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California Supplemental Examination (CSE) - Test Plan

The CSE is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge and experience as applied to job activities of landscape architects. The CSE is structured into weighted content areas.

The examination plan represents job tasks and knowledge, skills, and abilities that licensees are expected to know and perform at the time of licensure. Examination questions are developed directly from specific tasks and the KSAs associated with those tasks in the examination plan.

The CSE consists of multiple-choice items and may contain additional items for the purpose of pre-testing (non-scoreable items). Pre-testing allows performance data to be gathered and evaluated before the items are scoreable in a future examination. These pre-test items, distributed throughout the examination, are not identified or used in calculating the examination score.

All of the scoreable items in the CSE have been written and reviewed by California-licensed landscape architects, are based on the knowledge statements contained in the CSE Examination Plan, are written at a level to assess minimum standards of competency necessary for practice in California and have been pre-tested to ensure statistical performance standards are met.

There is only one correct answer for each item. The “incorrect” answers are typically common errors and misconceptions, true but not relevant statements, or incorrect statements. There are no “trick” questions in the examination. Candidates will have approximately TWO AND A HALF (2.5) hours to complete the examination.

Content Area
Weight
  1. I. Scope of Project
    20%
    • A. Inventory and Analysis
      15%
      Task Associated Knowledge Statements
      1. Conduct site visit to Identify on- and off-site conditions that could impact project development.
      1. Knowledge of methods for evaluating the impact of site conditions on project development.
      2. Knowledge of methods for identifying the impact of site resources on project development.
      1. Evaluate site topography and geology to determine the implications of landform on project development.
      1. Knowledge of of methods for performing topographical analyses.
      2. Knowledge of methods for interpreting information from geotechnical or geological reports
      3. Knowledge of the effects of topographic, geotechnical, and geologic characteristics on landscape design.
      4. Knowledge of topographic, geologic, and geotechnical conditions that present a risk or constraint to project development.
      1. Assess hydrologic conditions to determine implications of water storage and movement on project development.
      1. Knowledge of methods for conducting hydrologic analyses.
      2. Knowledge of methods for interpreting information from hydrologic reports.
      3. Knowledge of the effects of surface and subsurface hydrologic characteristics on landscape design.
      4. Knowledge of hydrologic conditions that present a risk to landscape structure or design.
      1. Evaluate soil characteristics to determine the effects of composition, condition, or contamination on project development.
      1. Knowledge of methods for obtaining soil analyses.
      2. Knowledge of methods for interpreting information from soil analysis reports. K13. Knowledge of the effects of soil conditions on landscape design.
      1. Knowledge of the relationship between soil, hydrology, and vegetation.
      2. Knowledge of the relationship between environment, climate, and soil conditions or contamination.
      1. Analyze environmental factors to identify conditions that influence site.
      1. Knowledge of methods for evaluating the impact of climate and microclimate conditions.
      2. Knowledge of methods for evaluating site ecology and habitats.
      3. Knowledge of methods for interpreting the results of environmental studies.
      4. Knowledge of the effects of climate and environmental factors on landscape design.
      1. Perform a vegetation analysis to identify benefits and limitations on the proposed project.
      1. Knowledge of the relationship between soil, hydrology, and vegetation.
      1. Knowledge of the effects of climate and environmental factors on landscape design.
      2. Knowledge of vegetation species suitable to geographic regions.
      3. Knowledge of methods for evaluating condition and utility of existing vegetation.
      4. Knowledge of vegetation conditions that present risks for landscape development.
      1. Evaluate existing site structures and infrastructure to identify potential benefits and limitations for proposed project.
      1. Knowledge of methods for evaluating the impact of easements and setbacks on site development.
      2. Knowledge of methods for evaluating the impact of utilities on site development.
      3. Knowledge of methods for evaluating structures and other constructed site features on site development.
      1. Evaluate potential fire risk or other natural hazards associated with site conditions to determine need for mitigation.
      1. Knowledge of methods for identifying fire risk or hazardous conditions that impact project development
      2. Knowledge of methods for interpreting information about wildland urban interface zones.
      1. Evaluate information about social, cultural, and historical factors to determine implications for proposed development.
      1. Knowledge of methods for determining social, cultural, and historical factors that influence site development.
      1. Evaluate impacts of project development to determine effects on surrounding areas or neighboring properties.
      1. Knowledge of methods for evaluating the impact of proposed site development on adjacent sites, structures, or facilities.
      1. Seek consultations to address unique or unexpected findings during site analyses.
      1. Knowledge of sources of technical information and expertise for clarifying site findings.
      1. Engage with stakeholders to obtain information related to proposed program.
      1. Knowledge of techniques for engaging stakeholders in the information-gathering process.
      2. Knowledge of methods for analyzing stakeholder input about proposed development processes.
    • B. Regulatory Implications for Project Development
      5%
      Task Associated Knowledge Statements
      1. Develop design services contract to comply with legal requirements for professional practice
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to consumer protections.
      2. Knowledge of laws and regulations related to development of professional services contracts.
      3. Knowledge of laws related to California Landscape Architects Practice Act.
      4. Knowledge of professional and ethical standards related to practice of landscape architecture.
      1. Identify laws, regulations, and codes related to the project development to comply with statutory requirements.
      1. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and codes associated with project site development.
      2. Knowledge of CEQA requirements for site design and development.
      1. Identify regulatory agency requirements to comply with permitting and approval processes.
      1. Knowledge of regulatory agencies governing phases or processes involved in project development.
      2. Knowledge of regulatory agency requirements associated with elements of project development.
      3. Knowledge of laws and regulations associated with permitting processes.
      4. Knowledge of methods for coordinating with technical consultants regarding regulatory, zoning, or property requirements.
      1. Identify site features that are legally protected to comply with statutory restrictions or development parameters.
      1. Knowledge of laws related to site development and the preservation of heritage, endangered, or protected plant species.
      2. Knowledge of laws related to the preservation or maintenance of cultural or historical sites.
      3. Knowledge of laws related to site development and wildlife protections.
      4. Knowledge of laws related to site development near riparian, coastal, or freshwater bodies.
      5. Knowledge of laws related to site development subject to stormwater management requirements.
  2. II. Program Development
    5%
    Task Associated Knowledge Statements
    1. Develop feasibility studies to determine the viability of proposed program.
    1. Knowledge of factors that impact program feasibility.
    2. Knowledge of processes involved in evaluating regulatory, site, and cost constraints that impact program feasibility.
    1. Develop program to meet project requirements of clients and users.
    1. Knowledge of methods for integrating information from site analysis into program development.
    2. Knowledge of methods for determining the program scope and parameters.
    3. Knowledge of techniques for determining sequence of program components.
    4. Knowledge of program alternatives for addressing unique site characteristics, budget, or other site considerations.
    1. Prepare presentation drawings and materials to communicate program information to stakeholders and the public.
    1. Knowledge of graphic design and presentation media for conveying information regarding program and alternatives.
    1. Engage with stakeholders and public regarding program to increase involvement and address potential issues.
    1. Knowledge of techniques for stakeholder and public outreach.
    2. Knowledge of techniques for communicating project concepts to stakeholders and public.
    3. Knowledge of methods for addressing stakeholder or public feedback regarding program.
  3. III. Design Process
    60%
    • A. Site Design
      35%
      Task Associated Knowledge Statements
      1. Design site plan to define the scale and scope of the project.
      1. Knowledge of regulatory requirements associated with site development.
      2. Knowledge of strategies for integrating site analyses and program objectives into site design.
      3. Knowledge of methods for evaluating design options based on program, cost, and constraints.
      4. Knowledge of methods for selecting site structures, features, or amenities that conform to program objectives.
      1. Design vehicular and non-vehicular circulation plan to provide access and accessibility consistent with program objectives.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding site accessibility design.
      2. Knowledge of methods for designing vehicular and non-vehicular circulation systems.
      3. Knowledge of methods for designing for emergency vehicle access.
      4. Knowledge of strategies for designing multimodal transportation alternatives.
      5. Knowledge of strategies of designing landscapes for bicycle and vehicle parking areas.
      6. Knowledge of methods for collaborating with consultants on vehicular and nonvehicular circulation systems.
      1. Design site grading and drainage plan to address elevation issues and direct the flow of surface water.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding on-site stormwater management.
      2. Knowledge of laws and regulations associated with site grading and drainage design.
      3. Knowledge of strategies for designing grading and drainage systems.
      4. Knowledge of calculations used in grading and drainage design.
      5. Knowledge of strategies for collaborating with other consultants in grading and drainage design.
      1. Design planting plan to identify types and locations of vegetation based on program, suitability, and sustainability.
      1. Knowledge of landscape strategies that support California’s ecological communities and regions.
      2. Knowledge of methods for selecting vegetation species consistent with site location.
      3. Knowledge of methods for selecting vegetation consistent with water management practices.
      4. Knowledge of methods for addressing geographic and ecological characteristics that impact vegetation.
      5. Knowledge of strategies for managing invasive or noxious vegetation in landscape design.
      6. Knowledge of planting strategies that mitigate fire or other site hazards.
      7. Knowledge of strategies for mitigating or remediating the effects of toxicity on soil.
      8. Knowledge of planting strategies for use with reclaimed water.
      9. Knowledge of planting strategies for mitigating risks associated with landscape design.
      1. Design irrigation plan to facilitate water management and efficient distribution of water.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding water management and conservation.
      2. Knowledge of strategies for designing irrigation distribution systems.
      3. Knowledge of types of irrigation equipment and their function.
      4. Knowledge of methods of hydraulic design for irrigation systems.
      5. Knowledge of methods for determining irrigation requirements associated with plant hydrozones.
      6. Knowledge of MWELO requirements and other irrigation design practices.
      1. Design lighting layout plan to address outdoor illumination of the project site.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding lighting design requirements.
      2. Knowledge of strategies for designing site lighting.
      3. Knowledge of types of lighting fixtures and equipment.
      4. Knowledge of strategies for collaborating with other consultants in lighting design.
      1. Design layout of site elements to promote user safety and security.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations related to site safety and security.
      2. Knowledge of design strategies for increased user safety, security, and crime prevention.
      3. Knowledge of types of equipment and materials used in site design for safety and security.
      1. Develop design solutions to mitigate potential hazards.
      1. Knowledge of design solutions to mitigate geophysical hazards.
      2. Knowledge of design solutions to mitigate hydrological hazards.
      3. Knowledge of design solutions to mitigate fire hazards.
      4. Knowledge of design solutions to mitigate weather and climate-associated hazards.
      5. Knowledge of design solutions to mitigate biological hazards.
    • B. Design Solutions for Water, Energy, and Environmental Conservation
      25%
      Task Associated Knowledge Statements
      1. Develop design solutions for water conservation and management to support resource preservation.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding water management and conservation.
      2. Knowledge of strategies for incorporating water conservation solutions into landscape design.
      3. Knowledge of strategies for incorporating alternative water sources into landscape design.
      4. Knowledge of strategies for collaborating with other consultants in the design of water conservation management systems.
      1. Develop design solutions for energy conservation to promote site sustainability.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations related to sustainable development.
      2. Knowledge of strategies for landscape design that promote energy conservation.
      3. Knowledge of methods for incorporating alternative or renewable energy into landscape design.
      1. Develop environmentally responsive design solutions to support natural resource preservation.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding environmental protection.
      2. Knowledge of requirements of low impact development (LID).
      3. Knowledge of strategies to promote environmental preservation in landscape design.
      4. Knowledge of strategies for landscape design restoring or preserving natural resources.
      5. Knowledge of strategies for building soil health and sustainability.
      6. Knowledge of strategies for landscape design that increase ecological function and biodiversity.
      1. Develop measures to mitigate or remediate environmental impacts associated with site development.
      1. Knowledge of methods for mitigating the effects of development and construction on natural, cultural, and historical resources.
      2. Knowledge of methods for mitigating the environmental impacts of site development on adjacent sites.
      3. Knowledge of strategies for collaborating with other consultants in mitigating the impacts of site development.
  4. IV. Construction Documentation and Administration
    15%
    • A. Construction Documentation
      10%
      Task Associated Knowledge Statements
      1. Prepare drawings to communicate the construction of project design
      1. Knowledge of methods for preparing project site plan.
      2. Knowledge of methods for preparing demolition plans that specify protection, retention, and removal of site materials.
      3. Knowledge of methods for preparing grading and drainage plans.
      4. Knowledge of methods for preparing hardscape layout plan and material schedules.
      5. Knowledge of methods for preparing soil plan and schedules.
      6. Knowledge of methods for preparing planting layout plan and schedules.
      7. Knowledge of methods for preparing irrigation layout plan and schedules.
      8. Knowledge of methods for preparing landscape lighting plan and schedules.
      9. Knowledge of methods for preparing construction details.
      1. Prepare specifications to communicate information about constructing the project design.
      1. Knowledge of methods for preparing and formatting construction specifications.
      2. Knowledge of strategies for developing project phasing for project construction.
      3. Knowledge of procedures for verifying consistency between specifications and construction drawings.
      1. Prepare opinion of probable costs to assist clients in decision making.
      1. Knowledge of methods for determining construction costs.
    • B. Construction Administration
      5%
      Task Associated Knowledge Statements
      1. Assist in bidding processes to help clients obtain construction contracts.
      1. Knowledge of procedures for preparing construction bid documents.
      2. Knowledge of procedures for responding to RFIs.
      3. Knowledge of procedures for recommending contractors based on bid evaluations.
      1. Evaluate submittals, change orders, and RFIs to facilitate project implementation.
      1. Knowledge of procedures for evaluating submittals, change orders, and RFIs.
      2. Knowledge of methods for evaluating regulatory implications of plan revisions.
      1. Perform site observations during construction to evaluate conformance of work to construction documents.
      1. Knowledge of laws and regulations related to landscape design and construction.
      2. Knowledge of methods for evaluating installations of landscape components for compliance with construction documents.
      3. Knowledge of procedures for evaluating project work conformance.
      1. Prepare closeout documents to verify project completion.
      1. Knowledge of elements to include in post-construction observation and maintenance.
      2. Knowledge of requirements for certification of installation compliance.
      3. Knowledge of procedures for completing contract closeout.
      4. Knowledge of requirements for preparing record drawings.
      5. Knowledge of procedures for performing post-occupancy site evaluations.
100%