If you’re a tax professional, you know that the best way to expand our business and provide better client services is through becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA). But how long does it take to become an Enrolled Agent? Learn all about the process, how long you need to study for the IRS’s EA Exam, and how to streamline your path to earning the designation.
Summary
The timeline to become an Enrolled Agent (EA) is relatively short compared to other credentials, generally taking five to six months up to a year or more to complete the required steps: obtaining a PTIN (4–6 weeks), passing the three-part EA Exam (which typically takes 6–18 months but can be done in 6–8 months with consistent study), and applying for enrollment (processing often takes around 60 days).
How long does it take to become an EA?
The timeline required to become an Enrolled Agent (EA) is relatively short, compared to other leading credentials in tax and accounting. However, the exact time will depend on your current knowledge and experience and, mainly, how long it takes you to pass the EA Exam.
Most professionals take about 6-12 months to complete these steps:
- Get your PTIN. (4-6 weeks)
- Applying for your PTIN is immediate. You can apply at any time on the IRS website. However, processing takes roughly 4-6 weeks. To optimize your EA timeline, you can begin EA Exam prep while you’re waiting for your PTIN.
- Pass the EA Exam. (6-18 months)
- The EA Exam is a 3-part test, each part taken separately. Your timeline to pass depends on what you already know, how you study for the EA Exam, the IRS testing window, and if you pass each part on the first try. Below, we delve into a more detailed guide to preparing for each exam part.
- Apply for enrollment. (>60 days)
- While the application on the IRS website is not a lengthy process, it may take up to 60 days for the IRS to process and approve.
Because there are no requirements on education and experience, you can shave years off the timeline to become an EA compared to many other credentials.
How long should I study for the EA Exam?
While candidates have up to three years to pass all parts of the EA Exam, you likely won’t need all that time. Many candidates pass within one year; however, with proper preparation, the certification process could take as little as a few months.
If you maintain a consistent study schedule of about 10 hours per week, you should pass your first exam part in two to three months, and all three parts within a year. These recommended study hours can give you an approximate timeline, keeping in mind that you may need less or more time depending on your current knowledge and experience:
Exam Part | Average study hours | Study weeks |
| Part 1: Individual | 70-90 hours | 7-9 weeks |
| Part 2: Business | 80-100 hours | 8-10 weeks |
| Part 3: Representation, Practice, and Procedures | 60-80 hours | 6-8 weeks |
Using this study schedule, you can prepare for and pass all three EA Exam parts in approximately six to eight months.
Keep in mind that the IRS testing window for the EA Exam runs from May through February. The IRS makes updates to the exam during March and April each year, with May 1 starting a new testing window and an updated exam. It’s important that you plan your study and test dates around this schedule.
How long does it take to become an EA after passing the EA Exam?
After successfully passing the EA Exam, the longest part of the process is behind you! But you must apply for enrollment through the IRS website, using your PTIN, within one year of completing the EA Exam. Processing your application generally takes around 60 days.
So, if you apply immediately after passing your final EA Exam part, you should obtain full enrollment as an EA within about two months.
Start the clock to becoming an Enrolled Agent
All told, becoming an Enrolled Agent generally takes anywhere from five to six months, if you’re experienced in tax, to a year or more if you’re just starting your career or only study a few hours a week.
But no matter where you are in your Enrolled Agent journey, Becker offers the resources to meet you there with the guidance and support to streamline your success. Learn more about the EA Exam, exactly what’s on it, and study tips for success in our FREE EA Exam Guide!
Start your EA Exam prep with the information to succeed.
Download our FREE EA Exam Guide ebook.
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