Prometric calculates your SEE results based on how many multiple-choice questions you answered correctly in each exam section. A mathematical formula turns the number of questions you answered correctly into a scaled score ranging from 40 (no correct answers) to 130 (100 correct answers). You pass a section by earning a scaled score of at least 105. The IRS does not require EA candidates to hold any particular degree or level of educational attainment. Instead, people can qualify solely based on their taxation knowledge or IRS work experience. Even if you have not completed a degree, you can grow your knowledge— and your career!
- By definition, an enrolled agent (EA) is a tax professional who has achieved the highest credential the Internal Revenue Service offers.
- All three sections use multiple-choice questions and allow for 3.5 hours each.
- Firms that make up the Big 4 hire EAs for numerous roles since they are able to practice in all 50 states and handle taxes for global customers filing in the United States.
- Learn about these five accounting certifications without a degree to understand how you can start working in the profession without fulfilling an education requirement.
- Enrolled Agents are essential to making sure that individuals and businesses have an advocate in issues with the IRS and can successfully navigate complex federal taxes.
- The exam is administered by Prometric and is available year-round.
What Does the Special Enrollment Exam Cover?
The IRS has standardized the EA Exam, giving the agency’s stamp of approval to whoever demonstrates the expertise to pass. Enrolled Agents are specialized professionals, backed by the EA credential. Not only can you offer more services, you can charge more for them, and/or apply to higher-paying, senior positions within firms or companies. When you become an Enrolled Agent, you’re authorized by the IRS to represent any customer on any tax matter before the agency. Not only this, but in order to pass the EA Exam, you must demonstrate detailed expertise on all tax topics. As part of the evaluation of your enrollment https://www.bookstime.com/articles/invoice-payment-terms application, the IRS will conduct a suitability check that will include a review of your personal tax compliance and criminal background.
What is the process to obtain Enrolled Agent certification?
Using these strategies can help complete all parts faster and reduce the total time to become an Enrolled Agent. In becoming an enrolled agent with no experience this guide, we’ll explore each step involved in becoming an EA. We’ll discuss study times, the IRS application process, and how to plan your schedule to complete the steps as efficiently as possible. All three parts of the SEE must be passed within a two-year window.
- You must complete 72 hours of CE (16 hours minimum per year) every 3 years.
- Thankfully, the renewal process is quick, easy, and inexpensive.
- After the IRS approves your application, you are officially granted EA status.
- Apply for a scholarship through the NAEA-EF to help you reach your goals.
- Unlike state-licensed CPAs or attorneys, Enrolled Agents have a federal license, allowing them to operate across the U.S.
- Securing dates for each part at the start helps avoid long waiting periods between sections.
Applying for Enrollment
Should the container not meet the requirements outlined, the candidate will be required to put it in their locker and will not be allowed to take it into the test room. If you fail an exam part, you must allow 24 hours before scheduling another appointment for that same part. However, you can schedule an appointment for a different exam part without waiting 24 hours. Scheduling is now available for an exam appointment for the May 1, 2025–Feb. The test is offered from May 1 to the end of Feb. of the following year. The test is not offered during the annual blackout period in March and April.
What is the time limit for each part of the examination? (reviewed Oct. 19,
- During this time the test is updated with the most recent tax law.
- People should set aside consistent time each week to cover this section thoroughly.
- Here is a detailed breakdown of the total time it may take to become an EA.
- So, EAs, CPAs, and attorneys hold the same good standing before the IRS.
- I have taken college coursework in accounting, but my degree is in engineering.
In general, any criminal offense resulting in a felony conviction under federal tax laws or a felony conviction related to dishonesty or a breach of QuickBooks trust, that is less than ten years old. Some sources recommend pairing EA certification with CPA licensure. However, CPAs inherently have the same unlimited IRS representation rights as EAs, which creates a redundancy. If you plan to certify as an EA by examination, preparation is essential. Accounting experts stress that you cannot fast-track your way to passing the exam with tricks or shortcuts.
The first 5 steps address choices you must make before your application. To be successful in any of the positions for an enrolled agent, it’s essential to possess excellent attention to detail and the capacity to do your job quickly and effectively. Discover more about the roles and salary ranges for enrolled agents in our EA salary guide. If your experience hasn’t given you this knowledge, then the IRS will restrict your enrollment to a specific area of representation. After registering with Prometric, you’ll be able to schedule your EA exam.