The LSAT is one of the most important aspects of law school applications. Planning your registration and test dates well in advance gives you time to prepare and ensure you meet your application deadlines. Here, you’ll find a schedule of the LSAT, which is offered several times a year, so you can arrange to take and retake the test as needed.
2026 LSAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) releases official registration and test dates each year. The structure stays consistent, with tests generally held in January, February, April, June, August, September, October, and November. Depending on the year, December can also be an administrative month. Deadlines are usually about one month before the exam, and scores are typically released about three weeks after testing.
The varied administrations throughout the year allow students to study and prepare in order to achieve their highest possible scores. Take advantage of the offered dates to create a study and test-taking schedule that suits your lifestyle and law school goals.
August 2026
Test Dates
- 8/5/2026
- 8/6/2026
- 8/7/2026
- 8/8/2026
Registration Deadline
- 6/25/2026
Score Release Date
- 8/26/2026
September 2026
Test Dates
- 9/9/2026
- 9/10/2026
- 9/11/2026
- 9/12/2026
Registration Deadline
- 7/28/2026
Score Release Date
- 9/30/2026
October 2026
Test Dates
- 10/7/2026
- 10/8/2026
- 10/9/2026
- 10/10/2026
Registration Deadline
- 8/27/2026
Score Release Date
- 10/28/2026
November 2026
Test Dates
- 11/11/2026
- 11/12/2026
- 11/13/2026
- 11/14/2026
Registration Deadline
- 10/1/2026
Score Release Date
- 12/2/2026
An LSAT result is reportable for up to five testing years after the testing year in which the score is earned.
LSAC.org
Complete LSAT Test Dates 2026-2027
Each test date also encompasses a few other key pieces of information. When choosing a month to take the test, note the scheduling window and LSAT argumentative writing opening date, along with the actual registration and test dates.
| Administration | Test Date(s) | Registration Deadline | Scheduling Opens | Argumentative Writing Opens | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 8/5/2026 8/6/2026 8/7/2026 8/8/2026 | 6/25/2026 | 7/21/2026 | 7/28/2026 | 8/26/2026 |
| September 2026 | 9/9/2026 9/10/2026 9/11/2026 9/12/2026 | 7/28/2026 | 8/25/2026 | 9/1/2026 | 9/30/2026 |
| October 2026 | 10/7/2026 10/8/2026 10/9/2026 10/10/2026 | 8/27/2026 | 9/22/2026 | 9/29/2026 | 10/28/2026 |
| November 2026 | 11/11/2026 11/12/2026 11/13/2026 11/14/2026 | 10/1/2026 | 10/27/2026 | 11/3/2026 | 12/2/2026 |
| January 2027 | 1/13/2027 1/14/2027 1/15/2027 1/16/2027 | 12/1/2026 | 12/22/2026 | 1/5/2027 | 2/3/2027 |
| February 2027 | 2/12/2027 2/13/2027 | 12/29/2026 | 1/26/2027 | 2/4/2027 | 3/3/2027 |
| April 2027 | 4/8/2027 4/9/2027 4/10/2027 | 2/25/2027 | 3/23/2027 | 3/31/2027 | 4/28/2027 |
| June 2027 | 6/9/2027 6/10/2027 6/11/2027 6/12/2027 | 4/29/2027 | 5/25/2027 | 6/1/2027 | 6/30/2027 |
When to Take the LSAT
Students are generally required to have completed the LSAT by December for admission in the following fall semester. Scheduling your test or tests requires a little bit of strategy. Be sure to account for time for an LSAT prep course, studying, taking an initial test, and, if needed, an additional test.
Follow these LSAT test tips when scheduling your exam:
Many students take their first LSAT early in the year in January, February, April, or June, to leave enough time for retakes if needed. Their second exams (and it's typically advisable to take at least 2 tests) are usually in June, August, or September. The end-of-the-year rush in October and November is full of students trying to improve their scores before December for enrollment in the following fall semester.
Understanding the LSAT Registration Timeline
Taking the LSAT is in itself a test of organization and attention to detail. Understanding the various steps and factors is important before committing to a date. Signing up for a test is not as simple as “set it and forget it”; you must be diligent in selecting your administration period and registering for an exact date and time when available, among other things.
40+ Days Before Test Administration Period
Register for the LSAT
Choose an LSAT administration period that is at least 40 days away. Registration closes about 40 days before the first test date in an administration period. Signing up more than 40 days in advance is recommended to have a better chance of choosing the specific test date you want.
~15 Days Before Test Administration Period
Scheduling Opens
Candidates will receive an email about 1 week before scheduling opens to remind them to choose a date when scheduling becomes available. When scheduling opens, test takers will use the Prometric ProScheduler tool to choose a date and time at their preferred location. Scheduling windows are assigned on a “first registered, first in line” basis; registering early means you will be more likely to choose the test date and time you want.
8 Days Before Testing Administration Period
LSAT Argumentative Writing Opens
Candidates can submit a new writing sample while using the proctoring program from any appropriate, compatible device.
1 Week Before Testing Administration
Scheduling Closes
Be sure to schedule your test date and time before the scheduling window closes. Failure to do so may result in not being able to take the test and not getting a refund.
Administration Period
Testing Days
There are usually four test dates per administration period.
Candidates who are approved to take a remote test will receive their own scheduling window, which ends 3 days prior to the start of the testing administration period. Remote tests can only be scheduled for Fridays.
LSAT Test Formats
There are two testing formats for the LSAT: remote and in-person. While both the multiple-choice and essay sections of the LSAT completed on the computer using the LSAC and JD Services testing program, only the multiple-choice section requires candidates to attend an in-person proctored examination. The argumentative writing essay is to be completed through the LSAC and JD Services program with virtual proctoring at a location chosen by the candidate.
Remote LSAT
The remote LSAT can be taken at home using a secure online platform through JD Services and ProProctor software. The computer must meet specific criteria, such as being up to date and having full administrative permissions. Test takers will also need to have their room set up properly with lighting and webcams for live proctoring.
A stable internet connection and a functioning computer are vital. You should check your computer’s internet connection and functionality a few days and a few hours before the test and have a backup plan in place. All test takers will use this method for the Argumentative Writing portion.
The testing environment is just as important. It must be isolated and quiet, with no interruptions. If any people or animals interrupt the test, your essay may be cancelled without a refund. If you don't have a good place at home for testing, check with your local and school libraries to see if they have a room you can use for an hour.
Candidates usually have until the end of the registration period to make specific arrangements regarding remote LSAT requests and other accommodations.
In-Person LSAT
The majority of test takers will complete the multiple-choice section in person at an authorized testing center. Exceptions are generally only made for those who live too far away from a testing center or who have a condition that prevents them from attending a testing session.
Candidates must schedule their date and time at their preferred center with Prometric during the scheduling window. Be sure to log into LawHub in advance to familiarize yourself with the test interface.
On test day, candidates must bring:
- LSAT eligibility number
- Prometric confirmation number
- LawHub username and password
- Physical and valid government-issued photo ID
The testing center provides the computers, noise-cancelling headphones, and other materials needed for the test; do not bring your own computer. Test takers should arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled testing time to sign in, set up, and address any technical issues.
LSAT Fees and Additional Costs
The LSAT comes with standard testing fees and auxiliary fees related to distributing test scores to schools. Other services, like changing the test date, can increase the cost.
Other fees:
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS): $219
- CAS Law School Report: $45 (per report)
- LSAT Score Preview: $46 (before first day of testing) or $87 (after)
- Official LSAT report: $50
- Score Audit: $150 ($75 with waiver)
- Test Date Change: Free (before registration deadline), $153 (up to 7 days after registration deadline), $253 (8 days to 1 day before testing begins)
International students applying to schools in Canada do not need to pay CAS fees. Fee waivers are available for eligible students, and can cover registration and other services.
How LSAT Registration Works
LSAT registration is managed through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Candidates create an LSAC account and can view available registration windows for upcoming administrations. Simply select an administration you want to register for and pay the fee.
Changes such as adjusting the administration or test date and adding services like LSAT Score Preview can be completed on your profile. Important information regarding scheduling and test-taking procedures is also available on the LSAC profile.
International students follow the same process. However, available test times may differ due to time zones, and some in-person centers may be limited depending on location.
In the few weeks leading up to the test, the window for selecting a date and time opens. Candidates must register for an exact test date and time at the testing center of their choice. Failure to do so may result in a cancellation without a refund.
The LSAT is an important part of the academic process for law students. The administration of the test is highly regulated and protected. Candidates must prepare their timeline for taking the test in advance to achieve their goal scores. Understanding how the LSAT is formatted and what kinds of questions to expect requires rigorous and effective study routines
References
- “LSAT and CAS Fees | the Law School Admission Council.” LSAC, www.lsac.org/lsat/register-lsat/lsat-cas-fees. Accessed 2 July 2026.
- “LSAT Dates, Deadlines, and Score Release Dates | the Law School Admission Council.” LSAC, www.lsac.org/LSATdates. Accessed 2 July 2026.
- “LSAT Scheduling for 2026-2027 Explained | the Law School Admission Council.” LSAC, www.lsac.org/lsat/about/lsat-scheduling-2026-27-explained. Accessed 2 July 2026.
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