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Where Do I Take the LSAT? Your Complete Guide to Test Locations and Options

You're ready to conquer the LSAT. You've been studying for weeks or months, your test date is approaching, and now you face an important decision: where do I take the LSAT? The answer matters more than you might think. Your testing location can significantly impact your comfort, focus, and ultimately, your performance on this crucial exam.


Since August 2023, the Law School Admission Council has offered test-takers two distinct options: taking the LSAT remotely from home or in-person at a professional testing center. Neither option is objectively better; the right choice depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and testing environment. This guide will help you understand both options and make the best decision for your situation.


Where Do I Take the LSAT? Understanding Your Options

When asking "where do I take the LSAT," you're really choosing between two testing modalities, both administered through Prometric:

Option 1: Remote LSAT at Home. Take the exam from your own computer in a private location of your choice, with live online proctoring via ProProctor software.


Option 2: In-Person LSAT at a Test Center. Take the exam at one of over 4,000 Prometric testing centers worldwide, with an in-person proctor supervising.

Both options use the identical digital LSAT format through the LawHub platform. The test content, timing, sections, and scoring are exactly the same. The only differences are your physical location and how you're proctored. You'll make this choice when you schedule your LSAT appointment, which opens 37 days before your test date.


Ready to maximize your LSAT score regardless of where you take it? Schedule a free consultation with LawPrep180 and work with a 99th percentile expert who can help you prepare for either testing environment.


Where Do I Take the LSAT Remote: Testing from Home


Where to take the LSAT: home

The remote LSAT allows you to take the exam from any private location with the necessary technology. This option became available during the COVID-19 pandemic and proved so popular that LSAC made it permanent.


Helpful Read: Things you Need to Write the LSAT either remotely or at home.

Before deciding to take the LSAT remotely, ensure you meet all the requirements listed for the LSAT remote.


What Remote LSAT Testing Day Looks Like

Understanding the remote testing process shows you exactly what to expect:

  1. 30 Minutes Before Test: Log into the ProProctor app

  2. Check-In: Virtual proctor verifies your ID (government-issued photo ID required)

  3. Room Scan: Use your webcam to show the entire room, desk surface, under the desk, and the surrounding area

  4. Security Check: Show the proctor you have no unauthorized materials

  5. Test Begins: Proctor monitors you via webcam and microphone throughout

  6. 10-Minute Break: Occurs between sections (door must remain closed)

  7. Test Completion: Proctor releases you after the final section


The proctor can see and hear you throughout the exam, but you cannot see them. They may pause your test if your face leaves the camera frame, you talk, or they need you to make adjustments.


Pros and Cons of Taking the LSAT at Home

Advantages

Disadvantages

Familiar Environment - Test where you practice; reduces anxiety

Technical Vulnerabilities - Internet/computer issues can disrupt test

No Commute - Eliminate travel, parking, getting lost

Proctor Interruptions - May pause exam for visibility or rule concerns

Personal Comfort - Control temperature, seating, bathroom access

Home Distractions - Unexpected noises from neighbors, construction, pets

Flexible Scheduling - More time slots available than test centers

Increased Anxiety - Invisible webcam monitoring feels stressful for some

Cost Savings - No travel, parking, or accommodation expenses

Setup Responsibility - You're liable for all technology problems

For comprehensive preparation strategies regardless of where you take your test, explore this LSAT study schedule.


Where Do I Take the LSAT In-Person: Testing at Centers

Where to take LSAT: Center

Prometric operates over 4,000 testing centers across the United States and internationally. These professional facilities are specifically designed for standardized test administration.


What In-Person LSAT Testing Offers

Test centers provide everything you need for the exam:

  • Computer stations already set up with LawHub

  • Professional in-person proctors who supervise the room

  • Secure lockers for storing personal belongings

  • Controlled environment designed specifically for testing

  • Scratch paper and pencils provided

  • Dedicated testing space free from home distractions


Finding LSAT Testing Centers Near You

When considering where to take the LSAT in person, location matters. Use LSAC's test center locator to find locations near you.



What In-Person LSAT Testing Day Looks Like

Understanding the in-person experience helps answer where do I take the LSAT:

  1. Arrive 30 Minutes Early: Check in with the proctor

  2. ID Verification: Present government-issued photo ID

  3. Locker Assignment: Store all prohibited items

  4. Security Check: Proctor ensures no unauthorized materials

  5. Testing Station: Directed to your assigned computer

  6. Test Begins: In-person proctor supervises the entire room

  7. 10-Minute Break: Leave the testing room during the break

  8. Test Completion: Retrieve belongings from the locker


I already updated that section in my previous response! It's now in a clean, scannable table format in the artifact. Here's what it looks like now:


Pros and Cons of Taking the LSAT at a Test Center

Advantages

Disadvantages

Professional Environment - Purpose-built facilities minimize distractions

Travel Requirements - Commute adds stress, expense, and potential delays

No Technology Concerns - Prometric handles all setup and troubleshooting

Less Availability - Slots fill quickly; must schedule 30 days ahead

In-Person Proctor Support - Visible proctors address issues immediately

Unfamiliar Environment - Can't leverage practice test familiarity

Psychological Fresh Start - New setting provides distance from past struggles

Other Test-Takers - Coughing, keyboard clicking, and mouse sounds distract

Reduced Technical Interruptions - No webcam, software, or connectivity issues

Rigid Schedule - Less flexibility with breaks and procedures

Commercial-Grade Internet - Eliminates home connectivity concerns

Distance - Rural test-takers may drive hours to the nearest center


Common Questions About "Where to Take the LSAT?"

Can I switch from remote to in-person (or vice versa)?

Yes, you can change your testing modality through Prometric's scheduling system as long as you do so within the scheduling deadlines. 


Is one option easier than the other?

No. The test content is identical regardless of where you take it. Your performance depends on preparation, and which environment that helps you focus best.


Do law schools care where I took the LSAT?

Not at all. Law schools only see your score, not whether you tested remotely or in person. Both formats are equally valid.


What if I have technical problems during remote testing?

Contact Prometric immediately using your phone (the only allowed use during the exam). LSAC offers free retakes if technical issues prevent test completion.


Can I take practice tests at a test center before my real LSAT?

No, test centers aren't available for practice. However, you can visit the location beforehand to familiarize yourself with the drive and building.


Are there more remote or in-person test-takers?

Most test-takers choose remote testing for convenience, but both options are widely used. Neither is "normal" nor "unusual."


For answers to more LSAT questions, visit LawPrep180's FAQs.


The Bottom Line: Where Do I Take the LSAT?

The answer to "where do I take the LSAT" is deeply personal. Neither remote nor in-person testing is objectively superior—each offers distinct advantages depending on your circumstances.

Choose based on these priorities:

  1. Minimize stress: Which environment will you find less stressful on test day?

  2. Maximize focus: Where can you concentrate best for 2+ hours?

  3. Control variables: Which option gives you more control over potential problems?

  4. Leverage preparation: Which environment most closely matches where you've been practicing?


Most importantly, commit to your choice and prepare accordingly. Students succeed in both environments when they practice under conditions that match their test day. Your score ultimately depends on your preparation, not your testing location.

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