The LSAT registration fee is only the first of several charges on the way to a US or Canadian law school application, and the one most candidates underestimate is not the test itself but the Credential Assembly Service and the per-school reports that follow it. This page sets out LSAC's own fee table, the cost of changing your test date, and how withdrawing and refunds work, alongside the Myndaq LSAT course. For what the test contains, see the LSAT syllabus and sections.
The test fee
- LSAT registration — US$253. LSAC's fee table states that this includes LSAT Argumentative Writing, the separate writing sample.
Optional LSAT services
- Score Preview, bought before the test — US$46.
- Score Preview, bought after the test — US$87.
- Official Candidate LSAT Score Report (including non-reportable scores) — US$50.
- Score Audit — US$150, or US$75 with a pre-approved fee waiver.
Score Preview lets you see your score before deciding whether to keep it on your record. Buying it in advance nearly halves the cost; decide before test day whether you want it.
Applying to law schools: CAS and reports
Law schools that take applications through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service need your transcripts and scores assembled there, and each school you apply to receives a report. LSAC's fee table lists:
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS) — US$219.
- CAS Law School Report — US$45 per report.
- LSAT-Only Law School Report — US$45 per report.
Reports are per school, so the application cost scales with your list. A candidate applying to ten schools through CAS pays US$219 plus ten reports at US$45 — US$669 on top of the test.
Changing your test date
LSAC charges on a sliding scale tied to the registration deadline for your administration:
- Through the registration deadline — no charge.
- Up to 7 days after the registration deadline — US$153.
- From 8 days after the registration deadline through the day before testing begins — US$253 — the full price of the test.
The practical lesson: if there is any doubt about your readiness, move the date before the registration deadline, when it is free.
Withdrawing, refunds and absences
LSAC gives three options if you cannot or no longer want to test on your registered date — change the date, request a refund, or withdraw — each with its own deadline:
- Refund: request an LSAT registration refund by the administration's refund request deadline. LSAC's fees page does not state the refund amount; it is set out in LSAC's refund policy, which you should read before relying on getting money back.
- Withdrawal: withdrawing prevents an absence notation on your LSAC file, but you will not receive a refund.
- No-show: if you schedule a testing time and do not withdraw, "Absent" appears on your score report.
A realistic budget
Add the pieces together before you register, because the total is what you are committing to:
- One attempt, Score Preview bought in advance, CAS and eight schools: US$253 + US$46 + US$219 + (8 × US$45) = US$878.
- Two attempts, no Score Preview, CAS and eight schools: (2 × US$253) + US$219 + (8 × US$45) = US$1,085.
- A late date change adds US$153 or US$253 to either figure, depending on how late.
Two things move the total more than anything else: the number of attempts, and whether you change your date after the registration deadline. Both are within your control if you decide on readiness early, using full-length timed practice rather than a live administration as the test of whether you are ready.
Fee waivers
LSAC offers fee waivers to law school candidates who are financially under-resourced, covering many of the costs of applying, including the LSAT registration fee. Apply before registering, since a waiver cannot refund what you have already paid.
Retake limits
Every administration you sit counts towards LSAC's limits: five times within the current reportable score period (scores since July 2021), seven times in a lifetime, and no retake after scoring 180. Scores are reportable for up to five testing years. Budget for the number of attempts you realistically expect, at US$253 each.
Quick answers
How much does the LSAT cost?
US$253 for registration, which includes LSAT Argumentative Writing.
What does it cost to change my LSAT date?
Nothing up to the registration deadline; US$153 up to 7 days after it; US$253 from 8 days after through the day before testing.
Can I get a refund on the LSAT?
You can request one by your administration's refund deadline; LSAC's refund policy sets the amount. Withdrawing without a refund request returns nothing but keeps "Absent" off your record.
What is CAS and what does it cost?
LSAC's Credential Assembly Service, US$219, plus US$45 for each law school report.
Are there LSAT fee waivers?
Yes, for financially under-resourced candidates; they cover many application costs including the LSAT registration fee.
