EA Exam Dates 2026 | India Schedule & PSI Guide
EA Exam Dates 2026: PSI Testing Window, India Remote Exam Schedule and Booking Guide
The Enrolled Agent exam schedule changed meaningfully in 2026 because the IRS moved the Special Enrollment Examination to PSI. For Indian candidates, the most important update is simple: international EA testing is remote-only, the 2026 international window opens later than the U.S. window, and March and April remain blackout months.
EA exam dates 2026: official testing window
The EA exam is generally offered from May 1 to the end of February, with March and April used as the annual blackout period. For the 2026 EA-SEE cycle, the IRS has a special transition schedule because PSI is the new testing vendor.
| Candidate location | 2026 EA exam testing window | Scheduling availability | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. domestic candidates | July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 | Scheduling available from May 1, 2026 | U.S. candidates can test earlier in the new PSI cycle. |
| International candidates, including India | September 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 | Scheduling opens September 1, 2026 | Indian candidates should plan for a shorter first PSI window and avoid waiting until February. |
| Blackout period | March and April | No testing during the annual update period | The exam is updated for current tax law, so do not plan any EA part in March or April. |
For a broader certification calendar, Eduyush also maintains a general finance exam dates guide. This page is focused only on Enrolled Agent exam dates, India remote testing and EA scheduling decisions.
EA exam dates in India: remote-only testing from September 2026
Indian candidates should not plan around physical international test-centre appointments for the 2026 EA-SEE. The IRS states that international testing for the Special Enrollment Examination is available only by remote testing and that there is no in-person international testing.
September 1, 2026
The international window opens on September 1, 2026, so Indian candidates should use May to August for PTIN, study and mock readiness.
Remote only
Plan your laptop, internet, room setup, identity documents and time zone carefully before booking a slot.
February 28, 2027
Do not schedule all three parts at the end of February because reschedules and retakes become difficult near the window close.
If you need a deeper India-specific exam setup guide, read Eduyush’s EA exam centres in India guide. For the vendor change, read the EA exam PSI transition guide.
EA exam blackout period: why March and April matter
The EA exam is not offered during March and April. This blackout exists because the IRS updates the exam for the most recent tax law. Candidates who leave a part until late February may lose flexibility if they fail, face a technical issue, or need to reschedule.
| Month | Good use for EA candidates | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| May to August 2026 | PTIN, Form W-12 or Form 8946 if needed, study plan, Surgent baseline assessment | Indian candidates cannot test internationally until September 1. |
| September to November 2026 | Best window for first and second EA parts from India | Remote slots and personal schedules should be booked early. |
| December 2026 to January 2027 | Good for final part, retake preparation or candidates starting later | Holiday disruption and year-end work pressure can reduce study consistency. |
| February 2027 | Emergency final attempt or carefully planned final part | Limited buffer before blackout. |
| March to April 2027 | No testing | Annual blackout period. |
How to book EA exam dates through PSI
For the 2026 cycle, candidates schedule the EA-SEE through PSI. The IRS says candidates can schedule online or by phone, including an international phone option. Before choosing a date, Indian candidates should confirm PTIN readiness, name matching, remote-testing environment and study readiness.
Complete PTIN requirements first
Most candidates need a PTIN before proceeding with EA exam planning. Indian candidates without an SSN should review Eduyush’s PTIN guidance before scheduling.
Choose the EA part
The exam parts can be taken in any order. If you are unsure, use the EA exam difficulty and order guide.
Check readiness before paying
Use mock exams and ReadySCORE before booking. Do not pay the exam fee just because you completed videos once.
Book the PSI appointment
Schedule the exam only after checking your remote testing setup, ID details, time zone and study plan.
Save the confirmation details
You will need the appointment confirmation details if you reschedule, cancel or later access score reporting steps.
For support documents, read Eduyush’s PTIN guide for Indian candidates, Form W-12 guide and Form 8946 guide.
EA exam rescheduling and cancellation rules
The EA exam fee is $317 per part. The IRS says there is no fee if you reschedule or cancel at least 48 hours before the appointment. If you reschedule or cancel less than 48 hours before the appointment, another full examination fee is required. Missing the appointment or arriving 30 minutes or more late forfeits the entire fee.
48+ hours before
No extra rescheduling or cancellation fee under IRS guidance.
Less than 48 hours
You may need to pay another full examination fee.
Missed or late appointment
Your entire fee can be forfeited if you miss the exam or arrive 30 minutes or more late.
For a full cost breakdown, use Eduyush’s EA exam cost 2026 guide.
How EA exam dates affect retakes
Each EA exam part can be taken up to four times per testing window. If you fail a part, the IRS requires a 24-hour wait before scheduling another appointment for that same part. You can schedule a different part without waiting 24 hours.
Why early dates are better
If you take Part 1 in September or October and fail, you still have time to review diagnostics, use Surgent adaptive practice and retake before the window closes.
Why late February is risky
If you fail near February 28, the March-April blackout period can delay your next attempt and break study momentum.
If you have already failed a part, use the EA retake strategy guide and the EA score report guide before booking another date.
When should Indian candidates start studying for EA exam dates?
The best exam date is not the earliest available slot. It is the earliest slot after your readiness is strong. Because India remote testing opens on September 1, 2026, students should use the months before September to prepare properly.
| Target exam date | Start studying by | Best for | Suggested approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | May or June 2026 | Students with prior tax/accounting background | Take baseline assessment, focus on weak areas and use ReadySCORE before booking. |
| October to November 2026 | June or July 2026 | Most working professionals | Use a steady study plan with MCQs, mocks and weekly weak-area repair. |
| December 2026 to January 2027 | August or September 2026 | Fresh graduates or candidates starting from basics | Build concepts first, then move to mixed MCQs and simulated exams. |
| February 2027 | Only if nearly ready by January | Final part, retake or delayed candidates | Avoid February as your first serious attempt unless ReadySCORE supports it. |
For part selection, read which EA part to take first. For MCQ practice, use EA exam questions and MCQ practice strategy.
How Surgent helps you choose the right EA exam date
Many students choose EA exam dates emotionally: “I want to finish by December” or “I have paid the fee, so I should attempt.” A better approach is to use readiness data. Surgent’s adaptive learning helps identify weak areas, while ReadySCORE gives a real-time readiness signal before you book the PSI appointment.
Take a baseline assessment
Use Surgent to identify whether Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3 is closest to exam-ready.
Let adaptive learning push weak areas
Do not spend equal time on chapters you already know. Focus on the topics that block your score.
Check ReadySCORE
Use readiness data before paying another $317 exam fee and committing to a date.
Eduyush offers the Surgent Enrolled Agent course with adaptive learning, ReadySCORE, practice exams, MCQs, lectures, printed books and India support. For AI-based study support, read how to self-study for EA with AI.
India checklist before booking EA exam dates
Before paying the exam fee, use this checklist. It reduces booking errors, reschedule costs and last-minute remote-testing problems.
Document and system checklist
- PTIN completed or in progress
- Name matches ID documents
- Remote-testing laptop available
- Stable internet connection
- Quiet room available for the exam slot
- PSI confirmation details saved
Study readiness checklist
- Selected exam part is clear
- Core syllabus completed once
- Mixed MCQs attempted
- Mock exam completed under time pressure
- ReadySCORE supports booking
- Error log shows weak areas improving
After passing all three parts: enrollment deadline
After passing all three EA exam parts, you must apply for enrollment within one year of the date you passed the third exam part. The IRS allows electronic application and secure payment of the enrollment fee at Pay.gov, or mail submission using Form 23. The IRS says normal processing is around 60 days, with longer processing for former IRS employees.
This is why exam dates should be part of a complete timeline, not just a testing appointment. Plan PTIN, study, exams, retakes if needed and enrollment application together.
Sources checked for 2026 accuracy
This guide uses the IRS Enrolled Agent FAQ for current 2026 EA exam dates, PSI vendor details, domestic and international windows, remote international testing, blackout months, fees, rescheduling, retakes, exam parts, question count, timing, score reports and enrollment application timing. It uses Eduyush’s Surgent EA product page for adaptive learning, ReadySCORE, MCQs, practice exams, lectures, printed books, access and India support.
Official source: IRS Enrolled Agents FAQ. Course source: Eduyush Surgent EA course.
FAQs on EA exam dates 2026
What are the EA exam dates for India in 2026?
For Indian candidates, the 2026 EA exam international testing window is from September 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. International EA testing is remote-only.
Is the EA exam offered in every month of the year?
No. The EA exam is generally offered from May 1 to the end of February, but it is not offered during the annual blackout period in March and April. For the 2026 PSI transition year, the international window starts on September 1, 2026.
Who conducts the EA exam in 2026?
The IRS says PSI Services is the new vendor for the EA Special Enrollment Examination from the 2026 cycle.
Can Indian candidates take the EA exam at a test centre?
For the 2026 EA-SEE cycle, the IRS says international testing is available only by remote testing and there is no in-person international testing.
How much is the EA exam fee in 2026?
The IRS lists the EA exam fee as $317 per part, paid at appointment scheduling.
Can I reschedule my EA exam date?
Yes. The IRS says there is no fee if you reschedule or cancel at least 48 hours before the appointment. If you reschedule or cancel less than 48 hours before the appointment, another full exam fee is required.
How many times can I retake an EA exam part?
Each EA exam part can be taken up to four times per testing window. If you fail the same part, you must wait 24 hours before scheduling another appointment for that same part.
When should I book my EA exam date?
Book your EA exam date after your mock performance and readiness indicators are stable. For Surgent students, ReadySCORE can help decide whether to book, delay or continue weak-area practice.
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