Remote testing tips for a smooth L.A.R.E. exam day

A smooth exam day matters. When you’ve put in months of preparation for the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.), the last thing you want is a preventable technical snag, an interrupted check-in, or a stressful scramble that throws off your focus.

Because CLARB partners with PSI to deliver the L.A.R.E. in both PSI Test Centers and remotely through Live Online Proctoring, we asked the testing experts at PSI to share practical, test taker friendly tips to help you feel prepared, minimize anxiety and avoid common issues, especially when testing remotely.

Remote or in-person: How to decide

Both options can be a great fit. It’s about choosing the environment that helps you perform at your best.

Remote testing may be right for you if you:

• Have access to a quiet, private, enclosed room where you won’t be interrupted
• Can use a computer that meets requirements and you’re comfortable doing a quick setup (installing a secure browser, closing apps, running system checks)
• Have stable internet and can choose a time when household/office bandwidth is typically lighter

In-person testing at a PSI Test Center may be right for you if you:

• Prefer a controlled environment where the workstation is ready for you
• Don’t have a reliable private space or your internet can be unpredictable
• Would rather avoid installing software or adjusting computer settings

You can switch between in-person and remote appointments up to 48 hours before your exam. Make changes through the PSI scheduling platform.

The biggest preventable remote-testing problems (and how to avoid them)

PSI’s data shows a common theme: candidates are prepared for the exam content but can get tripped up by a few avoidable tech and setup issues. Here’s what helps most.

1) Confirm you’re using a compatible computer (and run the checks early)

For online proctoring, it’s important to complete a system compatibility check in advance.

Note: CLARB has published changes to minimum tech requirements for online proctoring (including operating system minimums).

Top tip: Do your system check well before exam day — on the same device, in the same location, using the same internet connection you’ll use for the exam.

2) Make sure you have admin rights (this one is huge)

A common reason candidates struggle downloading or launching the secure browser is not having administrator rights, especially on a work computer or shared device. You will need admin rights to download/install the software required to take your exam.

Top tip: If you’re using a work-issued laptop, check restrictions early. Many corporate security settings prevent secure browser installation.

3) Close prohibited applications (including the ones running in the background)

Even if you ‘close’ an app, it may keep running in the background. The CLARB website provides guidance on using Task Manager (Windows) to fully close tasks.

What to do:

• Before launching, fully close messaging apps, meeting tools, screen-sharing tools, VPNs, remote desktop tools and anything that could interfere
• Restart your computer 30-60 minutes before your appointment so you start fresh

4) Don’t underestimate internet connectivity and bandwidth

A stable connection is essential for live online proctoring. Choose a time for your exam when internet usage is typically lower to reduce connectivity issues.

Top tips:

• Use a stable home/office network (avoid public Wi-Fi)
• If possible, ask others on your network to pause streaming or large downloads during your exam
• If you’re on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router, or use a wired connection if available

Your remote exam day timeline (designed to reduce stress)

Log in 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete check-in. It’s recommended to allow time for any last-minute system prompts, software launch steps and required checks.

The day before

• Re-check your appointment day/time and confirm your testing format (in-person or remote)
• Run your system check again if anything has changed (updates, new hardware, new location)
• Choose your exam space and set it up (see below)

30 minutes before your appointment

• Log in early (this helps reduce anxiety and avoids rushed check-in)
• Have your ID ready and ensure your name matches your registration details

You can find ID requirements and acceptable ID types in the Orientation Guide.

Set up your testing space like a testing center

For remote proctoring, your environment matters just as much as your device. You need a private testing space, and a live proctor will monitor your session via PSI’s secure platform.

Top tip: Treat your desk like it’s in a test center.

• Clear your workspace, only what’s allowed should be present
• Make sure lighting is bright enough for check-in and monitoring
• Prevent interruptions: notify others, silence devices and keep pets out of the room

Read PSI’s blog: How to set up your room for a remote online proctored exam.

Calm, focused and ready: Anxiety-minimizing habits that work

Remote testing can feel higher stakes because you’re managing both exam pressure and a structured testing process. A few practical habits can help:

• Do a dress rehearsal: Run the system check, sit in your exam space and practice logging in
• Use a short pre-exam routine: Water, restroom break, deep breath and a final glance at your checklist
• Plan for the check-in experience: Expect identity verification and environment review steps so nothing surprises you

If something goes wrong, don’t panic

Even with preparation, occasional issues can happen. The goal is to reduce risk and know what to do if you hit a snag.

Top tips:

• Follow on-screen prompts first
• If you get stuck launching the secure browser, re-check admin rights and close background applications
• Use official PSI test taker technical resources and system requirements pages to troubleshoot known issues

Final checklist for remote testing

Use this as your ‘no surprises’ list:

• You have admin rights on the device you’ll use
• You’ve completed the system compatibility check
• You’ve closed prohibited apps (including background processes)
• Your internet is stable and you’ve chosen a low-traffic time if possible
• Your room is private, quiet, well lit and interruption-free
• You’re logging in early to complete check-in calmly
• Your ID is ready and meets requirements

You’ve got this, and PSI is here to support your exam day

PSI’s role as CLARB’s exam delivery partner is to help provide a secure, consistent testing experience, whether you test remotely or at a PSI Testing Center — so you can focus on showing what you know.

Learn more about online proctoring with PSI’s Test Taker’s Guide.