EA Exam Moving to PSI in 2026: What Changes
EA Exam Moving to PSI: What Changes for Enrolled Agent Candidates in July 2026
The IRS has selected PSI Services LLC to replace Prometric as the administrator of the Enrolled Agent Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), effective July 1, 2026. This creates a 4-month testing blackout from March through June 2026 — the longest gap in EA exam history — after which candidates will book and sit exams through PSI's global network, which includes remote online proctoring and 40+ test center cities in India alone.
At Eduyush, we've been fielding urgent questions from our EA candidates all week. If you're mid-exam, planning to start, or sitting on a passed part, this guide covers everything you need to act on right now — before the February 28 Prometric cutoff.
💡 Key Takeaways
• Prometric stops administering EA exams on February 28, 2026. PSI takes over from July 1, 2026, after a 4-month testing blackout (March–June).
• PSI registration opens May 1, 2026 — book early, as pent-up demand from the blackout will fill July slots fast.
• Remote online proctoring is confirmed for both U.S. and international candidates, per the 2025 National Taxpayer Advocate's Annual Report to Congress.
• PSI operates 40+ test center cities in India — a massive expansion from Prometric's 3 cities (Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi).
• Exam content, format, and passing score are unchanged — 100 MCQs, 3.5 hours, scaled score of 105 to pass.
• Previously passed scores carry over to PSI with the existing 3-year validity window — but the blackout does NOT extend your expiry dates.
📋 Table of Contents
When Does the EA Exam Move to PSI?
How Is PSI Different from Prometric?
What Changes — and What Stays the Same?
Can You Take the EA Exam Online with PSI?
Which PSI Test Centers Will Be Available in India?
What Happens to Your Passed EA Exam Scores?
Should You Rush to Test Before February 28 or Wait?
When Does the EA Exam Move to PSI?
The EA exam officially transitions from Prometric to PSI Services LLC on March 1, 2026, with testing resuming at PSI centers from July 1, 2026. The IRS announced the vendor change on February 10, 2026, via both the IRS Enrolled Agent News page and a PSI press release. This is the first change in EA exam administration since Prometric took over in 2006.
| Date | What Happens | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Through Feb 28, 2026 | Prometric administers EA exams normally | Sit any remaining parts if ready |
| March 1, 2026 | Prometric stops — PSI contract begins | No exams available worldwide |
| March 1 – June 30, 2026 | 4-month testing blackout | Study and prepare for July window |
| May 1, 2026 | PSI registration/scheduling opens | Book immediately — high demand expected |
| July 1, 2026 | Testing resumes at PSI — new 2026-2027 window | Sit for your exam |
| July 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | Full 2026-2027 testing window under PSI | Updated exam specifications apply |
Source: IRS Enrolled Agent News page and PSI Services press release, February 10, 2026.
Normally, the EA exam pauses for only 2 months (March–April) for annual maintenance. This year, the vendor transition doubles that to 4 full months. If you're currently preparing, see our Enrolled Agent registration guide for the current process, keeping in mind that registration will shift to PSI's platform from May 2026.
How Is PSI Different from Prometric?
PSI Services LLC and Prometric are both global test administration companies, but they differ in network size, technology, check-in procedures, and — critically for Indian candidates — test center coverage. PSI operates in 140+ countries with a significantly larger India footprint, while Prometric offered EA exams in just 3 Indian cities.
| Feature | Prometric (Until Feb 2026) | PSI (From July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Global Network | ~350 US centers, limited international | 550+ US centers, 140+ countries |
| India EA Test Centers | 3 cities only (Bangalore, Hyderabad, New Delhi) | 40+ cities (pending IRS activation) |
| Remote Online Proctoring | Not available for EA exam | Confirmed for US + international candidates |
| Check-in Process | Palm scan + photo | Photo ID + facial recognition |
| Testing Technology | Fixed-form testing | LOFT (Linear on the Fly Testing) — unique exam per candidate |
| International EA Testing | Limited windows (e.g., May only in India) | Expected year-round (details TBC) |
| India Partner Network | NIIT Ltd (limited locations) | NSEIT Ltd, Kalvi Institute, Besant Technologies, Live Core, and others |
| Scheduling Platform | prometric.com | psiexams.com (opens May 1, 2026) |
⚠️ Important — PSI Has Mixed Reviews:
We want to be transparent: PSI's reputation among test-takers for other professional exams is mixed. Some candidates report slower check-in processes, less consistent center quality, and occasional technical issues compared to Prometric. We recommend arriving 30 minutes early for your first PSI experience, bringing two forms of ID, and verifying your test center location in advance. That said, PSI administers 17 million tests annually across 140+ countries — the infrastructure is proven at scale.What Changes — and What Stays the Same?
The switch from Prometric to PSI is an administrative change only — it affects where and how you take the EA exam, not what is on it. The exam content, question format, passing score, duration, and scoring methodology remain identical. The annual content specification update (which happens every July regardless) will bring the usual yearly tax law adjustments.
| Aspect | Changes? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Exam content/syllabus | ❌ No | Same 3 parts — Individuals, Businesses, Representation |
| Question format | ❌ No | 100 MCQs per part (85 scored + 15 pretest) |
| Passing score | ❌ No | Scaled score of 105 |
| Exam duration | ❌ No | 3.5 hours per part (with 15-min break after Q50) |
| Fee per part | ❓ TBC | Currently $267 — fees set by IRS, not vendor, so unlikely to change |
| Score validity | ❌ No | 3-year rolling window from date passed |
| Test center network | ✅ Yes | PSI's network — 550+ US, 140+ countries, 40+ India cities |
| Remote proctoring | ✅ Yes (NEW) | Take EA exam from home/office — US + international |
| Registration platform | ✅ Yes | PSI (psiexams.com) replaces Prometric — opens May 1 |
| Check-in process | ✅ Yes | Facial recognition replaces palm scan |
For a detailed breakdown of what the EA exam covers across all 3 parts, see our complete Enrolled Agent career and exam guide. If you're weighing whether the EA exam is manageable, our analysis on EA exam difficulty provides pass rates by part and study hour benchmarks.
Can You Take the EA Exam Online with PSI?
Yes — remote online proctoring for the Enrolled Agent exam has been confirmed by both the IRS and PSI. The 2025 National Taxpayer Advocate's Annual Report to Congress states that "beginning in 2026 the IRS is planning to offer international testing via remote proctoring, thereby eliminating the need for candidates to travel." PSI's press release confirms availability for both U.S. and international candidates from July 2026.
Remote proctoring means you take the EA exam from your home or office while a PSI proctor monitors you via webcam and screen share. PSI's system uses facial recognition for check-in and continuous AI-assisted monitoring during the exam. You'll need a quiet private room, a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a government-issued photo ID.
✅ Eduyush Faculty Tip:
Remote proctoring is a game-changer for our Indian EA candidates. Until now, candidates in cities like Chennai, Mumbai, or Kolkata had to travel to Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Delhi — often requiring flights and hotel stays. With PSI's remote option, you can take the EA exam from your home office. We still recommend testing at a physical center for your first attempt (fewer variables), but remote proctoring is an excellent backup if your nearest center is hours away.Which PSI Test Centers Will Be Available in India?
PSI's existing India test center network spans 40+ cities across the country, compared to Prometric's 3 EA exam cities. While the IRS has not yet confirmed which specific PSI locations will be activated for the Enrolled Agent exam, PSI's India infrastructure includes centers in every major metro and many Tier 2 cities. Based on PSI's published network data, here are the cities where EA exams are likely to become available.
⚠️ Important:
The city list below is based on PSI's existing India network for other professional exams. The IRS will confirm which locations are activated for the EA-SEE exam when PSI registration opens on May 1, 2026. Bookmark this page — we will update it as official confirmations arrive.Major Metro Cities (Highly Likely)
| City | PSI Partner(s) | Centers | Also Prometric EA? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | Kalvi Institute, iDomain Technologies, BMM IT, Besant Technologies, and others | 5+ | ✅ Yes |
| Chennai | Besant Technologies, MAZENET, Kalvi Institute, DreamsPlus, Aatralz, Forscher | 6+ | 🆕 New |
| Hyderabad | Vast Technologies, CoreGlobal IT | 2+ | ✅ Yes |
| Mumbai / Navi Mumbai | Span Labs, Aalok Institute | 2+ | 🆕 New |
| New Delhi / Ghaziabad | Agilitics Edutech, Modern College | 2+ | ✅ Yes |
| Pune | Radical Technologies, Certview | 2+ | 🆕 New |
| Kolkata | Indexpo Corporation | 1+ | 🆕 New |
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities (Subject to IRS Activation)
PSI's India network also includes centers via NSEIT Ltd and other partners in: Agra, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Hissar, Howrah, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jammu, Karnal, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mangalore, Mohali, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, Panjim (Goa), Patna, Raipur, Rajkot, Ranchi, Salem, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Vadodara, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam.
For current Prometric center details (valid until February 28), see our Enrolled Agent exam centers in India guide. We will update that page with confirmed PSI locations once the IRS publishes the official list.
What Happens to Your Passed EA Exam Scores?
Previously passed EA exam scores carry over to PSI with no changes to the existing 3-year validity window. The 4-month blackout does not extend your score expiry dates. If you passed Part 1 on June 15, 2023, it still expires on June 15, 2026 — regardless of the fact that testing was unavailable for 4 months.
🔢 Score Expiry Scenarios During the Blackout
Low Risk: You passed a part in 2024 or later → your score expires in 2027+ → you have until February 2027 to finish remaining parts under PSI. No urgency.
Medium Risk: You passed a part in mid-2023 → your score expires mid-2026 → you can still finish from July 2026, but with a tight window. Book your PSI exam on May 1 the moment registration opens.
HIGH Risk: You passed a part in early 2023 → your score expires March–June 2026 → your score may expire DURING the blackout when no testing is available. Contact the IRS immediately.
IRS Contact for Score Expiry Hardship: Office of Enrollment — (855) 472-5540 or SEE@irs.gov
To avoid common registration and score management pitfalls, review our guide on 8 mistakes to avoid during EA preparation.
Should You Rush to Test Before February 28 or Wait?
Whether to rush to Prometric before February 28 or wait for PSI in July depends on three factors: your readiness level, whether you have expiring scores, and whether you can secure a Prometric seat in the next 10 days. Here's our faculty framework for making the decision.
| Factor | Rush (Before Feb 28) | Wait (July 2026+) |
|---|---|---|
| Best if… | Score expiring in 2026, practice exams above 75%, Prometric seat available | Just starting, no expiring scores, practice exams below 75% |
| Study time left | ~10 days | 5+ months (blackout = prime study) |
| Exam specs | 2025-2026 cycle | 2026-2027 cycle (annual tax law updates) |
| Test center | Prometric (familiar) | PSI (new) or remote from home |
| Risk | Failing due to insufficient prep wastes $267 | 5 months without exam access (but more study time) |
✅ Eduyush Faculty Tip:
At Eduyush, we're advising candidates NOT to rush unless they have an expiring score. A failed attempt at Prometric costs $267, damages confidence, and doesn't buy you anything — you still can't retake until July. Use the blackout strategically: 4 uninterrupted months of preparation with Surgent's adaptive technology can take you from beginner to exam-ready. See our EA study plan strategies for a structured approach.How to Use the 4-Month Blackout to Prepare
To use the March–June 2026 blackout strategically, divide it into four phases: deep content study (March), active practice (April), registration plus intensification (May), and final review (June). Candidates who start studying now and maintain 12–15 hours per week can realistically pass all 3 parts starting from the July 2026 window.
🔢 4-Month Blackout Study Plan
March 2026 — Deep Content Study: Focus on your first part (we recommend Part 1: Individuals). Complete a full read-through of study material. Master filing status, income inclusions/exclusions, and deductions.
April 2026 — Active Practice: Take your first full-length practice exam under timed conditions. Identify weak areas and create targeted flashcard sets. Aim for 70%+ before moving on.
May 2026 — Register + Intensify: Register for your PSI exam on May 1 the moment scheduling opens. Book early — pent-up demand will fill July slots fast. Continue drilling practice questions until you hit 80%+.
June 2026 — Final Review + Peak: Take 2-3 more timed practice exams. Review every wrong answer. Light review in the final week. Get logistics sorted: test center details, ID documents, appointment confirmation.
📚 Start Preparing Now: Surgent EA Review via Eduyush
The 4-month blackout is the perfect window to prepare with Surgent's AI-powered Enrolled Agent course — and get exam-ready by July 1.
• 2,000+ practice questions across all 3 parts
• ReadySCORE™ tells you exactly when you're ready to sit
• Adaptive learning saves 100+ hours compared to linear study
• Unlimited access until you pass — all parts included
• Available at 60% discount through Eduyush
Have questions about the Surgent EA course? See our detailed Enrolled Agent course FAQs. For more on what the EA certification opens up career-wise, read our complete guide to IRS Enrolled Agent certification.
FAQs About the EA Exam PSI Transition
Will my existing Prometric appointment still work after February 28?
No. Any Prometric EA exam appointments scheduled after February 28, 2026 are automatically cancelled. You must rebook through PSI's platform when registration opens on May 1, 2026. Testing resumes July 1. Contact Prometric directly for any refund questions regarding cancelled appointments.
Will EA exam fees change under PSI?
Exam fees are set by the IRS, not the testing vendor. The current fee is $267 per part. PSI is not expected to change pricing, and the IRS has not announced any fee adjustments for the 2026-2027 window. PTIN renewal remains $18.75 per year.
Can I take all 3 EA parts in one testing window under PSI?
Yes. Under both Prometric and PSI, you can take each part up to 4 times per testing window (July 1 – February 28). Many candidates complete all 3 parts within a single window. With the blackout giving you 4 months of uninterrupted study, you could realistically be prepared for all 3 parts by July. See our EA study plan strategies for a timeline.
Do I need to re-register my PTIN for PSI?
No. Your PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) is issued by the IRS, not by Prometric or PSI. Your existing PTIN remains valid. You will use the same PTIN when registering for the EA exam on PSI's platform. Make sure your PTIN is current — it must be renewed annually.
Will the EA exam be available year-round internationally under PSI?
This has not been officially confirmed yet. Under Prometric, international EA testing was limited to narrow windows (e.g., May only in India). PSI's larger global network and remote proctoring capability suggest broader availability, but the IRS will announce the official international testing schedule when PSI registration opens. We will update this page with confirmed details.
What happens after I pass all 3 parts under PSI?
The post-exam process remains identical: pass all 3 parts, undergo an IRS background check, and submit Form 23 (Application for Enrollment) with a $140 fee. Your EA license is issued by the IRS directly and is not affected by which vendor administered your exam. See our Enrolled Agent renewal guide for ongoing CPE requirements after certification.
What is LOFT testing and does it affect my preparation?
LOFT (Linear on the Fly Testing) means PSI assembles a unique exam for each candidate in real-time from a question pool. Your exam won't be identical to anyone else's, but all versions test the same content specifications at the same difficulty level. This does not change how you should prepare — study all content domains thoroughly, as you cannot predict which specific questions you'll receive.
Researched and written by the Eduyush Faculty Team, led by Vicky Sarin, CA
Vicky Sarin is a Chartered Accountant with 25+ years of experience in accounting education and an INSEAD alumnus. As founder of Eduyush and an authorized Surgent partner, he leads a faculty team that has guided thousands of EA, CPA, CMA, and ACCA candidates across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Connect with Vicky on LinkedIn.
Have questions about the PSI transition or your EA exam plan? Reach out to our faculty team at Eduyush.
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Questions? Answers.
How do I become an Enrolled Agent?
To become an Enrolled Agent, you must:
- Pass the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), which is a three-part exam covering:
- Alternatively, if you have experience working for the IRS (at least five years in a relevant tax position), you may qualify without the exam.
- Apply for enrollment by submitting Form 23, “Application for Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS,” and undergo a background check to ensure you comply with tax laws.
What is the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE)?
The SEE is a three-part exam that tests your knowledge of tax laws and your ability to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Each part of the exam focuses on different aspects of U.S. tax law:
- Part 1: Individual Taxation
- Part 2: Business Taxation
- Part 3: Representation, Practices, and Procedures
You must pass all three parts within a two-year period. The exam is administered by Prometric and is available year-round.
How do I renew my Enrolled Agent status?
To renew your EA status, you need to:
- Complete Form 8554, “Application for Renewal of Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS,” and submit it before the expiration of your current enrollment cycle.
- Confirm you have met your CPE requirements for the three-year period.
- Pay the renewal fee (currently $140 as of 2024).
Your renewal period is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number:
- 0, 1, 2, 3: Renew by January 31 of years divisible by 3 (e.g., 2026, 2029).
- 4, 5, 6: Renew by January 31 of the year following those divisible by 3.
- 7, 8, 9: Renew by January 31 two years after the year divisible by 3.
Can I lose my Enrolled Agent status?
Yes, an EA can lose their status for various reasons, including:
- Failure to meet CPE requirements.
- Failure to renew your enrollment by submitting Form 8554.
- Unethical behavior or violations of IRS regulations (e.g., tax fraud, negligence).
If you lose your status, you will need to reapply and, in some cases, retake the SEE to regain your credentials.
How can I track my CPE hours?
It’s important to track your CPE hours to ensure you meet the requirements. Many IRS-approved providersautomatically track your hours and issue certificates for each course. You should:
- Keep a record of completion certificates from each CPE course.
- Use a spreadsheet or online tracking tool to log your hours and ensure you meet the yearly 16-hour minimum.
Some CPE providers offer dashboards that allow you to track your completed courses and hours in real time.
What is the difference between an EA and a CPA?
While both EAs and CPAs can represent clients before the IRS, there are key differences:
- EAs specialize in tax and have unlimited practice rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS in tax matters.
- CPAs can offer a broader range of services, including auditing, accounting, and financial planning. However, their ability to represent clients before the IRS in tax matters is typically limited to those for whom they have prepared tax returns or provided other services.
EAs are generally seen as tax experts, while CPAs have a more generalized accounting background.
What is Form 23, and when do I need to file it?
Form 23 is the “Application for Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS.” You file this form:
- After you pass all three parts of the SEE, or
- If you qualify based on prior IRS work experience (at least five years in a relevant position).
Filing Form 23 is the final step in becoming an Enrolled Agent. You must also pass a background check and pay the initial enrollment fee.
How long does the EA enrollment process take?
- After passing the SEE, you must submit Form 23.
- The IRS will conduct a background check to ensure you have complied with U.S. tax laws.
- The approval process typically takes 60-90 days, depending on the completeness of your application and the IRS's review workload.
Where can i read detailed guidelines for specific areas?
We have addressed most of the EA questions in our blogs. Refer to these blogs
Resources to pass the EA Exams
Here are all the relevant resources you can use to pass the exams
- Enrolled Agent CPE Requirements: Complete Guide for EAs
- Enrolled agent diagnostic report: How to use it
- Enrolled Agent Exam Centers in India: Complete Guide
- Enrolled Agent Exam Cost: A Complete Breakdown
- Enrolled agent exam retakes: Study strategies
- Enrolled Agent Exam Sample Questions: Part 1 Individuals
- Enrolled Agent Exam Scores: Everything You Need to Know
- Enrolled agent exam time management
- Enrolled Agent Exam: Your Complete Guide to Success
- Enrolled Agent Renewal: Complete Guide to Renew Your EA Status
- Enrolled Agent Salary in India: A Complete Overview
- Enrolled Agent Study Plan Strategies
- Enrolled Agent Syllabus: Complete Breakdown for 2024
- Enrolled agent test preparation
- Enrolled Agent: Your Guide to Becoming an EA
- How to Fill Form 8554 for Enrolled Agent Renewal
- How to get a PTIN: Step by Step guide
- PTIN Renewal Deadlines: What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
- Enrolled agent course
- Self Study Enrolled agent Using AI
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