LSAT Test Day Checklist: Everything You Need to Bring, Do, and Know

Your LSAT test day checklist can make the difference between walking into the testing center calm and confident or scrambling at the last minute. With the 2026 transition to Prometric in-center testing, knowing exactly what to bring, what's prohibited, and how to prepare the day before is more important than ever. Use this complete checklist to eliminate test-day surprises.

LSAT Test Day Preparation Checklist0/10 complete

What to Bring to the LSAT Testing Center

Required Items

There are only a few items you absolutely must bring, but forgetting any one of them can prevent you from testing. Your valid, government-issued photo ID is non-negotiable — it must be current (not expired), contain a recent recognizable photo, and include your signature. Acceptable forms include a passport, driver's license, or government-issued ID card. The name on your ID must match your LSAC account exactly.

You also need your LSAT eligibility number and Prometric confirmation number, both available on the LSAT Status page in your LSAC JD Account. Finally, have your LawHub username and password memorized or written down separately — you'll need to log in at the testing center.

Warning: Double-check your ID the night before — it must be current, government-issued, and have your photo and signature matching your LSAC account. An expired ID or name mismatch will prevent you from testing.

Optional Allowed Items

You may bring a clear or transparent container of water with a lid or cap into the testing room. Foam earplugs without a string are also permitted. Medical, religious, and comfort items like lip balm and unwrapped cough drops are allowed. Everything else stays in your assigned locker.

What the Testing Center Provides

Scratch Paper and Writing Materials

Prometric provides all the materials you need for the test. You'll receive three blank, unlined, colored scratch paper booklets containing two pages each — six pages total. You'll also get two pencils. These are the only writing materials permitted, so don't bring your own pens or pencils.

Other Provided Equipment

The center provides noise-reducing headphones you can wear during the exam to minimize distractions from other test takers. Your computer screen will display a countdown timer for each section, so you don't need (and can't bring) a watch or timing device.

Quick reference for what you can bring into the LSAT testing room vs what must stay in your locker.
ItemIn Testing RoomIn Center/Locker
Government photo IDRequiredN/A
Clear water bottle with lidAllowedAllowed
Foam earplugs (no string)AllowedAllowed
Lip balm, unwrapped cough dropsAllowedAllowed
Snacks and foodNot allowedAllowed (locker)
Phone and electronicsNot allowedAllowed (locker)
Watch or timing deviceNot allowedAllowed (locker)
Bag, purse, or backpackNot allowedAllowed (locker)
Study materialsNot allowedAllowed (locker)

Prohibited Items at the LSAT

Electronics and Personal Items

No electronic devices are allowed in the testing room — this includes phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, tablets, and any device capable of recording or communication. Watches of any kind, even analog ones, are also prohibited since the on-screen timer serves as your time management tool.

Items to Leave in Your Locker

Personal bags, food, study materials, and any items not on the approved list must be stored in your assigned locker before entering the testing room. You can access your locker during the designated break to grab snacks, check your phone, or use the restroom. Keep your locker key or code safe during the test.

Day-Before Preparation

What to Do the Night Before

The night before your LSAT should be low-key and focused on logistics, not studying. Pack all your required items — ID, confirmation numbers, water bottle, snacks, and comfortable clothing. Do a quick, light review of your strongest strategies or timing benchmarks, but avoid diving into new material or taking a practice test. Plan your route to the testing center, check for construction or traffic, and confirm parking options.

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep. If you don't normally go to bed early, start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before the test. Lay out your clothes and pack your bag so your morning is as stress-free as possible.

What Not to Do

Don't cram the night before. Heavy studying the night before won't improve your score and may increase anxiety. Don't try new foods or drinks that might upset your stomach. Don't stay up late watching videos of "hardest LSAT questions" — trust your preparation and rest your mind.

Pro Tip: The night before is not the time for new material. Do a light review of your strongest strategies, pack everything, and get to bed early. Your brain consolidates learning during sleep.

Test Day Morning and Arrival

Morning Routine

Eat a balanced breakfast you're familiar with — this isn't the day to experiment with new foods. Include protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy (eggs, oatmeal, or a peanut butter sandwich work well). Avoid excessive caffeine if you don't normally drink it, but don't skip your usual coffee if it's part of your routine.

Check-In Process at Prometric

Arrive at the Prometric center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. Check-in involves presenting your government-issued photo ID, having your photo taken, being assigned a locker for your personal items, and signing a non-disclosure agreement. Once you're checked in and your belongings are secured, you'll be escorted to your testing station and given your scratch paper and pencils.

Hour-by-hour guide to your LSAT test day from morning to completion.
TimeActivityTips
MorningEat breakfast, review checklistChoose familiar foods, avoid heavy meals
30 min beforeArrive at Prometric centerAllow extra time for traffic or parking
Check-inID verification, locker assignmentHave ID and confirmation number ready
Before testGet settled, review scratch paperTake deep breaths, stay calm
During testComplete sections (35 min each)Use scratch paper strategically
Break10-minute intermissionEat a snack, use restroom, stretch
After testReview score optionsDecide on Score Preview within window

During the Test: Breaks and After

Break Strategy

You'll get a 10-minute break between sections. Use this time wisely: visit the restroom, access your locker for a quick snack (something easy to eat quickly like a protein bar or a few bites of fruit), and do some light stretching. Avoid checking your phone for messages or social media — it can introduce stress or distraction for the remaining sections.

Post-Test Steps

After completing the test, you have the option to use Score Preview if you purchased it — this lets you see your score and decide whether to keep or cancel it. If you don't have Score Preview, you have six calendar days after the test to cancel your score without seeing it. Scores are typically released three to four weeks after the test date.

Frequently Asked Questions

You need a current, valid government-issued photo ID with your signature, such as a passport or driver's license. The name on your ID must match the name on your LSAC account exactly. Expired IDs will not be accepted.

You can bring snacks to the testing center but not into the testing room itself. Store them in your assigned locker and access them during the 10-minute break. Good options include protein bars, fruit, or trail mix.

If you arrive after your scheduled check-in time, you may not be admitted to the test. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in procedures, ID verification, and getting settled before the test begins.

No, watches and timing devices are not permitted in the LSAT testing room. A countdown timer is displayed on your computer screen during each section of the test to help you manage your time.