Did Clarb raise the prices of the exams again?

[Alexander Glasser]

I could have sworn that the price per exam was $525. Now on the website it is $535. Correct me if I'm wrong. The cost of these exams are ridiculous compared to other disciplines. And they do not need to wait 8 weeks to get exam results back. 

[Tyler Strader]

I wouldn't be surprised at all. I am wrapping up on my final 2 exams now and then have every intention of abandoning clarb in every way possible. Idc if my employer pays for all of it. In comparison to other similar discipline admins CLARB is a scam. As an older (34) emerging pro this is not my first time getting licensed in a discipline, but it has been the first time I've encountered an experience so counterproductive as this one. 

Things seriously wrong with CLARB and the LARE Process:

• Test cost in comparison to others of similar discipline 
• Limited/no feed back upon failure of an exam. I paid $525 and all you say is failed. I realize this is in the works but for the cost its still rudimentary at best. 
• Time to receive results - especially in comparison to other disciplines
• The ability of clarb to "re-blueprint" the exams to a point where I now have to pay to retake a test I have 1, already paid for and 2, already passed. I took a few years off to work a pm spot at a construction contracting business to gain a better understanding of the site construction process, and it was well worth it. I guess clarb sent out emails regarding the changes but IMO for what they charge for their services a little more effort besides an email could have been employed to inform those affected. So I'm now restudying to pass an exam that I've already passed.
• The exams are geared around the type of work in certain regions of the country. I believe the test should be state based. From what I've encountered on the 3/4 exams is that none of the questions are specific to very prominent issues we constantly deal with in my area, but I have to understand how close to put a bus stop to a new urban development... I don't  argue with the legitimacy of that question but I also know that I will never encounter that issue in my state
• To be honest, and this is purely personal opinion, I don't feel like a lot of the questions on lare exams are in any way a good measure of if you understand your responsibilities as a landscape architect or not. 

*Hops off soap box*

[CS]

Well said!

[Smita Kumari Saha]

Well said! This August, I had my first experience with the LARE test. I studied nearly every book recommended by CLARB and practised LAREprep and LAREpass tests with my study group every week. 

However, during the actual exam, I felt bewildered by some of the unusual questions and poorly legible images presented as options. Afterward, I doubted my preparation and knowledge. Fortunately, discussions with others who took the same test revealed that I wasn't alone in finding certain questions tricky and some seemingly nonsensical. I also noticed overlaps between topics from different sections.

I want to express my gratitude for this platform, where we can share our experiences. It truly benefits those of us just beginning our journey with the LARE tests. I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments.