[Dotty Daly]

I just looked on CLARB’s website and the times seem to have changed…

An Inside Look at the New Exam Items (Sections 3 and 4)

Join CLARB for a webcast about the fully computerized L.A.R.E. and see a live demonstration of the new exam items for Sections 3 and 4. 

By participating in the webcast you will:

• Learn how the L.A.R.E. is developed, why updates to the exam are necessary, and what content will be tested;
• See a live demonstration of the new exam items for Sections 3 and 4; and
• Understand how to register for the exam.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us on:

• Wednesday, November 7 at Noon Eastern Standard Time OR
• Wednesday, November 14 at Noon Eastern Standard Time

Each webcast will last approximately 30 minutes, contain the same information, and offer a “Q&A” session at the end.  Participation is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to 150 people per event.  To access the webcast, please note that you must log in AND dial in.

[Dotty Daly]

I am in the same boat, but just with Section 4. On top of it, my state is suddenly requiring Pre-Approval, and there is not enough time to get it before the exam.

Clarb just posted the info below. They also updated the practice test info, they no longer state when it will be available.

NEW!  “An Inside Look at the New L.A.R.E.” Webcasts — Information about how to access these online presentations will be emailed to candidates in early November.

• November 7 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time (hosted by Land8Lounge) — This webcast will provide a general overview of the exam; explain the new registration, administration and scoring processes; and show a few sample items for Sections 3 and 4.
• November 14 at Noon Eastern Time (hosted by CLARB) — This webcast will go into further detail on the new item types for Sections 3 and 4 and we will complete several samples items live online.

[Dotty Daly]

I agree, with practice your speed increases. Take the time to prepare, a few months, not a few weeks or days. Be ok with failing the first time. Its an experience, and an intimidating one. Take classed offered by Jerry Hastings and/or Ray Freeman. Start a study group. Check out LARE Google for support. You arent preparing in a vacuum…I head into E for the 3rd time on Tuesday and its been a process but I have embraced it as a learning experience and part of the my professional improvements. Good luck!

[Dotty Daly]

MLA in ’98, certified arborist, AICP planner and 1 exam left for my RLA. I am basically an environmental planner (transportation industry) who also gets to do some landscape design projects. Have you started the LARE process?

 

[Dotty Daly]

Registered Landscape Architect. In California its CLA and I am not sure if other states have their own initials. Landscape Architecture is governed by title laws and you cant be called a Landscape Architect until you are registered. You can be an associate landscape architect or landscape designer etc…RLA or CLA designates that you have gone through the process. What is your background?

[Dotty Daly]

I have been certified for 9 years. I am not an RLA yet, so it has been helpful in my work. If you know trees its not a difficult test. In addition, you can get CEU credit when you get your continuing education credits for your RLA. Its fairly inexpensive. Keep in mind many LA’s dont know trees. Learning more about them can only be a good thing.

[Dotty Daly]

I was just on there, maybe they were replying to the posts. I just commented on the statistics they posted about completing each sections, I find it hard to believe that the average number of times it takes to pass E is less then 2. How many people do each of you know that took at least 3 attempts, 4 attempts and more?? C, yes, maybe, One fail because you werent sure what to expect but E….

 

[Dotty Daly]

There are a number of plant related and plant design related question on Section D, but its not like a hort exam by any means…Q=CiA/pipe sizing is also still on Section D…

[Dotty Daly]

You do have a year, its not until 2012. Two more chances to take C & E and 2 for A, B & D.

[Dotty Daly]

I dont agree that I am missing the point, I think that over and over again people ARE arguing about the costs of the tests and the time investment in studying. There are valid concerns about people losing credit for exams they are taking, I am definately not arguing that. If you go back to old posts, the whole idea of CLARB out to get the candidates is everywhere.

As Sousuke said, hopefully CLARB can see that people have concerns about the transition, concerns about losing credit and they can be prepared to deal with those issues. My response was just that as we discuss those, dont get onto the blame CLARB for always being wrong bandwagon. We end up looking like whiny babies.

[Dotty Daly]

It states on the site that individual situations can be evaluated.

[Dotty Daly]

People really have to stop posting that CLARB is out to get them. Seriously, we have no idea how difficult it must be to prepare an exam that tests candidates who have different educational experiences, work experiences etc (including 2 countries) as a comprehensive exam that represents the field. In addition, professional exams arent supposed to be taken without preparation/time investments. Part of expanding your professional experience is learning things that you havent been exposed to.Learning takes time. There are those few that happen to be exposed to the right things and these exams may be easy. But all of the sections will provide a struggle for someone.

On top of it, these things cost money. I think that if you choose to get registered you should expect to have to invest into it, you are investing in your future. Be it books that become reference materials, classes that expand your knowledge or even the red lines, which requires a 3rd party to mark the exam and a proctor to sit in the room, its money folks.

Getting frustrated hopefully motivates you to put more time into preparing the next round or reaching out and seeing how others approach things you struggle with BUT if you spend the time blaming CLARB instead, you shouldnt be pursuing this. Its ridiculous. I posted this to share it and open up a useful conversation not to start the blame it on CLARB conversation. Be professional.

[Dotty Daly]

Thanks for providing some additional information!

[Dotty Daly]

Geez, when were you there? I got nothing!

[Dotty Daly]

Hi, I am a Penn grad. The program has improved immensely from when I was there, which was I think what you would call, a transition time. I have sat in on the first year reviews and provided portfolio reviews for the last 2 years. Penn is Penn, you have an ivy league education that you can put on your resume. Now, here are the questions, did you visit any of the schools? Did you talk to any of the students? Have you looked at the curriculum? Have you asked any of the firms that you want to work for where the graduates are coming from and finally, are you paying for it yourself?

 

I am paying for mine. I put myself through college and undergrad and a few years ago had to consolidate to make a payment I could afford. Penn was cheaper then but I will be paying student loans until I am 63. Jobs are hard to find and even with a Masters Degree, salaries aren’t going to be what you hope they are in most cases. Someone at Temple U asked me if I realized how much debt I was taking on before I left there to go to graduate school. I thought I knew and really didn’t.

 

Good luck with the decision and congrats on getting into all 3 schools….

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