Are enrolled agents certified?
James Craig
Published Apr 02, 2026
Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights.
How long does it take to get Enrolled Agent license?
Depending on your tax knowledge, becoming an enrolled agent can take 3-8 months. You may hear some enrolled agents boast that the EA exam is easy and they passed it in just a few weeks. Yet, the reality is that most candidates are not able to pass in 1 month.
What are the benefits of becoming an Enrolled Agent?
Here are three of the most valuable benefits in becoming an enrolled agent.
- Verification of Tax Expertise. Earning an EA license means that the tax accountant is part of an elite group that is recognized as a tax expert.
- Opportunities for Job Growth.
- Expanded Earning Potential.
How long does it take to get enrolled agent license?
Is Enrolled Agent exam hard?
The pass rate on the SEE varies for each of the three parts of the exam. The most difficult test for most candidates is Part 2 (Businesses). Part 1 of the exam (Individuals) is also challenging; approximately 75-80% of exam-takers have passed this part of the exam in the past three years. …
Is a CPA or Enrolled Agent better?
In general, CPAs earn more than EAs in all career levels. However, the CPA credential requires significantly more schooling, time, and upfront costs than the EA credential. The EA credential is also more client-focused than a CPA credential. These are both factors to weigh alongside salary numbers for each profession.
What are the steps to become an Enrolled Agent?
Steps to becoming an enrolled agent: Obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Visit Prometric’s Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) web page to schedule your test appointments, review the SEE Candidate Information Bulletin, sample test questions, and other test preparation resources.
What makes you an Enrolled agent at the IRS?
An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards.
What are the rights of an Enrolled Agent?
Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.
Are there continuing education requirements for Enrolled Agents?
Do enrolled agents have any continuing education requirements? (updated 4/22/21) Generally, enrolled agents must obtain a minimum of 72 hours per enrollment cycle (every three years). A minimum of 16 hours must be earned per year, two of which must be on ethics. Enrolled agents must use an IRS approved CE provider .