Candidate Information

Does the LATC administer all sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)?

No. The LATC administers Sections C and E (graphic performance sections) in June and December, while CLARB now (beginning August 2004) administers Sections A, B, and D (multiple-choice sections) via a computer-based methodology. Visit www.clarb.org for examination dates for the multiple-choice sections.

Because of recent changes to the LARE application/registration and administrative processes, it is important that candidates carefully read and understand all examination information found on this Web site.

Candidates may also contact the LATC Office at (916) 575-7230 for additional information.

Can I apply for all sections of the LARE (A through E) with the LATC?

No. Candidates must apply to the LATC for Sections C and E and register on-line with CLARB at www.clarb.org for sections A, B, and D.

I want to begin the examination process by taking sections A, B, and D. Can I just register on-line with CLARB?

First-time candidates must first apply to the LATC and receive a Notice of Eligibility prior to registering with CLARB.

Candidates who have previously been approved to take the LARE in California are considered approved for purposes of registering with CLARB.

Can I apply to take the LARE before I complete all training and education requirements?

No. In order to take the LARE in California, candidates must meet all of the following examination eligibility requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
   
2. Hold a degree (Associate, Bachelors, or Masters) or extension certificate (UCB Extension and UCLA Extension) in landscape architecture
3. Have at least six years of combined educational and training/experience credit
4. Have at least two years of training/experience credit (1500 hours of qualifying employment equals one year of training/experience credit; employment in excess of 40 hours per week will not be considered)
5. Have one year of training/experience credit under the direct supervision of a landscape architect licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction that was gained after graduation from a qualifying educational program.

I have a degree in a related field and 10 years of experience as a contractor. Can I take the LARE?

No. In California, applicants are required to have a degree or extension certificate in landscape architecture in combination with qualifying training/experience credit.

I have a unique situation that is not addressed in your examination eligibility requirements. Can I appeal for an exception to be qualified to take the LARE?

No. Candidates must meet all educational and training/experience requirements, as outlined under California law.

Does the LATC require a CLARB Council Record for licensure or for taking the LARE?

No. A Council Record is not required in California.

Where is the LARE administered?

Sections C and E are administered by the LATC in northern and southern California every June and December. However, due to availability of conference centers, the LATC reserves the right to change the examination sites. To view the examination sites for Sections C and E, click here. Or, you may contact the LATC's Examination Analyst at (916) 575-7230 for additional information.

Beginning August 2004, CLARB will administer Sections A, B, and D via a computer-based methodology in various locations throughout the U.S. For more information, visit CLARB's Web site at www.clarb.org.

I registered on-line with CLARB to take Sections A, B, and D of the LARE. Can you verify that I am scheduled?

LATC staff cannot verify registration for Sections A, B, and D. Candidates should contact CLARB at (703) 319-8380.

How soon will I receive my LARE results?

Examination results are mailed to the LATC by CLARB. Results from the June graphic performance sections of the examination are received in mid-September and December results are received in mid-February. The LATC receives results from the multiple-choice sections of the examination appproximately four to five weeks after the examination date. Once the LATC processes examination results, the scores are sent to candidates.

Note: Due to confidentiality laws, LATC staff cannot release score information over the telephone.

I took the LARE last year. Will the LATC automatically send me an Application for Re-Examination for the next administration?

LATC staff will mail applications to candidates upon request. Applications are also available under Candidate Information. However, the Application for Re-Examination will also be included with the issuance of a candidate's examination results if he/she is still required to pass Sections C and/or E (this only applies to Sections C and E).

Does the LATC offer reasonable accomodations for candidates with disabilities?

Yes. The LATC honors requests for reasonable accomodations for Sections C and E, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any candidate who requires special accommodations must submit a request to the LATC along with their application. Requests are considered on a case by case basis.

For Sections A, B, and D, candidates must make a reasonable accommodation request with CLARB.

Does the LATC offer study materials or any type of examination preparation for the LARE?

No. Examination prepartatory courses are not available through the LATC; however, study materials may be purchased from CLARB. Candidates may also contact the California Council of the American Society of Landscape Architects, California chapters of the ASLA, and landscape architecture programs under the Links page for possible examination prepartatory courses.

I failed Sections C and E of the LARE. Can I appeal my examination results?

There is no appeal process for failed sections of the LARE; however, the LATC (through CLARB) does offer review sessions for Sections C and E. For more information regarding the Red-Line and Standard Review sessions, click here. Or, you may contact the LATC's Examination Analyst at (916) 575-7230 for additional information.

I recently moved to California, but hold a landscape architect license in another state. How can I become licensed in California?

If you are currently licensed in another state in good standing and have taken and passed either the UNE or the LARE, you can apply for reciprocity in California.