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 remaining LSAT test date, registration deadline, and score release date for the 2026-2027 testing year, plus what to expect for 2027-2028.

The next LSAT you can still register for is November 2026 (November 11-14). The registration deadline is October 1, 2026. After that, the January 2027 LSAT closes on December 1, 2026.

One major change is now in effect: as of August 2026, the LSAT is an in-person test at Prometric testing centers. Remote at-home testing ended with the June 2026 administration, with only limited exceptions. Details are in the in-center section below.

LSAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2026-2027)

Here are the remaining LSAT test dates for the 2026-2027 testing year, as published by LSAC. The August 2026 administration has already passed, and registration has closed for September and October 2026.

All deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. LSAC notes that dates are subject to change, so confirm on LSAC’s official dates page before you finalize plans.

LSAC also offers a Spanish-language LSAT-Puerto Rico administration on February 18-20, 2027 (registration deadline January 5, 2027; scores released March 10, 2027).

International test dates share the same registration deadlines and score release dates, but the testing windows are shorter:

Pro tip: Registration and scheduling are two separate steps. Registering by the deadline reserves your spot in the administration, but you still have to book a specific day, time, and test center through Prometric once scheduling opens (two to three weeks before the testing window; see the table). Scheduling closes about a week before testing starts, and if you never schedule, LSAC withdraws your registration without a refund.

LSAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2027-2028)

LSAC has not yet announced the 2027-2028 LSAT test dates. We will not guess at them here. Based on recent cycles, here is what to expect:

• Test dates are typically posted on LSAC’s site in early spring. The 2026-2027 dates were on LSAC’s site by mid-March 2026.
• Registration for the full testing year opens in mid-May. LSAC opened 2026-2027 registration on May 19, 2026, and noted it does so “around this time every year.”
• The calendar has followed the same eight-administration pattern for several years: August, September, October, November, January, February, April, and June, plus an LSAT-Puerto Rico administration in February.

If you’re planning to take the LSAT in August 2027 or later, expect the exact dates by spring 2027. We’ll update this post as soon as LSAC publishes them.

Big Change: In-Center Testing Began August 2026

This was the most significant change to LSAT logistics in years, and it’s now in effect. Here’s where things stand.

What changed: Starting with the August 2026 LSAT, the multiple-choice portion of the test is administered in person at Prometric testing centers. LSAC ended remote at-home testing for nearly all test-takers after the June 2026 administration.

Why it changed: LSAC cited test security and score integrity. Moving back to controlled testing environments adds protection against attempts to undermine the test, on top of the security measures LSAC already used for remote proctoring.

What stayed the same: The LSAT itself did not change. 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. Content, scoring, and timing are identical.

LSAT Writing is still remote. The Argumentative Writing section, which is taken separately from the multiple-choice LSAT, is still administered at home through LawHub. It opens about a week before each testing window.

Who Can Still Test Remotely

LSAC grants remote testing exceptions in four situations, and decisions are case by case:

1. Approved disability-related accommodations that require remote testing. Requests are due by the registration deadline.
2. U.S. active-duty military stationed abroad, including spouses and dependents stationed with them.
3. Distance: test-takers in a U.S. or Canadian administration who live more than 180 miles or three hours’ driving time from a test center with available capacity. You apply after registration closes, with documentation of your address.
4. Center closures due to weather or other unforeseen events. LSAC contacts affected test-takers with other options.

If you’re approved to test remotely, you can only test on the Friday of the testing window, and you’ll need to use your smartphone as a second camera. Full details are on LSAC’s remote testing exceptions page.

What This Means for You

Scheduling works differently now. After you register, LSAC assigns you a scheduling window on a first-to-register, first-to-schedule basis. When your window opens, you book your day, time, and center in Prometric’s scheduler. Popular days and times fill up, so register early to get an earlier window.

Plan for test-center logistics. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your confirmation number, and your LawHub login. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Your phone, food, and drinks go in a locker, and you can’t access your phone or leave the building during the intermission. Centers provide noise-cancelling headphones.

If you need accommodations, submit your request through your LSAC account by the registration deadline for the administration you want. LSAC sends your accommodations directly to the proctor, so you don’t need to explain them on test day.

Pro tip: If you’ve been studying at home, try taking a free LSAT practice test in an unfamiliar setting like a library. 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 $253, which includes both the multiple-choice LSAT and LSAT Argumentative Writing
4. Schedule your test session through Prometric when your scheduling window opens (two to three weeks before the testing window)
5. Complete LSAT Argumentative Writing through LawHub. First-time test-takers must finish it before their score can be released.

LSAT Costs

These are LSAC’s fees for the 2026-2027 testing year. Fees went up slightly from 2025-2026 (the LSAT registration fee was $248 last cycle).

Important Registration Policies

There is no late registration. LSAC does not offer a late registration period, 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 through the registration deadline are free. After that, fees increase quickly (see table above). You can change your date up to 11:59 p.m. ET the night before the first day of testing for your administration.

Withdrawals and refunds. If you request a refund by the full-refund deadline (generally the same day as the registration deadline; check your administration’s LSAC page), you receive a full refund of the registration fee. After the deadline, you can still withdraw by 11:59 p.m. ET the day before your scheduled test 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 (Tier 1) or one (Tier 2), plus CAS, CAS reports, and free Score Preview. 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 2027 Admission

Most law schools begin accepting applications in September or October, so the current cycle is already open. To give yourself the strongest remaining shot:

• Good: Take the LSAT in October 2026 if you’re already registered. Scores release October 28, which is still early enough for most early application deadlines.
• Workable: November 2026 (scores release December 2) still works for regular decision, but you’ll be applying later in the cycle. Registration closes October 1.
• Last realistic date: January 2027 (scores release February 3). After this, you’re applying very late in the cycle, and some seats may already be filled. Check each school’s deadline; some accept February scores.

If You’re Applying for Fall 2028 Admission

You have more flexibility. Any date from now through November 2027 works. The ideal plan is to take the LSAT by June 2027, which leaves room for a retake in August or September 2027 before applications open.

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 2027 for early applications, take your first attempt in June 2027. 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:

• Scheduling windows are assigned in registration order. Register early to get an earlier window and a better shot at a morning or Saturday slot.
• Saturday dates are available within most testing windows, which can be easier to manage around a work schedule.
• Factor in travel time to a Prometric center. Check center locations near you before choosing a date, and remember the 180-mile / three-hour distance exception if you live far from one.

When Are LSAT Scores Released?

LSAT scores are typically released about three weeks after the test date, at 9 a.m. ET. Here’s a quick reference for upcoming score release dates:

Scores are released through your LSAC account. You’ll also receive an email notification. Your score won’t be released until you have an approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file, so don’t leave Writing until the last minute.

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 sign up before the first day of testing, it costs $46. After testing ends, it’s $87. 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, and the attempt still counts toward your test-taking limits. 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 reportable score period (currently, since July 2021)
• 7 times over your lifetime

There is no annual limit. LSAC’s current policy has no per-year cap (the old three-per-year limit is gone). You could theoretically take the LSAT in September, October, November, and January of the same testing year if you wanted to (though that’s rarely a good strategy). Canceled scores count toward these limits; absences and withdrawals do not.

How this affects your planning: With five attempts in the reportable window, 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. LSAC’s own data shows that second-time takers in the same testing year improve by 2 to 3 points on average.

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 January 2027 LSAT and need four months of prep, start studying by mid-September 2026. Targeting April 2027? Start by December.

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 remember that you’ll be testing in person at a Prometric center. And of course, consider Magoosh for your LSAT prep.