Limits on LSAT Retakes
Official LSAT Retake Limits
According to LSAC's official policies, test takers are allowed to take the LSAT up to five (5) times within the current reportable score period. To calculate the current reportable score period, simply count backwards five years from the present date. For example, if it is now May 2025, the current reportable score period would extend back to May 2020. Test takers are allowed to take the LSAT a total of seven (7) times in their lifetime.
Exclusions for Test Center Staff
For reasons of test security, LSAC has implemented certain exclusions for test center employees. Anyone who has served as a staff member at an LSAT test center is not allowed to take the LSAT within the next 24 months.
Registration and Fees for LSAT Retakes
The registration methods available for LSAT retakes are identical to those offered for first-time registration: you may register to retake the exam either online or by phone. Because the test taker will already have an online account, however, the online registration process will probably move more quickly. There is no discount for exam retakes. The registration fee is the same (currently $248), as are all fees associated with optional services.
LSAT Score Validity Period
The validity period for LSAT scores has traditionally been five years. However, according to LSAC, there is a specific exception to this policy: Any LSAT Flex exams taken during the Covid-19 pandemic during May, June, July, or August of 2020 do not count towards the testing limits.
How Many Times Should I Retake the LSAT?
LSAC data shows that many second-time test takers receive a modest score increase of two to three points on average (although some test takers experience a decrease in their score), but third-timers typically don't improve on their first test attempt. Although LSAC has not released statistics on students who have completed the LSAT four or more times, it seems reasonable to infer that any gains are very likely to be statistically insignificant. Therefore, we do not advise taking the LSAT more than twice, and there should be a very good reason for even a second attempt.
Do Not Officially Retake the LSAT for Practice
We do not recommend that any student officially take the LSAT for the sole purpose of practicing their test-taking abilities. The wide availability of LSAT practice tests means testing conditions can largely be duplicated unofficially in the test taker's home environment. If testing anxiety is a serious problem, the student is better off seeking medical treatment than trying to alleviate it through sheer repetition of official testing.
More Reasons to Limit Retakes
In addition to new registration fees, there are several other costs associated with multiple LSAT retakes. Retaking any exam is pointless unless the student has done something to improve his or her preparation, such as enrolling in a more intensive prep course or hiring a tutor to teach the LSAT in a one-on-one fashion. This extra preparation can be expensive and time-consuming. Moreover, there are transportation expenses, books, potential wages forfeited, and other ancillary costs to consider.
The most effective approach is to avoid these expenses entirely by adequately preparing for the LSAT the first time. This can be accomplished by securing the services of a qualified group course instructor or individual tutor, and making sure there's enough time available to thoroughly prepare.
LSAT Retakes and Accommodations for Disabled Students
Students with disabilities who have been granted accommodations for previous LSAT test attempts are generally allowed the same accommodations for retakes. If a test taker received a Tier 1 waiver, it covers up to two LSATs taken within a two-year period. If a test taker was approved for a Tier 2 waiver, that waiver does not include a retake.
There may be other exceptions to this policy as well. If the last test attempt was five or more years before the new test date, for example, LSAC may no longer have access to the student's records, including documentation of their disability and the accommodation provided. Test takers with disabilities who wish to retake the LSAT are therefore advised to contact LSAC before registration.