Exam Committee

The Exam Committee is responsible for the development of the L.A.R.E. and other duties as determined by the Board of Directors. It is comprised of four sub-committees based on the sections of the exam: 

  • Inventory, Analysis and Project Management
  • Planning and Design
  • Construction Documentation and Administration
  • Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management

All sections of the examination are computer-based and consist of objective items. 

The Committee is comprised of a diverse group of licensed landscape architects volunteers. It is diverse not only in race, gender, ethnicity, and age, but also in geographic location, scope of practice, years of experience and professional background designed to mimic the candidate population. 

The Committee’s work is led and facilitated by professional psychometricians trained and experienced in the development, administration, and grading of high-stakes exams, such as the L.A.R.E.

nominations timeline-exam committee

Eligibility:

  • Licensed/Registered Landscape Architect
  • Proficiency with creating graphics on computer using CADD/or other similar programs and photo editing software, such as Photoshop.
  • Access to laptop computer with drafting software (if this prevents you from volunteering, please contact Rebecca Moden at 571-432-0332 to discuss)
  • 5 years of experience 

    Term: 4 Years

    • Time Commitment: 

  • All-day in-person meetings: 5 days/year (2 – 2.5-day meetings plus travel time)
  • Virtual meetings: 10 hours/year (on an as needed basis)
  • Meeting preparations: 20 hours/year

    • Key Duties and Objectives: 

  • Writes and develops exam questions based on the L.A.R.E. Blueprint, item writer guide (provided) and exam content resources (provided)
  • Creates graphics, images and/or photos for use on exam questions
  • Reviews exams, exam feedback, and statistical performance data
  • Maintains exam resources list

    • Sub-committees

    • Inventory, Analysis and Project Management
    • Planning and Design
    • Construction Documentation and Administration
    • Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management

    Inventory, Analysis and Project Management Sub-Committee Information

    Positions Available: 1
    Term Start Date: October 1, 2023

    Additional Information:

    • 8-member committee
    • 100 question test
    • Content Areas: Project Management, Inventory & Data Collection, Stakeholder Engagement Process, Physical Analysis, and Contextual Analysis
    • Item Types Include: Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, and advanced-item types

    Planning and Design Sub-Committee Information

    Positions Available: 1-2
    Term Start Date: October 1, 2023

    Additional Information:

    • 8-member committee
    • 95 question test
    • Content Areas: Stewardship & Design Principles, Master Planning, Schematic Design, and Design Development
    • Item Types Include: Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, and advanced-item types
    Construction Documentation and Administration Sub-Committee Information

    Positions Available: 0
    Term Start Date: October 1, 2023

    Additional Information:

    • 8-member committee
    • 100 question test
    • Content Areas: Construction Plans & Details, Construction Specifications & Bidding, Construction Administration
    • Item Types Include: Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, and advanced-item types

    Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management Sub-Committee Information

    Positions Available: 1-2
    Term Start Date: October 1, 2023

    Additional Information:

    • 8-member committee
    • 80 question test
    • Content Areas: Stormwater Management, Grading & Earthwork, Drainage Systems
    • Item Types Include: Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, and advanced-item types

    What to expect as an Exam Committee volunteer

    • Training on how to create exam content
    • Collaboration with other committee members on content development
    • Access to resources for content development
    • Broader network of landscape architects and lifelong friendships

    Travel

    Volunteer travel expenses are funded by CLARB, including:

    • Airfare
    • Ground transportation and parking
    • Lodging
    • Meals

    CLARB's expectations for volunteers

    • An open mind to understanding to different perspectives
    • Active engagement through content development and collaboration with peers
    • Timely completion of requests such as booking travel or completing homework 
    • Regular attendance at meetings

    Leadership competencies

    CLARB looks for volunteers who exhibit leadership competencies that align with the organization's values:

    Aspire to Excellence

    Striving for continuous improvement through learning, growth, and development.
    Lead with Vision

    Planning for the future with creativity, wisdom and foresight.
    Engage as Stewards

    Managing the organization’s resources and mission with care and respect.
    Demonstrate Thought Leadership

    Building trust and influence within our community.
    Act with Integrity

    Operating with transparency and in alignment with our values and principles.
    Foster Inclusive Community

    Cultivating meaningful connections among our stakeholders.
    Design Collaboratively

    Engaging stakeholders and partners to develop and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.