LSAT cost: the $253 fee and what else you will pay
The LSAT registration fee is $253 for the August 2026 to June 2027 testing year, and it covers both the multiple-choice test and LSAT Argumentative Writing. The bigger costs come later: the Credential Assembly Service and a report for every law school you apply to, plus any prep you buy.
Fees from LSAC’s LSAT & CAS Fees page, checked October 11, 2026. LSAC sets fees for each testing year, so confirm on lsac.org before you pay.
Every LSAC fee
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LSAT registration | $253 | Same price for first-time and repeat test takers; includes LSAT Argumentative Writing |
| Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | $219 | Needed when you apply through LSAC |
| CAS or LSAT-only law school report | $45 each | One per law school application |
| LSAT Score Preview | $46 or $87 | $46 before the first day of testing, $87 in the window after testing |
| Test date change | Free, $153 or $253 | Free through the registration deadline; $153 up to 7 days after it; $253 from day 8 until the day before testing |
| Score Audit | $150 | $75 if you are preapproved for a fee waiver |
| Official Candidate LSAT Score Report | $50 | Includes nonreportable scores |
| Prep | $0 and up | LSAC’s LawHub has free official practice tests; paid courses vary widely |
Source: LSAC, LSAT & CAS Fees, checked October 11, 2026. All fees in US dollars.
What a typical applicant pays LSAC
One LSAT ($253), CAS ($219) and reports to six schools (6 x $45 = $270) comes to $742, before any retake, Score Preview or prep. Applying to more schools adds $45 each.
Common questions
Is there a fee waiver?
Yes. LSAC fee waivers can cover the LSAT registration fee and reduce other fees. You apply through your LSAC account, and waivers last for a set period, so check the terms on LSAC’s fee waiver page.
Does the fee include the writing section?
Yes. LSAT Argumentative Writing is included in the $253 and is taken online, separately from the multiple-choice test. You only need one writing sample on file, so repeat test takers usually do not need to write it again.
Does a retake cost less?
No. LSAC charges the same $253 for first-time and repeat test takers.