EA Exam essentials
Know the dates, fees, and preparation steps for EA. Start studying with free practice questions, guides, and PDFs.
The essentials
Exam dates & results
| Exam | Testing windows | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Parts 1, 2, and 3 | Appointments within the IRS-announced SEE testing window | Pass/fail appears after the exam; PSI also emails your score report. |
Plan your sitting
Published exam dates and deadlines*
This window is for US domestic candidates. At the source check, international scheduling and testing were delayed with no new start date announced. Confirm international availability directly with the IRS and PSI.
2026-2027 published schedule
| Exam | Testing window | Registration and scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Parts 1-3 | through | Select an available appointment through PSI. The March-April annual blackout follows this window. |
Application and exam fees*
| Fee and where to pay | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Each SEE partPay PSI in its IRS exam portal when scheduling that part. | US$317 |
| Three parts, one attempt eachBudget total of three separate US$317 payments to PSI, not a bundle purchase. | US$951 |
Your next study session
Free EA Practice & PDFs
Plan one part at a time
Your tax background changes the time you need. Start with a diagnostic and build a weekly plan for each part. As an illustration, 8 weeks at 10 hours per week provides 80 study hours; this is a planning example, not an official average.
Create a free accountAll 3 PDFs, in one email
60 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. Get all 3 PDFs in one email.
Registration, booking & results help
Open the step you need.
How to apply and payGet an IRS PTIN, then register and pay for each part through PSI.
Before you apply
Obtain a PTIN, pass the three exam parts, then apply for enrollment and satisfy the IRS suitability check. Passing the exam alone does not grant enrolled-agent status.
Obtain a PTIN before exam registration. Pay PSI for each SEE part when scheduling; do not send the exam fee to the IRS.
Get your PTIN from the IRS
Follow the IRS application checklist and use its PTIN application service. Keep the number for your exam registration.
IRS PTIN application checklistCreate your PSI candidate profile
Use PSI’s IRS exam portal to register, choose a part, and schedule it. Pay that part’s exam fee in PSI’s checkout.
Apply to the IRS after passing all three parts
Submit Form 23 and its separate enrollment fee. This is a later certification step, not part of the PSI exam payment.
IRS Form 23 on Pay.gov
Use the IRS for PTIN or enrollment questions and PSI for exam registration or payment problems. PSI’s IRS portal provides its candidate bulletin and support options. Open PSI’s IRS exam portal.
How to book your examChoose the part, center, and appointment in PSI’s IRS portal.
SEE appointments must fall inside the IRS-announced testing window. International scheduling can differ from US scheduling; consult the current IRS notice before planning travel.
Choose the part and search for an appointment
Sign in to your PSI profile, select the SEE part, and search centers and available dates for your location.
Pay and complete the reservation
Save PSI’s confirmation email and verify the exam part, date, time, center address, and confirmation number. Keep that number for any change or cancellation.
If dates are missing, check whether scheduling is open for your country in the IRS notice, then contact PSI through its IRS portal for appointment assistance. Open PSI’s IRS exam portal.
Where to find your resultsPSI → Manage → exam part → Check for Score Report.
Your result is available after the exam, and PSI sends the score report by email. The report is also retrievable from the PSI account used to book.
Find the completed exam in PSI
Sign in, open Manage, and select the relevant exam part.
Retrieve the report
Choose Check for Score Report, then Score Report. Save a copy of each part’s report.
If the email or report is missing, check the completed part in your PSI account and contact PSI support with your confirmation number and test date. Open PSI’s IRS exam portal.
Keep preparing with our study guides
Start with a guide, or narrow the list to the material you need.
15 resources to explore
Eligibility, dates, and exam day
Study planning and retakes
Official websites & sources
This is the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) route. PSI handles the exam; the IRS separately handles your PTIN and your later application for enrolled-agent status.
- IRS
- Issues your preparer tax identification number (PTIN), receives the later enrollment application, and checks suitability.
IRS enrollment steps and PTIN application - PSI
- Registers your exam parts, collects exam fees, schedules appointments, and provides score reports.
Open PSI’s IRS exam portal
Application, booking, and result instructions checked .
Notes
- * Application and exam fees: PTIN costs and the later enrollment application are separate. Retakes require another exam fee. ↩ Return to content
- * Published exam dates: Published windows, not reserved appointments. Source: IRS SEE availability and scheduling, checked Oct 9, 2026. ↩ Return to content