The IRS extended this period Opens in new window to three years to provide added flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EA also greatly expands the number of services a tax preparer can offer to potential clients. To pass, you’ll need good study habits and top-notch IRS and tax resources. In addition to maintaining their PTIN, Enrolled Agents need to complete 72 hours of continuing education (CE) every 3 years with a minimum of 16 hours each year. These courses usually cost between $8 and $12 an hour, but many CE providers offer discounts when you purchase continuing education hours as a part of a package.
- Compare that to the CPA and CMA Exams, which are both closer to 50% on average.
- I did run into some issues when taking the assessment questions.
- Learn more about Surgent partnerships with over 300 colleges and universities across the nation.
- A minimum of 16 hours must be earned per year, two of which must be on ethics.
- Learn more about why we’re the No. 1-rated EA Exam Review provider.
Registering for and scheduling your Enrolled Agent exam
Passing the EA Exam takes time, and you’ll want to do everything you can to prepare for it, but it’s also not as grueling as the CPA Exam. There are some real benefits to becoming an EA as well, including solid job https://www.bookstime.com/ opportunities, earning potential and becoming an expert on tax matters. You are not allowed to access notes, books, reference materials, or electronic devices at any time during the examination or during breaks.
How do you become an enrolled agent? (updated Oct. 27,
Pass your EA exam with a course that helps you make better decisions as you study. Real-time analytics, advanced study tools, and focused materials make this the #1 Enrolled Agent exam prep course. This free Enrolled Agent Exam Guide from Gleim Enrolled Agent Review covers everything you need to know about the Enrolled Agent exam.
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You will also receive diagnostic information which may indicate areas of weakness in your performance where you may need continuing education. The scoring methodology was determined by the IRS following a scoring study. A panel of subject matter experts composed of Enrolled Agents and IRS representatives established a passing score for a candidate ea exam pass rate who meets the minimum qualifications to be an Enrolled Agent. Candidates who pass a part of the examination can carry over passing scores up to three years from the date the candidate passed the examination. For example, assume a candidate passed Part 1 on Nov. 15, 2021. That candidate has until Nov. 15, 2024 to pass the remaining part.
- You cannot become an enrolled agent if you have any tax liabilities.
- Each part is taken separately and each part contains 100 questions and is 3.5 hours long.
- As of 2022, the exam fee was $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members.
- The Enrolled Agent exam is designed to test your knowledge of tax law, not your ability to outsmart the test makers.
- In addition to maintaining their PTIN, Enrolled Agents need to complete 72 hours of continuing education (CE) every 3 years with a minimum of 16 hours each year.
Unauthorized access to notes, books, reference materials or electronic devices may result in your test results being nullified by the IRS. You will be provided scratch paper and pencils at the test center and you are not allowed to leave the testing room with notes taken during the examination. This includes a criminal background check and tax compliance check to make sure you meet the IRS’s standard and they can feel good about listing you on their public directory of tax return preparers.
Advanced Learning Tools
There is a $259 fee per part paid at the time of appointment scheduling. You can take the Enrolled Agent exam from May 1 through the end of February of the following year. The intervening months, March and April, are used to update the Enrolled Agent exam content. These increased representation rights mean EAs are able to better serve all of their clients. Given the number of factors coming into play, we can’t assume the pass rates tell us which part is harder than the others.
Sure, you can study like everyone else, but we think you’ll prefer the Surgent way. Firms and corporations leverage our solutions to enable learning and development for their staff at every stage of their careers. Our technology-powered approach reduces study time by 40%, speeding up your path to become an Enrolled Agent. Please allow 60 days for processing ( days if you are a former IRS employee). You may electronically apply for enrollment and make secure payment of the $140 enrollment fee at Pay.gov. The actual seat time is 4 hours to allow for a tutorial, survey, and one scheduled 15-minute break.