Nope - you can schedule a local CLA, just like all the other exams.
I couldn't agree more - sure, NI-Week certifications are cheaper, but you can do those at any NI office around the world. Also, if you attend an NI Developer Days sometime through the year, you can usually get your hands on a voucher that will give you $US 200 off any training or certification through the year.
Random idea: enjoy the nightlife that Austin has to offer, and take up the opportunity to relax with other like-minded folks on 6th street (especially at the NI-Week LAVA/OpenG BBQ ), but, if you don't work well on little sleep, go back to the hotel relatively early as not to miss the next day's keynote. Some of the keynote items might be a little boring if you don't work in the area that they're adressing, but there's always a lot of really interesting stuff (and they're usually very entertaining too )