Become a tax professional authorized by the IRS to represent taxpayers in the US. You specialize in tax preparation, audits, and compliance, helping individuals and businesses with tax planning and resolving disputes. You have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, similar to CPAs and tax attorneys.
6-12 months
3 Level
Exam On Demand Throughout the year except for March & April
Online
The Enrolled Agent (EA) designation is the highest credential awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), recognizing tax professionals who are experts in U.S. tax laws, representation, and compliance. As an EA-certified professional, you gain the authority to represent taxpayers before the IRS and build a rewarding career in taxation, accounting, and finance.
Open to all! No prior qualifications needed—perfect for finance pros, CAs, CPAs, CMAs, tax experts, and career changers seeking IRS-recognized U.S. tax mastery!
The Enrolled Agent (EA) course can be completed in a minimum of 6 months to 2 years, depending on your study plan and pace. As per IRS guidelines, you must complete all three exam parts within three years from the date of passing the first exam.
The Enrolled Agent (EA) exam, officially known as the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), is administered by the IRS through Prometric testing centers. The exam is available during the following testing windows.
Exams are offered during this period.
March and April: No exams are conducted during these months, as the IRS updates the exam content to reflect the latest tax laws and regulations.
Each part of the exam can be taken up to four times within a single testing window. If you do not pass a part after four attempts, you must wait until the next testing window to retake that part. Passing scores are valid for THREE years from the date of passing. You must pass all three parts within this THREE-year period to become an Enrolled Agent.
Follow these steps to become an EA:
An enrolled agent (EA) is authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS, with no restrictions on clients, tax matters, or IRS offices.
$259 per part, non-refundable.
72 hours every 3 years, with 16 hours annually (including 2 hours on ethics). Must use IRS-approved providers.
3.5 hours per part (4 hours with tutorial, survey, and break).
4 attempts per part (May 1 to Feb 28).
Offered from May 1 to Feb 28; not available during March-April due to updates.
Book via Prometric online, by phone (800-306-3926), or Form 2587. Payment is due when scheduling.
Fees apply for rescheduling less than 30 days before the appointment.
Scores are valid for up to 3 years from the exam date.
Closed-book exam; personal items must be stored. Water is allowed in clear containers.
Pass/fail displayed immediately after the exam. Score reports available via Prometric.
A scaled score of 105.