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To become an EA, you’ll need to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS, register for and pass all three EA exam parts, apply for enrollment with the IRS, and pass a suitability check. Wondering what all this entails? On this page, we will walk you through the process so you’re ready to earn your Enrolled Agent designation and take the next step in your career!
The IRS has four Enrolled Agent requirements that you’ll need to complete to become an EA:
Unlike other professional accounting certifications, there are no education or experience requirements you have to meet to become an EA. You aren’t required to have a college degree, and you don’t even have to meet a minimum experience requirement as a tax preparer. This means you’re free to get started (and reap the rewards) as soon as you want! But it doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park.
To prove you know your stuff, you’ll need to pass the Enrolled Agent exam, which has a pass rate that usually sits somewhere between 58% and 71%. It’s something most tax preparers should be able to pass if they study, which makes the short list of requirements pretty great news.
The lack of demanding EA requirements means it’s relatively easy to focus on the exam, complete the other required steps to become an Enrolled Agent, and earn your designation quickly.
We’ve got the details on how to tackle each of those steps below. Plus, we’ll share the guidance and tips we’ve accumulated over decades of helping candidates like you earn their Enrolled Agent certification.
The first step to becoming an Enrolled Agent is to obtain a PTIN Opens in new window. If you already have a PTIN, you’ll need to make sure it’s current, and if it isn’t, you’ll have to renew it. The IRS issues PTINs on a calendar year basis. You can submit your PTIN application every year starting in mid-October. There is an $18.75 fee to obtain or renew your PTIN. In addition to the PTIN fee, make sure to plan ahead for other Enrolled Agent exam costs, like studying for and scheduling your exam.
If you need to obtain a PTIN, there are two methods:
Before starting your online application, you should get some information together so you can fill out the form quickly. You’ll need your
Once you have everything together, you’ll create an account with the IRS Tax Professional PTIN System Opens in new window and follow the prompts to fill out the application. The process should only take about 15 minutes, and once it’s complete, you’ll get your PTIN.
If you don’t have a Social Security number, you must fill out and mail Form W-12 Opens in new window. This option is available to everyone who wants to utilize it.
If you choose this method, be sure to read the instructions for Form W-12 Opens in new window carefully to avoid any delays in getting your PTIN. We recommend adding a time buffer if mail is delayed in your area for any reason.
If you have your PTIN, you’re ready to create your account with PSI and register for the EA exam. PSI administers many different exams, so make sure you’re registering for the Enrolled Agent exam specifically. PSI calls the EA exam the IRS Enrolled Agent Special Enrollment Examination (EA-SEE), so when you see this instead of “Enrolled Agent exam” or “EA exam,” don’t panic! You’re in the right place.
Follow these steps to register for the EA exam with PSI:
Go to https://test-takers.psigov.us/irs/auth/loginOpens in new window.
Click “Create account” and follow the prompts.
Log in and set up your profile. You’ll need to provide your:
You’ll immediately get a code to verify your email that is sent to the email you registered to your account. You can then verify your mobile number if you wish to receive calls or texts from PSI pertaining to updates on your exam scheduling. While verifying your phone number is not required, PSI does mention that it is the quickest and most convenient way to get timely updates on things such as site closures, schedule updates, and other valuable information from PSI. You’ll then set up your password, and your account is ready.
You’re able to update most of your profile information in the “Profile” settings after the initial setup, but if you need to change your name, you’ll have to reach out to PSI directly for help.
After you complete the EA exam scheduling process, check your email to make sure you receive your appointment confirmation, which contains other useful information about your exam. If you notice any issues, reach out to PSI as soon as possible to correct your appointment information.
After you complete the EA exam scheduling process, check your email to make sure you receive your appointment confirmation, which contains other useful information about your exam. If you notice any issues, reach out to PSI as soon as possible to correct your appointment information.
The EA exam testing window lasts from May 1 through February of the following year. Testing does not occur in March or April. The IRS sets this time aside each year to update the EA exam.
This is when they make adjustments to account for any tax law changes, which will become testable topics when the testing window re-opens in May. Even though you don’t have to pass all three parts in 1 year, we always recommend trying to because you only have to study 1 year’s tax law that way!
Make sure you account for the testing window closure during March and April in your plan to earn your Enrolled Agent certification.
If you live outside of the U.S., international testing is available for the EA exam through remote testing only with PSI. International testing is set to begin September 1, 2026. Once international testing open, more info will be available on PSI’s website.
You can take the three exam parts in any order, but the topics tested in Part 3 build off of content from Parts 1 and 2. You should sit for either Part 1 or Part 2 first depending on which topics you’re more familiar with. Additionally, EA Part 3 has the smallest amount of content, so if you do have to wait to take it until a new year’s tax law is in effect, you’ll have less to study. Sitting for each part in this order means you’ll master the topics more easily and have a better chance of passing each exam part on your first try!
PSI gives you 30 minutes to schedule your exam before you have to start the process over. When you go to schedule, be sure you have all your information gathered so you can schedule quickly. How far you can schedule your exam in advance is dependent on the testing center in a case by case basis.
If you need any accommodations guaranteed by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), contact PSI first to get pre-approved before scheduling your appointment. Not all test centers are equally equipped for all accommodations. PSI has a testing accommodations request form online you can complete when you are filing out your candidate information while scheduling your exam.
There’s only one thing left to do once your appointment is set: Make sure you’re prepared in time! No one wants to pay a rescheduling fee, and it can easily be avoided if you build the perfect study plan.
Taking the Enrolled Agent exam is the most difficult part of becoming an Enrolled Agent. It’s also the step that will take the most time and effort, so you want to make sure you pass each exam part on your first try! Enrolled Agent candidates have 3 years to pass all three parts of the Enrolled Agent exam. This may seem like a long time, but without a practical plan, that time can go by very quickly. The EA exam testing window closes in March and April, which can complicate study plans that aren’t scheduled in advance.
It is important to begin thinking about your study plan early in the process. Once you sit down with a calendar and cross out all of the days you aren’t able to study, you’ll find yourself with less time to study than you expected.
Once you’ve got your study plan established and are ready to dive into your studies, use our Enrolled Agent exam study tips to set yourself up for success to pass the exams!
After you’ve passed all three Enrolled Agent exam parts within 3 years, you’ll need to apply for EA enrollment. You can do this online or by mail. There is a $140 application fee due with your submission.
You have 1 year to submit this form after passing your exams, but why wait? Go ahead and submit it right after you pass your final exam so you can become an EA sooner and get listed on the IRS’s directory of federal tax return preparers!
After you apply for enrollment, the IRS will run a check to confirm you’ve filed your tax returns and paid any outstanding taxes. They’ll also run a background check for criminal records. The IRS provides details on the suitability requirements in Circular 230 Opens in new window..
All of your passed exams are automatically reported to the IRS by PSI, so after you submit Form 23, the IRS will run the check, and you just need to wait 60-90 days for everything to be processed before you finally receive your Enrolled Agent credential!
Once you become an Enrolled Agent, the IRS requires you to maintain your Enrolled Agent certification by:
Now that you know how to get an EA license, take advantage of our free resources to guide your studies and help you succeed!