The CLARB Exam Committee prepared this list of reference materials to assist you in preparing for the L.A.R.E. These resources are used in the committee's development of the L.A.R.E.
Candidates are not expected to review all of the books on this list. Rather, we encourage you to focus on the topics most relevant to your preparation, as multiple sources may cover similar subject areas.
Inventory, Analysis, and Project Management
- Planning & Urban Design Standards, Student Edition by Steiner and Butler
- Site Planning & Design Handbook, 2nd Edition by Russ
- Sustainable Sites Handbook by Calkins
- Site Analysis, 3rd Edition by LaGro
- Project Management for Design Professionals by Ramroth
Planning and Design
- Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, Student Version by Hopper
- Landscape Architecture Documentation Standards by Design Workshop
- Sustainable Stormwater Management by Liptan and Stanten
- Sustainable Sites Handbook by Calkin
- Site Planning and Design Handbook, 2nd Edition by Russ
Construction Documentation and Administration
- Construction Contracts, 3rd Edition by Hinze
- Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, Student Version by Hopper
- Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects, 2nd Edition by Harris and Dines
- Landscape Architecture Documentation Standards by Design Workshop
- Landscape Architects Portable Handbook by Dines and Brown
Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management
- Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, Student Version by Hopper
- Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture, 2nd Edition by Harris and Dines
- Sustainable Stormwater Management by Liptan and Stanten
- Site Engineering for Landscape Architects, 6th Edition by Strom, Nathan and Woland
While these materials cover key topics relevant to the exam, reviewing them does not guarantee passing results, nor are exam questions limited to the subjects addressed in these references. CLARB does not guarantee the accuracy of the content within these references. Effective as of the December 2023 administration of the L.A.R.E.