Dear LARE Help Desk: CLARB Exam Success Grants

Dear LARE Help Desk,

I’m working toward licensure, but exam costs are a challenge. Are you aware of any funding programs that can support candidates with the cost of the exams?

Thanks, 
Lacking Funds in Utah

Dear Lacking Funds in Utah,

We have great news!

There’s a new resource designed to help candidates facing financial barriers on the path to licensure. Preparing for the L.A.R.E. takes time, dedication, and careful planning, and CLARB and ASLA understand that exam fees can add pressure to an already demanding process.

To help ease that burden, the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) has contributed $500,000 to the ASLA Fund to launch the CLARB Exam Success Grants. The ASLA Fund will administer the program over the next three years, providing reimbursement for eligible exam costs, subject to program requirements. This investment will help make licensure more accessible to candidates who need financial support to move forward.

Here’s how the program works: The grants are intended for eligible L.A.R.E. candidates who demonstrate financial need and do not have access to other assistance covering their exam fees. A jury of Professional Landscape Architects will blind review applications and selects recipients. Reimbursement will be issued after an approved recipient passes the applicable exam section and CLARB verifies the result. Because the grants provide reimbursement, candidates remain responsible for paying their exam fees upfront—a detail to keep in mind as you plan your next exam.

Interested in applying? Visit the ASLA Fund’s CLARB Exam Success Grants page to review eligibility requirements, application information, and frequently asked questions. The CLARB Exam Success Grants’ application window generally aligns with L.A.R.E. registration periods, so check the current instructions as you prepare to register.

There are other avenues to explore, too. CLARB’s licensure support page lists additional resources, including the Anova L.A.R.E. Grant Competition and exam reimbursement through GI Bill benefits for eligible veterans. Each option has its own requirements and availability. 

Since you’re in Utah, we also encourage you to contact the ASLA Utah Chapter and ask your employer about any available exam assistance or preparation resources.

We hope these resources help make your next step toward licensure more manageable. Keep asking questions, exploring your options, and moving toward your goal!

Cheering you on, 
LARE Help Desk