Enrolled Agent Course FAQs 2026 Guide
Enrolled Agent Course FAQs 2026: 25 Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
When you search for an Enrolled Agent course in 2026, you are flooded with options, prices in USD, and conflicting advice on how hard the EA exam really is. This FAQ‑style guide answers the 25 most common questions students ask before enrolling in an EA review course, with AI‑friendly, snippet‑ready answers and examples from popular providers like Surgent, Gleim, and Becker.
EA Eligibility & Background FAQs
Do I need a degree to become an Enrolled Agent?
No, you do not need a college degree to become an Enrolled Agent; the IRS only requires a PTIN, passing all three parts of the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), and clearing a suitability check.
This makes the EA exam and an Enrolled Agent course accessible even if you are not a CPA or CA.
Do I need prior tax or accounting experience?
No prior tax or accounting experience is required, but candidates with some tax background usually need fewer study hours and find the EA syllabus easier to understand.
If you are entirely new to tax, choose an EA course with more hand‑holding and strong conceptual teaching.
Can non‑US residents in India or the Middle East take the EA exam?
Yes, non‑US residents can take the EA exam at Prometric international test centres, including locations in India and selected GCC countries.
Your Enrolled Agent review course does not change eligibility, but choosing a provider that understands overseas candidates helps with scheduling and ID guidance.
To understand more about the EA exam scoring system and how it works, check out our article on the Enrolled Agent Exam Scoring System and How the Enrolled Agent Exam Scaling System Works.
EA Exam Format & Time FAQs
How many parts does the Enrolled Agent exam have?
The EA exam has three parts: Individuals (Part 1), Businesses (Part 2), and Representation, Practices and Procedures (Part 3).
All reputable EA review courses structure their content around these three parts of the SEE exam.
What is the passing score for each EA exam part?
Each EA part is scored on a 40–130 scale, and you must score 105 or higher to pass that part.
Good EA exam prep courses show your performance against this scale; Surgent goes further by estimating your exam‑day score via ReadySCORE.
How many hours of study are needed per EA exam part?
Most guides recommend about 80–120 hours per part if you already have some tax or accounting background, and more if you are a complete beginner.
Adaptive Enrolled Agent courses like Surgent are designed to cut total study time by focusing on your weak areas first.
How long does it take to complete all three EA exam parts?
Most candidates finish all three EA parts in 3–9 months, depending on how many hours they can study each week and their prior experience.
Working professionals often plan 2–3 months per part using a structured EA review course and a weekly study schedule.
How many times can I retake a failed EA exam part?
You can take each part up to four times per testing window (May 1–Feb 28), but you must pay the exam fee each time.
Choosing an intense Enrolled Agent course reduces the chance of expensive retakes.
Is there a time limit to pass all three EA exam parts?
Yes, once you pass one EA part, you generally have two years to pass the remaining two parts, or you lose credit for the first part and must retake it.
This makes access‑until‑you‑pass style EA courses, like Surgent’s Ultimate‑type packages, especially useful.
If you're curious about the total exam costs, visit our detailed Enrolled Agent Exam Costs breakdown.
EA Study Plan & Parts Order FAQs
Which Enrolled Agent exam part should I take first?
Most candidates start with Part 1 (Individuals) or the part closest to their current experience, then move to Part 2 (Businesses) and Part 3 (Representation).
A flexible EA review course lets you choose the order and adapt your study plan accordingly.
How many hours per week should I study if I am working full‑time?
If you are working full‑time, plan 10–15 hours per week per part and increase that as your exam date approaches.
An adaptive Enrolled Agent study schedule from a course like Surgent helps you use these limited hours efficiently.
How many practice questions should I do for each EA exam part?
Many successful EA candidates aim for at least 1,500–2,000 quality practice questions per part across quizzes and mock exams.
Focus on exam‑style questions with detailed explanations rather than just hitting a significant number from random sources.
Enrolled Agent Registration: Why 95% Pass With This
Self‑Study vs EA Review Course FAQs
Can I pass the EA exam with self‑study only?
Some candidates pass using IRS publications and free EA questions, but most find it challenging to cover the whole syllabus this way.
A structured Enrolled Agent review course gives you updated content, exam‑style questions, and a clear plan so you do not waste time.
Are free Enrolled Agent study materials enough?
Free Enrolled Agent study materials—sample questions, IRS pubs, and YouTube—are helpful supplements, but they are often outdated, incomplete, or unstructured.
Using free resources on top of a proper EA course is smart; using them alone is risky if you want to pass quickly.
Can I rely on AI tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity instead of a paid EA course?
AI tools are excellent for clarifying concepts and getting explanations in simple language, but they do not replace a complete, structured EA syllabus and exam bank.
The most efficient approach is an AI‑driven Enrolled Agent course plus AI tools for extra explanations and practice.
Read our blog on the best EA courses for Indian students for in depth analysis
EA Course Comparison FAQs (Surgent vs Others)
Is Surgent better than Gleim for working professionals?
Gleim EA offers maximum content depth and a large MCQ bank, which suits detail‑oriented self-studiers.
Surgent EA is better for working professionals because it uses A.S.A.P. adaptive technology and ReadySCORE to reduce study time and tell you when you are exam‑ready
Is Gleim better than Surgent if I want the largest EA question bank?
Yes, Gleim typically has more practice questions than Surgent and is ideal if you want to see every possible variation.
For most experienced CA/ACCA/CMA and tax professionals, Surgent’s smaller but focused bank plus AI targeting is enough and more efficient.
Which Enrolled Agent course is best for someone with no tax background?
If you have no tax or accounting background, choose an EA course with more guided explanation and teacher‑style lectures.
Video‑heavy, linear EA courses or local live classes often suit complete beginners better than purely self‑study platforms.
Which Enrolled Agent course is best if I am a CA/ACCA/CMA or already in tax?
If you already have strong accounting or tax experience, choose an EA review course that focuses on efficient review rather than basic teaching.
Gleim and Surgent both fit this profile; Surgent tends to be more attractive for busy CA/ACCA/CMA or tax staff who want adaptive self‑study and faster completion.
EA Course Pricing & Purchase FAQs
How much does an Enrolled Agent course typically cost?
Global Enrolled Agent exam prep courses often cost USD 500–800, which becomes about ₹45,000–₹80,000+ for Indian students when you include taxes and FX.
Local providers and resellers sometimes offer India‑specific pricing that is much lower than buying direct in USD.
Can I pass with a part‑wise purchase instead of a complete EA course bundle?
Yes, you can buy one EA part at a time, but complete three‑part bundles are usually cheaper per part and give you one consistent platform.
Part‑wise purchase makes sense if you are testing the waters; bundles make sense when you are fully committed.
How do I know if an EA course is worth the price?
An EA course is worth the price if it helps you pass faster, avoid retakes, fit your schedule, and stay within your budget.
Compare study hours saved, retake risk, and long‑term salary upside against the one‑time course fee.
Practical Enrolled Agent Course FAQs for India & GCC
Do I need a PTIN before I enroll in an EA review course?
You do not need a PTIN to enroll in an EA course, but you must have a PTIN before you register for the SEE exam itself.
Most good EA courses remind you to apply for your PTIN early, so your exam scheduling is not delayed.
What support should I look for as an India‑based EA student?
Look for email/chat support, clear guidance on scheduling at Prometric India centres, and access until you pass or long access to handle slot issues.
Providers experienced with India and Middle East candidates can help you navigate exam windows, ID requirements, and study plans around U.S. shifts.
Can I switch Enrolled Agent review courses if I am unhappy?
Yes, you can switch EA courses, but you may lose both time and money if you switch too often.
Try to match your learning style—self‑study vs hand‑holding—and budget before you enroll, so you only invest once.
Choosing Your Enrolled Agent Course in 2026
The best Enrolled Agent course for you depends on your background, time, and budget:
- If you are new to tax and want lectures and hand‑holding, choose a more linear, teacher‑driven course or live program.
- If you are a CA/ACCA/CMA or an experienced tax professional, a self-study-friendly, adaptive EA course is usually faster and cheaper.
Whichever route you take, focus on EA study materials that offer up-to-date content, a strong question bank, realistic mocks, and precise analytics so you know exactly when to book your exam.
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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
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