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Learn everything you need to know about the latest Enrolled Agent exam changes in our comprehensive guide below. You may also find our Free EA exam guide and EA practice test questions useful as you take the next step to becoming an Enrolled Agent.
The IRS released the new Candidate Information Bulletin Opens in new window detailing Enrolled Agent exam administration policies and processes with PSI as the new exam vendor.
Here’s a summary of the key changes for the 2026–2027 Enrolled Agent exam cycle.
Monitor the IRS Enrolled Agent News page Opens in new window and PSI’s website Opens in new window for additional announcements.
The IRS announced that beginning with the 2026-2027 testing window, Prometric will no longer be the testing vendor for the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE), also known as the EA exam, and PSI will take over EA exam administration.
This change will affect how you schedule and manage your EA exam appointment, which testing centers will offer EA exam appointments, and the look and feel of the EA exam itself.
What this means for you now:
Our EA course has emulated the real exam interface for 25+ years, providing our customers with the opportunity to practice in a realistic exam environment. We have a long history of emulating PSI tests in many Gleim products and will bring that same expertise to emulate testing for our EA Review System.
We will continue to share updates as the IRS releases more details on PSI and EA exam scheduling.
The EA exam is meant to reflect the current role of Enrolled Agents and tax preparers in the United States, and as that role changes, the exam is updated to keep pace. This is mostly seen in the yearly updates to the exam content for updated tax law; however, more drastic changes are also a part of keeping the exam consistent with the demands of the public.
The Enrolled Agent exam changes each year after the close of the Spring tax season to reflect the previous year’s tax law. Enrolled Agent exam candidates will see these changes each May when the exam window opens, and they will stay in effect through the following February. When the IRS plans changes to the exam format, they announce them in advance.
In addition to the yearly changes, the IRS commissions an analysis of the tasks performed by and the knowledge required to become a tax preparer or tax accountant. Analyses like this are usually completed every few years to ensure the Enrolled Agent exam accurately reflects the tasks required of a tax preparer.
When Enrolled Agent exam changes are significant, you may not want to be among the first candidates to take the new version of the exam. We know from experience that it can be hard to prepare for a newly revised exam.
The unknowns you face when taking a revised exam can create exam anxiety and undermine your confidence, as you aren’t able to rely on other test takers’ experiences. Many candidates try to quickly finish the exam before changes take effect to avoid the unknowns of the new exam.
In general, our advice is to pass the EA exam as soon as possible. After all, the sooner you pass all three parts of the EA exam, the sooner you can start reaping the benefits of being an EA. Avoiding anxiety is another bonus to quickly passing the exam. But take stock of your circumstances. If you can’t realistically make time to study for the EA exam, there’s no reason to sit for an exam you won’t pass.
This is probably the most obvious advantage, but we’re mentioning it anyway. If you take the EA exam before it changes, you’re not going to have to worry about studying material that is brand new to the exam (and “untested” on EA candidates).
This is important because it means you don’t have to rush to pass all parts of the exam before changes take effect. Even if you only pass one part, that’s progress! Credit for any part of the exam you’ve already passed remains valid for up to 3 years. For any part you pass before the exam changes, you don’t have to take the new version of that part after the exam changes.
If you have a hard time motivating yourself, having an outside deadline is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Many EA candidates are professionals who juggle commitments outside of work. You may not have an abundance of time to study, but having a firm deadline can help make your studies a priority.
By carefully examining all EA exam changes each year, we ensure our material is up-to-date with plenty of time for you to sit for the EA exam annually. Regardless of what your plans are for the EA exam, working with a trusted EA review provider will ensure you’re prepared.
The EA exam changes for a good reason: to keep pace with the industry’s developing expectations for Enrolled Agents. This could be anything from small changes due to a minor tax update or a significant overhaul because of a new tax law. Regardless, testing with the most up-to-date material will ensure your skills best match the current or expected industry demand. If you’re currently in the workforce, it’s likely you’re already familiar with the content the EA exam is going to add, since the exam will be testing topics used in the Spring tax season.
While only a minor concern for most people, getting a testing appointment at a particular time or testing center can be a big deal for some candidates. When the EA exam changes, many candidates hurry to sit for the exam before the changes take effect. This can cause testing centers to fill up quickly, especially toward the end of a testing window before the EA exam changes. If you know you want to sit for the updated exam, you can choose the testing time that works best for you and your study schedule without rushing.