How to Pass the EA Exam While Working Full Time

Becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) is a big step in advancing your tax career. But if you’re already a professional working full time, it can be difficult to fit exam prep into your schedule. Learn how to plan, strategize, and pace yourself to balance study and work to pass the EA Exam and advance as a tax services professional. 

Summary 

Passing the Enrolled Agent (EA) Exam while working full-time requires a realistic, non-negotiable study plan that maximizes short sessions, utilizes holistic learning tools like Becker’s adaptive review, and prioritizes steady, incremental progress over cramming to avoid burnout. 

Can You Pass the EA Exam While Working Full Time? 

The short answer: yes! While it may seem difficult to pack a full-time professional schedule with even more obligations, you can effectively prepare for the EA Exam—even while maintaining your work. But it will require extra planning and discipline on your part. 

7 Tips to Pass the EA Exam While Working Full Time 

1. Make (and Keep!) a Realistic Study Plan 

To make progress in EA Exam prep without falling behind in your professional responsibilities, your first step should be planning a study schedule. It should be realistic, based on your understanding of your working hours, personal commitments, and how much time per week you know you can study. Block out that time in your schedule and treat it as a non-negotiable commitment. 

2. Put Away Distractions 

Since your time is stretched between work and study, it’s even more important to make the most of the hours you dedicate to exam prep. Make sure to put away anything distracting—of course, phones or other interruptions, but also even work projects and responsibilities that might tempt your attention. You can even let others know that you will not be available during those study times and find both support and accountability in protecting those hours. 

3. Maximize Short, Frequent Sessions 

A full-time work schedule means that big chunks of study time may not be possible. Instead, find and plan your study in the short breaks you have throughout the day. For example: 

• Waking up on hour earlier to study 
• Studying during your lunch break 
• Listening to lectures during a long commute  
• Doing a quick review in waiting rooms or outside your child’s practice, etc.
   

4. Focus on Wholistic Study 

Reading textbooks and watching concept videos is important. But it’s just as important to have a well-rounded study plan that includes concept application and multiple learning formats. Especially when you’re juggling work responsibilities, it’s essential to retain and apply exam concepts quickly, so they don’t get lost in all you have on your mind. Multiple learning formats and practicing through application are the best ways to make sure that concepts the concept you learn stick. 

Becker’s EA Exam Review includes textbooks, lecture videos, unlimited adaptive learning practice tests, simulated exams, LiveOnline courses, and more—all built to walk you through deep understanding and hands-on application of exam-aligned content. 

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals 

Reduce stress and pressure by focusing on what’s in front you: smaller, weekly goals that help you take exam prep in chunks, without getting overwhelmed. 

Weekly goals may include: 

• Completing 10-15 study hours 
• Finishing one practice test 
• Assisting a LiveOnline class 
• Making sure you’re caught up with your Exam Day Read^SM tracker 
   

6. Expect Part 2 to Take the Longest 

Most EA candidates find Part 2 to be the most complex exam part, covering Business tax law and regulations. While Becker recommends 60-90 study hours for Parts 1 and 3, we recommend up to 100 hours for Part 2. Business tax law is detailed and nuanced, and you should expect to invest a little extra time to cover it all. 

7. Avoid Cramming (& Burning Out) 

While we understand that it can be tempting to put off exam prep when you’re already dealing with a busy schedule, burning out with long cram sessions is a risk that isn’t worth taking! You’ll not only feel exhausted and demotivated, but you also won’t retain as much information and risk a disappointing result on exam day. Remember: when it comes to exam prep, slow and steady wins the race. 

Start Planning Your EA Prep 

Becker’s Enrolled Agent Exam Review includes all the structured support you need to pass the EA Exam while working full time. Included in your course is a study planner that tells you exactly what to do, when to become Exam Day Ready^SM, as well as adaptive learning tools that customize your study to fit your learning style and make the most of the time you can invest in your prep. 

Get started with a free 14-day trial of Becker EA Exam Review! Experience everything you need to pass without sacrificing your professional performance.