Computerized Administration of L.A.R.E. a Go

 
Clarence Chaffee, executive director, and James Penrod, director of examinations.

VIENNA, Va.?EUR??,,????'??+Multiple choice sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE) will be administered using a national computer-based testing system beginning in August.

According to the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, this decision comes after a successful beta test run of the computerized LARE last August and after careful consideration by state and provincial registration boards. Graphic portions of the exam will continue to use the paper and pencil format and will continue to be offered in June and December.

?EUR??,,????'??We received an overwhelmingly positive response in our beta testing,?EUR??,,????'?? explained executive director Clarence Chaffee. ?EUR??,,????'??Examinees felt comfortable taking the exam on the computer and they like the convenience of having so many test centers to choose from.?EUR??,,????'??

When beta test examinees were polled, 95 percent of respondents encouraged CLARB to continue with the C/LARE. While reasons varied for the positive response, many examinees listed cost savings and ease of use as primary reasons to continue the computerized testing.

Test center locations for the C/LARE have jumped from approximately 50 locations to over 700 due to CLARB?EUR??,,????'???s partnership with LaserGrade, Inc., a provider of computer-based test centers.

Each multiple-choice section will be offered on two days in August. Beginning in 2005, these sections will be given on two days in March and August. The C/LARE testing dates are also separate from testing dates for the paper-and-pencil administration of the graphic portions of the exam. The increased testing dates will allow examinees to concentrate their exam studies and preparation on only a few sections at a time.Computer-based testing has also significantly improved the security of the exam, according to James Pendrod, director of examinations at CLARB.

?EUR??,,????'??With the new computer-based system, we no longer have to worry about shipping paper tests across the country,?EUR??,,????'?? he said. ?EUR??,,????'??With the C/LARE, the proctor to examinee ratio has also increased. Not only does this increase the security of the exam, but it also provides for more personal attention to each examinee.?EUR??,,????'??

The application process for the exam has also changed. While all examinees are still required to satisfy the requirements in their state or province when they apply for licensure, most examinees will now be able to apply and register for the C/LARE through CLARB?EUR??,,????'???s online system.

Registration for the August exam begins May 11. Because space at the testing centers is limited, examinees are encouraged to register and make test center arrangements as soon as possible.

For more information visit www.clarb.org.