Build Your Career in U.S. Taxation with EA
The Enrolled Agent (EA) exam is officially known as the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). Administered on behalf of the IRS, it assesses the tax knowledge and professional competence required for candidates seeking Enrolled Agent status through the examination route.Planning to take the EA exam? Here’s what you need to know about the exam format, registration, fees, scheduling, scoring, and results.
EA Exam at a Glance
The SEE consists of three parts. Each part has its own appointment and can be scheduled separately.
| Exam detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total exam parts | 3 |
| Questions per part | 100 |
| Scored questions | 85 per part |
| Experimental questions | 15 per part, not scored |
| Time allowed | 3.5 hours per part |
| Total appointment time | Approximately 4 hours per part |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 500 |
| Exam administrator | PSI Services, under contract with the IRS |
How to Register for the EA Exam
Candidates can register and schedule their exam appointments through PSI Services, the IRS's examination vendor.
Visit the PSI Website
Visit the official PSI Special Enrollment Examination website.
Create Your Profile
Create your candidate profile and enter the required details.
Select an Exam Part
Select the exam part you want to take.
Schedule and Pay
Choose an available appointment and complete the payment.
Confirm Your Appointment
Save your appointment confirmation and review the instructions before test day.
Before test day: Keep your appointment confirmation handy and review the exam instructions.
EA Exam Dates and Testing Windows
The SEE is generally offered from May 1 through the end of February of the following year. Testing is normally unavailable in March and April while the examination is updated to reflect changes in tax law.
Domestic Testing Window
Important for International Candidates
As of October 2026, the IRS has announced a temporary delay in international SEE scheduling and testing. New international start dates have not yet been determined.
Candidates outside the United States should check the official IRS updates and PSI announcements before making exam plans.
EA Exam Fees
Understand the examination fees before scheduling your Enrolled Agent Special Enrollment Examination (SEE).
Payable when scheduling each exam appointment.
Cost for All Three Parts
Current listed rateImportant Fee Policy
Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable under the IRS's published guidance.
Check the official IRS fee information before scheduling, as fees and policies may change.
Can You Choose the Order of EA Exam Parts?
Yes. Candidates can take the three SEE parts in any order. You do not have to complete them on the same day or on consecutive days.
This flexibility allows you to plan your exam appointments around your preparation and availability.
Remember to check each appointment's confirmation details and the applicable score-validity rules.
What Happens If You Fail an EA Exam Part?
A failed attempt does not automatically prevent you from continuing with the other parts.
You can schedule a different exam part without waiting 24 hours.
If you fail a particular part, you must wait at least 24 hours before scheduling another attempt for that same part.
Each exam part may be attempted up to four times during a testing window.
Passing scores can generally be carried forward for three years from the date each part is passed, subject to applicable IRS extensions or policy updates.
Prepare for Your Next Attempt
Review your score report to understand your performance and identify areas that may need further preparation before your next attempt.
How Is the EA Exam Scored?
On a scale ranging from 200 to 800
The SEE uses a scaled scoring system. The passing score is 500 on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.
After completing an exam part, you will receive a pass-or-fail result on screen.
PSI also provides a score report. If you do not pass, the report includes diagnostic information that can help you identify areas to focus on before a retake.
Candidates who pass receive a passing designation rather than a numerical score on the report.
What Should You Know Before Exam Day?
A little preparation for the testing process can help you avoid unnecessary issues on exam day.
Identification
Bring an original, unexpired government-issued photo ID that meets the exam requirements. The first and last names must match the details used when scheduling. We would recommend a passport and on a safer side carry an Aadhar card or pan card as well.
Exam Environment
The examination is closed book. Notes, books, phones, and other unauthorized electronic devices are not permitted during the exam or breaks.
Appointment timing
Review your confirmation email and arrive or log in according to the instructions for your appointment.
Rescheduling
Review the current cancellation and rescheduling policy before changing an appointment. Fees may apply if you cancel or reschedule less than 48 hours before the scheduled time.
Official Preparation Resources
Use the IRS for sample questions and the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin to understand the testing process and available exam guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each part contains 100 questions, including 85 scored questions and 15 experimental questions that do not count toward your score.