High Level Testing: Application of Knowledge vs. Knowledge Recall

Professional licensing examination uses an industry standard known as High Level Testing. This is a method of testing that requires the application of knowledge rather than knowledge recall itself. It is the utilization of knowledge, in critical thinking situations, to resolve problems. This webinar adapts Bloom’s Taxonomy to outline the basic levels of comprehension that are necessary to utilize knowledge in the application of “skills and abilities” in Landscape Architecture.

CLARB, in creating the L.A.R.E., has adopted a taxonomy of measurable verbs to define the extent of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are being tested. The L.A.R.E. is testing for what a “minimally competent landscape architect needs to know so as to protect public health, safety and welfare”. This is the basis of the licensure laws in the United States and Canada. It is to your advantage to recognize that the vast majority of exam items are written to specifically test for an application level of proficiency. Therefore, memory recall type items (e.g., Jeopardy) are only minimally addressed. These are often in the form of Multiple Choice items, which are being used to a lesser extent on the L.A.R.E..

On this basis, it stands to reason that you must prepare in a way that encourages critical thinking. You MUST be able to apply as well as analyze and evaluate relevant information if you are to successfully complete the exam.