The examination process
The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) is a key step on your path to becoming a licensed landscape architect. Designed to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice landscape architecture safely and effectively, the L.A.R.E. ensures you’re prepared to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public and the environment.
This four-part, fully computerized exam is administered by CLARB and required for licensure in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands.
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Steps to take the L.A.R.E.
1
Create your CLARB Record
The CLARB Record is required for all exam applicants. It serves as your verified history of education and experience, and is used to apply for the exam, licensure and CLARB Certification.
2
Check your eligibility
Requirements for taking the L.A.R.E. vary by jurisdiction, so you’ll want to check out CLARB’s eligibility requirements tool to learn more about your jurisdiction’s requirements and to determine if you are eligible to take the exam.
Accredited degrees
Most jurisdictions allow candidates with an LAAB/LAAC-accredited degree to start the exam immediately after graduation.
Some boards require exam approval
If you do not have an LAAB/LAAC-accredited degree, or if your jurisdiction requires board approval to take the exam, you will need to transmit your Record for exam approval. Once approved, you’ll be eligible to register for the exam.
Getting licensed in Canada
If you plan to get licensed in Canada, you must be a member or intern of the AALA, the BCSLA, the MALA or the OALA to register for the L.A.R.E.
Exam vs. licensure requirements
Contact the licensure board where you plan to seek initial licensure to confirm what the requirements are for becoming licensed. Licensure requirements may be different than exam requirements.
3
Register for the exam
Once your CLARB Record is complete, log into your CLARB account to register for one or more exam sections. You’ll be asked to:
- Sign the eligibility and non-disclosure agreement attestations.
- Submit accommodation requests if needed.
- Select your exam section(s).
Testing tip: Register for the exam and schedule your test appointment as early as possible to ensure the best chance of selecting the location and date that are more convenient for you.
4
Schedule your test appointment
The L.A.R.E. is administered by PSI Services. You may choose to take your exam at a PSI Testing Center or via online proctoring. You can even preview available test appointments to help you determine if you’d like to register for the upcoming exam administration.
- After registering, follow the instructions to schedule your exam via the PSI website.
- Once scheduled, you’ll receive a confirmation email. If you don’t, your appointment may not be confirmed.
Need to make a change?
Add a section
- Log in to My Profile, then scroll down to My Event Registrations.
- Choose Edit Sections, then select the sections you wish to add to your registration.
- Submit payment for the additional section(s).
Reschedule test appointment
Visit the PSI website to modify your appointment.
Change section or cancel registration
You may be able to make changes or request a refund, though fees and time limits may apply. See our cancellation policy for details.
5
Prepare for success
Explore tools, resources and strategies to help you study and succeed, including the L.A.R.E. Orientation Guide, your go-to resource for all things L.A.R.E.
6
Take the exam
On test day, arrive prepared and confident. Review our test day tips to know what to expect and how to succeed.
7
View your results
You’ll receive provisional feedback on test day — an accurate predictor of whether or not you passed or failed the exam section, but it is NOT an official score and is based on unvalidated exam results. Final results are typically released 4–6 weeks after the exam window closes, following CLARB’s data validation process.
Need to retake or register for another section?
8
Apply for licensure
Passed all four sections?
You’re ready to apply for licensure! Use your CLARB Record to apply.
Helpful L.A.R.E. resources
Explore tools and guides to help you prepare for the exam.
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Test day tips
Arrive prepared and confident for your upcoming exam by following these helpful tips.
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“L.A.R.E. Orientation Guide”
Details on the exam’s structure, methodology and expectations to help you navigate the four exam sections with confidence and clarity.