LSAT Test Dates 2026-2027: Deadlines and Score Release Dates

The LSAT is offered eight times per year in the United States and Canada, with testing windows from August through June. Below you’ll find every LSAT test date, registration deadline, and score release date for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 testing years.

One major change to know about: Starting in August 2026, LSAC is ending remote testing and moving to in-center testing at Prometric locations. If you prefer testing from home, June 2026 is your last opportunity.

LSAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2025-2026)

Here are the remaining LSAT test dates for the 2025-2026 testing year. The January and February 2026 administrations have already passed.

Pro tip: June 2026 is the last LSAT you can take remotely from home. If you prefer testing in your own environment, register for June before the April 21 deadline. After June, all LSATs move to in-person testing centers.

All 2025-2026 LSAT dates are administered remotely through LawHub on your own computer. You choose your test day within the testing window and select your time slot when scheduling opens (about two weeks before the test).

LSAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2026-2027)

Starting with the August 2026 LSAT, all tests will be administered in person at Prometric testing centers. This is a major change from the remote format used since 2020.

Registration deadlines for the 2026-2027 testing year have not been published yet. LSAC has announced that registration will open in mid-May 2026. Based on past cycles, expect deadlines approximately six weeks before each test date.

International LSAT dates for October, January, April, and June are typically offered alongside the U.S./Canada dates. Check LSAC’s official dates page for international-specific details as they’re announced.

Pro tip: Bookmark this page and check back in mid-May 2026 when LSAC publishes the full 2026-2027 registration deadlines. We’ll update this post as soon as the deadlines are released.

Big Change: In-Center Testing Starts August 2026

This is the most significant change to LSAT logistics in years. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s changing: Starting with the August 2026 LSAT, you will take the test at a Prometric testing center instead of at home on your own computer. LSAC is eliminating remote testing for nearly all test-takers.

Why it’s changing: LSAC has cited test security and score integrity as the primary reasons. Remote proctoring made it harder to prevent unauthorized assistance, and the move to controlled testing environments addresses these concerns.

What stays the same: The LSAT itself is not changing. It’s still the same four-section, computer-based exam on the LawHub platform with two Logical Reasoning sections, one Reading Comprehension section, and one unscored variable section. The content, scoring, and timing are identical.

LSAT Writing stays remote. The Argumentative Writing section, which is taken separately from the multiple-choice LSAT, will continue to be administered at home through LawHub.

What This Means for You

If you prefer testing at home, your window is closing. June 2026 (registration deadline: April 21, 2026) is your last opportunity to take the LSAT remotely. If testing in a quiet, familiar environment is important to you, plan accordingly.

If you need accommodations, LSAC has stated that limited exceptions to in-center testing will be available for certain medical accommodations or extreme hardship situations. If you currently receive testing accommodations, contact LSAC early to understand how the transition affects your arrangements. Don’t wait until registration opens.

If you’re indifferent about the setting, the transition shouldn’t change your prep strategy. The test content is the same. The main practical difference is that you’ll need to travel to a testing center, arrive on time, and follow in-center policies (no personal items, assigned seating, etc.).

Pro tip: If you’ve been studying at home and plan to take the LSAT in August 2026 or later, try taking a free LSAT practice test in an unfamiliar setting like a library or quiet cafe. It simulates the experience of testing outside your home and gives you a realistic baseline score.

How to Register for the LSAT

Registration happens through your LSAC JD Account on the LSAC website. Here’s the process:

1. Create an LSAC JD Account (if you don’t already have one) at lsac.org
2. Select your test date from the available administrations
3. Pay the registration fee of $248, which includes both the multiple-choice LSAT and LSAT Writing
4. Choose your testing day and time slot when scheduling opens (about two weeks before the test window)

LSAT Costs

Important Registration Policies

There is no late registration. LSAC eliminated late registration in 2018, and they enforce deadlines strictly. If you miss the registration deadline, you cannot register for that test date. Set a calendar reminder well in advance.

You can change your test date, but the cost depends on timing. Changes made before the registration deadline are free. After that, fees increase quickly (see table above). You can change your date up to 11:59 PM ET the day before your test.

Withdrawals and refunds. If you request a refund by the registration deadline, you receive a full refund of the registration fee. After the deadline, you can still withdraw (to avoid an absentee notation on your record), but there is no refund.

LSAC offers fee waivers. If the cost is a barrier, LSAC’s Fee Waiver Program can cover up to two LSAT registrations (depending on tier), CAS, CAS Reports, and other services. You apply through your LSAC account, and eligibility is based on financial need. This is worth looking into — many students qualify but don’t apply.

Which LSAT Date Should You Choose?

The best LSAT date depends on when you plan to apply to law school. Law school admissions are rolling, which means earlier applications generally have an advantage. Here’s how to think about timing.

If You’re Applying for Fall 2026 Admission

Most law schools begin accepting applications in September or October. To give yourself the strongest shot:

• Ideal: Take the LSAT in June 2026 or earlier. This gives you scores by late June, plenty of time to finalize your application over the summer, and a retake opportunity in August if needed.
• Good: Take it in August 2026. Scores release August 26, which is still early enough for most early application deadlines.
• Workable: September or October 2026 still works for regular decision, but you’ll be applying later in the cycle.
• Last realistic date: November 2026 (scores release December 2). After this, you’re applying very late in the cycle, and some seats may already be filled.

If You’re Applying for Fall 2027 Admission

You have more flexibility. Any date from June 2026 through November 2027 works. Most students in this cycle will target the August-October 2027 window.

Planning for a Retake

If you’re unsure about your readiness, build in a retake cushion. Take your first LSAT at least two administrations before your deadline so you have time to retake if your score doesn’t meet your goal. A free practice test can help you gauge whether you’re ready or need more time.

For example, if you need scores by October for early applications, take your first attempt in June. If you need to retake, you can sit for August or September.

Pro tip: Use the LSAC GPA calculator to understand where your GPA falls, then set a realistic LSAT score target. Knowing your target helps you decide whether you’re ready for a particular test date or need more prep time.

Considerations for Working Professionals

If you’re balancing LSAT prep with a full-time job, keep in mind:

• Time slots are first-come, first-served. Register early to get a morning slot if that’s when you perform best.
• Saturday dates are available within most testing windows, which can be easier to manage around a work schedule.
• Starting with the August 2026 in-center transition, you’ll need to factor in travel time to a Prometric center. Check center locations near you before choosing a date.

When Are LSAT Scores Released?

LSAT scores are typically released about three weeks after the test date. Here’s a quick reference for upcoming score release dates:

Scores are released via your LSAC account. You’ll also receive an email notification.

Scores sometimes appear a day or two early. LSAC publishes official release dates, but many students report seeing their scores a day before the listed date. Don’t count on this, but don’t be surprised if it happens.

LSAT Score Preview lets you see your score before deciding whether to keep or cancel it. If you register for Score Preview before test day, it costs $45. After test day, it’s $85. You’ll have six calendar days after scores are released to decide. If you cancel, the score won’t appear on your record — but a “Candidate Cancel” notation will appear on your LSAC record. For more on how scoring works, see our guide to how LSAT scoring works.

How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?

LSAC sets two limits on how many times you can take the LSAT:

• 5 times within the current and five prior testing years (the “reportable score” window)
• 7 times over your lifetime

There is no annual limit. LSAC removed the three-per-year cap in August 2023. You could theoretically take the LSAT in August, September, October, and November of the same year if you wanted to (though that’s rarely a good strategy).

How this affects your planning: With five attempts in six years, most students have plenty of room. But if you’ve already taken the LSAT two or three times, think carefully about which remaining dates to use. Each attempt should come after meaningful additional preparation — not just another shot at the same score.

For context on what scores to aim for, our LSAT score conversion table breaks down how raw scores translate to the 120-180 scale.

How Long Should You Study Before Your LSAT Date?

Most students need three to six months of dedicated preparation for the LSAT. The exact timeline depends on your starting score, your target score, and how many hours per week you can commit.

A general framework:

How to use this with the test date calendar: Count backward from your chosen test date. If you’re targeting the August 2026 LSAT and need four months of prep, start studying by April 2026.

If you prefer a structured approach, a free 2-month LSAT study schedule can map out exactly what to study each day. For students with a shorter timeline, we also have a one-month LSAT study plan.

Choosing the right LSAT date is one of the first big decisions in your law school journey. Give yourself enough time to prepare, register early (there’s no late registration!), and keep the August 2026 in-center transition in mind as you plan. And of course, consider Magoosh for your LSAT prep.