 1 FoundationsYou are here

Section 2 Planning and Design

Section 3 Documentation and CA

Section 4 Technical Calculations

Can You Take the LARE Exam?

LARE Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

Exam Provider

Retake Policy

Total Cost Breakdown

Free LARE Prep Tools

200 Practice Questions

AI Study Support

Independent Practice

Free Practice Access

What You'll Study

Chapter 1: Project Management, Legal Framework & Contracts

Chapter 2: Site Inventory, Surveying & Regulatory Framework

Chapter 3: Physical, Contextual & Environmental Site Analysis

Chapter 4: Stewardship, Climate Resiliency & Design Principles

Chapter 5: Master Planning, Programming & Land Use

Chapter 6: Schematic Design & Spatial Organization

Chapter 7: Design Development, Materials & Planting Systems

Chapter 8: Construction Drawings, Layout & Detailing

Chapter 9: Construction Specifications & Bidding

Chapter 10: Construction Administration, Submittals & Changes

Chapter 11: Field Observation, Quality Control & Close-Out

Chapter 12: Contour Interpretation, Grading & Earthwork Calculations

Chapter 13: Stormwater Hydrology, Runoff & BMP Design

Chapter 14: Site Drainage Systems, Hydraulics & Erosion Control

LARE Exam Details

Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.)

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

14 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the LARE?

ARE 5.0

LEED AP BD+C

LEED AP ID+C

LARE Exam FAQ

What is the passing score for the LARE exam?

How many sections make up the LARE and how long does it take?

How much does it cost to take the LARE?

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the LARE?

How long do I have to pass all four LARE sections?

Which LARE section is the most difficult?

What study materials and references does CLARB recommend?

What is on the LARE exam blueprint for each section?

What's included for free?

Why is the content free?

Is the content up to date?

Official CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards) Resources