EA Exam Moving to PSI in 2026: What Changes

EA Exam Moving to PSI

The EA exam moves to PSI Services LLC from 1 July 2026, replacing Prometric as the IRS exam administrator. U.S. candidates can test at PSI test centres or via remote online proctoring from 1 July 2026. International candidates (India, UAE, UK, Australia, etc.) test via remote online proctoring only, with full availability rolling out from 1 September 2026 (Fall 2026). The fee is set at $317 per part ($951 total for all three parts) — $66 IRS user fee plus $251 PSI contractor fee per part — and scheduling opens 1 May 2026.

When Does the EA Exam Move to PSI?

The EA exam officially transitions from Prometric to PSI Services LLC on March 1, 2026. This is the first change in EA exam administration since Prometric took over in 2006. PSI was awarded the contract by the IRS on February 10, 2026, as announced in the PSI press release and the IRS Enrolled Agent News page.

Normally the EA exam pauses for only 2 months (March–April) for annual content maintenance. This year the vendor transition extends the blackout to a full 4 months — the longest gap in EA exam history. For the complete registration process under PSI, see our Enrolled Agent registration guide.

PSI Is Remote-Only: What This Means for EA Candidates

What Remote-Only Means in Practice

• No travel required — you sit the exam from a private room at home or work
• No test centre fees, travel, or hotel costs — particularly beneficial for Indian candidates who previously needed to travel to Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Delhi
• Same fee globally — $317 per part regardless of location; no surcharge for remote delivery
• Equipment and environment requirements apply — see the Technical Requirements section below
• PSI proctors monitor via webcam and screen share in real time throughout the exam

Technical Requirements for PSI Remote Proctoring

PSI will publish the full technical specification when scheduling opens on May 1, 2026. Based on PSI's remote proctoring standards for other federal exams, candidates should prepare:

How Is PSI Different from Prometric?

PSI Services LLC and Prometric are both global test administration companies, but their EA delivery models differ fundamentally. Prometric used a physical test centre network; PSI is delivering the EA-SEE entirely via remote proctoring. PSI is an ETS company and administers over 28 million tests annually across 140+ countries for clients including the FAA and US Customs and Border Protection.

PSI's LOFT (Linear on the Fly Testing) technology assembles a unique exam for each candidate in real time from a validated question pool. Every version tests the same content domains at the same difficulty level, so your preparation approach is identical — but no two candidates will see the same exam. For preparation strategies that work across all LOFT-style exams, see our EA study plan strategies.

What Changes — and What Stays the Same?

The switch from Prometric to PSI is an administrative change — it affects how and where you sit the exam, not what is on it. Exam content, question format, duration, passing score, and scoring methodology are all unchanged. The annual content specification update (which happens every July regardless of vendor) will bring the usual tax law adjustments for the 2026–2027 cycle.

For a detailed breakdown of what each part covers, see our complete Enrolled Agent career and exam guide. If you are weighing whether the EA exam is manageable for your background, our analysis on EA exam difficulty provides pass rates by part and study hour benchmarks.

Updated EA Exam Fees Under PSI (2026)

EA exam fees are set by the IRS, not the testing vendor. A Federal Register ruling (TD 10045, April 20, 2026) reduced the IRS government user fee from $99 to $66 per part while introducing PSI's contractor fee, resulting in a combined candidate-facing fee of $350 per part — confirmed by NAEA.

Beyond exam fees, mandatory costs include a $19.75 annual PTIN and $140 Form 23 enrollment fee after passing, bringing the total mandatory cost to approximately $1,209.75. See our dedicated EA exam fees guide for a full cost table including INR conversion for Indian candidates.

How to Take the EA Exam via Remote Proctoring (Step-by-Step)

Since all EA exams from July 2026 are remote-only, every candidate needs to be comfortable with PSI's online proctoring system before exam day. Here is the end-to-end process from registration to receiving your result.

1. Get your PTIN (if you don't have one) — register at the IRS PTIN portal ($19.75). Your PTIN is required before scheduling any EA exam part.
2. Register with PSI at test-takers.psigov.us from May 1, 2026. Create a candidate account and enter your PTIN.
3. Select remote proctoring as your testing method and choose your preferred date and time. Book early — July slots are expected to fill quickly due to pent-up blackout demand.
4. Pay the $350 fee per part at time of scheduling. Major credit/debit cards accepted; international cards (including Indian cards) are accepted.
5. Download PSI Secure Browser and run PSI's system compatibility check tool before your exam date. Confirm your webcam, microphone, and internet speed meet requirements.
6. Prepare your exam environment — clear your desk, remove all notes and second screens, ensure the room is private with a closed door, and have your government-issued photo ID ready.
7. On exam day — log in 15–30 minutes early. PSI will conduct a facial recognition check-in and a 360° webcam room scan before unlocking the exam.
8. Receive your result immediately — pass/fail results are displayed on screen at the end of the exam. Failing candidates receive their scaled score and diagnostic feedback. Passing candidates see only "Pass."

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 IRS has confirmed that all Prometric scores remain valid and there is no need to re-sit any passed part. However, the 4-month blackout does not extend your score expiry dates — the clock kept running.

Score Expiry Risk Assessment

To avoid common registration and score management errors, read our guide on 8 mistakes to avoid during EA preparation.

Should You Rush to Test Before February 28 or Wait for PSI?

The February 28 Prometric cutoff has already passed as of the time of this update (April 2026). If you did not sit before February 28, the next opportunity is July 1, 2026 through PSI's remote proctoring system. Use the blackout window to prepare.

If you have a score that is due to expire before July 2026, contact the IRS Office of Enrollment at (855) 472-5540 or SEE@irs.gov to discuss your options. The IRS has the discretion to grant accommodations in exceptional circumstances.

How to Use the March–June Blackout to Prepare

With testing resuming July 1, candidates now have a defined window to prepare before sitting. Candidates who study 12–15 hours per week from now through June can realistically pass all 3 parts in the July–October 2026 window. Divide preparation into four phases:

Best Study Resources for the Blackout Window

The most efficient way to use the blackout period is with an adaptive prep course that shows you exactly when you're ready — rather than studying everything equally. The Eduyush Surgent EA Review Course uses ReadySCORE™ technology to tell you precisely when you're exam-ready, saving 100+ study hours compared to linear courses.

• 2,500+ practice questions across all 3 parts
• ReadySCORE™ — AI-driven exam-readiness predictor
• Adaptive learning that focuses on your weak areas
• Unlimited access until you pass (all 3 parts included)
• Available from ₹12,168 through Eduyush — up to 53% off US pricing

For detailed week-by-week schedules, see our enrolled agent study plan strategies guide. For course comparisons, see our best enrolled agent courses comparison. For course FAQs, see our Enrolled Agent course FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions: EA Exam PSI Transition

Your Action Plan: What to Do Right Now (April 2026)

1. Check your PTIN status — log in to the IRS PTIN portal and confirm it is active and up to date.
2. Check your score expiry dates — log in to your Prometric account to download your score reports before access ends. Note the exact pass date for each part you've cleared.
3. Start or continue preparing — use the May–June window to study intensively. The Surgent EA course via Eduyush (from ₹12,168) includes all 3 parts with until-you-pass access.
4. Set a reminder for May 1 — PSI scheduling opens May 1, 2026. Book your July slot immediately that morning. Pent-up demand from the 4-month blackout is expected to fill early slots fast.
5. Prepare your exam environment now — identify your exam room, check your webcam and internet, and clear your desk. Test your setup before exam day.
6. Review the complete EA journey — our How to Become an Enrolled Agent in 2026 pillar guide covers every step from eligibility through certification and renewal.

Questions specific to your situation? See our complete IRS Enrolled Agent certification guide or contact our faculty team directly.

Accuracy note: EA exam administration details and fees are set by the IRS and updated periodically. This page was last verified in April 2026 against PSI Services' official press release (Feb 10, 2026), Federal Register TD 10045, and NAEA.org. Always confirm details at the PSI scheduling portal when booking.