The LSAT consists of four sections: three scored sections and one unscored section. Between the second and third sections, test takers are provided a 10-minute intermission. The intermission will be your opportunity to take a quick pause, use the restroom, perhaps eat or drink something or stretch your legs, but you must continue to follow the rules and not engage in any prohibited behaviors. Most importantly:
- You must notify your proctor that the 10-minute intermission has begun and await acknowledgement prior to leaving the testing area.
- You must return from the intermission at or before the required 10-minute time window expires. There will be an onscreen timer to assist you. (Note that Section 3 will not begin until the full 10 minutes has expired.)
- You may not access any electronic devices, such as a mobile phone, during the intermission unless you have an LSAC-approved testing accommodation that permits use of the specific device. Unauthorized access of an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, will cause your testing session to be terminated.
- You may not use your computer for any purpose other than your test session/intermission.
- You may not discuss the test with anyone.
- You may not work on your scratch paper.
- At the conclusion of the 10-minute intermission you must select the Continue to Step 2 button and wait for the proctor to complete the required check-in process.
- Once you’ve completed the check-in process with your proctor you will need to agree to each checkbox, stating that you followed the intermission rules before selecting the Continue to the Test button.
Although no test content is accessible during the intermission, you should behave exactly as you would if you were taking the LSAT or any other test in a physical classroom or testing center. For example: don’t talk about the test with others, don’t use electronic devices, and don’t engage in any prohibited behaviors as described in your Candidate Agreement. Any prohibited behaviors observed by the proctor may result in a session termination, a score cancellation and/or a referral to LSAC’s subcommittee on misconduct and irregularities in the admission process.
It is absolutely critical that you return to your computer within the allotted 10 minutes. Failure to return after the 10-minute intermission will put your testing session in jeopardy.
How the Intermission Works
At the completion of Section 2, the exam will go into an Intermission screen with a brief description of the 10-minute intermission. At the bottom of the screen you will see a countdown timer and a Continue to Step 2 button. Once the intermission begins, you have up to 10 minutes to leave your testing area, use the restroom, eat or drink something, stretch, and get ready for the second half of your test. Section 3 will not begin until the countdown clock expires. Test takers must click the Continue to Step 2 button in order to move on to Section 3. Once this button is clicked, your proctor will resecure your testing environment so that you can go on to Section 3.
We know you may have questions about the online, live remote-proctored LSAT, or how the intermission and check-in process will work, so we have prepared a series of frequently asked questions. Please take a moment to review them carefully.
If you have any other questions, or need further explanations, please contact LSAC Candidate Services via email at LSACinfo@LSAC.org with “LSAT INTERMISSION” in the subject line, or you can call us at 1.800.336.3982.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the intermission affect test takers with approved accommodations?
Test takers with approved accommodations will adhere to the allotted accommodations detailed in their letters.
When does the intermission take place?
The intermission immediately follows the end of Section 2.
Do I need to take the full 10 minutes?
Yes. Every test taker who has the standard intermission, will be required to take the full 10 minutes allotted for the intermission.
What items/actions are prohibited during the intermission?
The intermission is designed to provide an opportunity for you to take a brief pause, use the restroom, perhaps eat or drink something or stretch your legs, but the test is still in session and you must not engage in any prohibited behaviors. You are still not allowed to use any electronic device, such as a cell phone, or use your computer for any reason other than taking the LSAT. Additionally, you should not work on your scratch paper or discuss the test with anyone. Please review the LSAC Candidate Agreement for additional details on prohibited behaviors.
Will the camera still be on during the intermission?
Yes, even though it is an intermission, the test session is still considered live.
Will my session still be monitored during the intermission?
Yes, even though it is an intermission, the test session is still considered live.
What happens upon returning from the intermission?
Upon returning from intermission, you will need to click the Continue to Step 2 button to indicate to the proctor you are ready to continue. Prior to starting Section 3, your proctor will resecure your testing environment and recheck your computer settings. Your proctor may want to recheck your ID, so you should have it available when you return from the intermission. Once your testing environment has been rechecked you may not leave the area.
Will I need to do a full check-in upon returning from intermission?
Yes. The proctor will need to do a full rescan of your testing environment upon return from the intermission. Once the room has been rescanned you should not leave the view of the camera as that would require another rescan. Keep your government-issued photo ID available as it may be necessary for the proctor to verify it, as well as the settings on your computer, prior to resuming the test.
What if someone comes into my testing room during the intermission?
You should do everything possible to avoid having anyone come into your testing area during the intermission, just as you should avoid having anyone come into your testing area during any part of the test. If someone enters your testing area during the intermission, it may result in your test session being terminated. At a minimum, your test session will be flagged for review and possible cancellation. Incidents where another person enters your testing area inadvertently, or for a very short period of time, and it can be determined there was no impact on test security and integrity, may be cleared after review, but it is far better to play it safe and avoid having anyone come into your testing area during any part of the test, including the intermission.