Choosing the right EA review course is the single most important decision you will make on your Enrolled Agent journey.
Consider how competitive this industry has become— the BLS expects positions to decrease by 4% over the next ten years1, with automation being one of the core causes2. And while this will probably lead to increased salaries over the long term, it also means that you’ll need to work even harder to achieve success in your career.
A lot of the hard work is studying so you can pass the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). But in order to make those hundreds of study hours count, it’s crucial to find the course that best fits your learning style and background.
So here’s the good news – I have personally tested every major EA review course on the market so you don’t have to!
The comparison chart below will help you figure out which EA review course best fits your needs.
What Are The Best EA Review Courses?These are the Top 5 Best EA Review Courses in 2021 ( January ):
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Surgent EA Review Course
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Gleim EA Review Course
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Fast Forward Academy EA Review Course
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Lambers EA Review Course
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Wiseguides EA Study Materials
Here are the best EA review courses & EA study materials to help you pass the exam on your first try and become an Enrolled agent.
How do you rate Surgent EA Review ?
Surgent EA Review Course (Rank: #1)
OVERALL RATING:
Bottom Line: Surgent EA review course offers a time-saving educational program that can help both English and Spanish speakers study smarter, not harder. They also provide helpful digital textbooks and video lectures in their premier level course.
GO TO SURGENT EA REVIEW COURSE
Surgent EA Review Course Discounts & Promo Codes
Gleim EA Review Course (Rank: #2)
OVERALL RATING:
Bottom Line: Gleim is determined to prepare their students for the EA exam and other exams by any means necessary and their EA review course is a perfect example of this. In addition to excellent analytical tools, they provide live counselor instruction and customizable practice tests.
Gleim EA Review Course Discounts & Promo Codes
Fast Forward Academy EA Review Course (Rank: #3)
OVERALL RATING:
Bottom Line: The affordable EA review course study program provided by Fast Forward Academy is a terrific resource for students who learn best through video content. Integrated community features are a convenient fringe benefit.
GO TO FAST FORWARD ACADEMY EA REVIEW COURSE
Fast Forward Academy EA Review Course Discounts & Promo Codes
Lambers EA Review Course (Rank: #4)
OVERALL RATING:
Bottom Line: The insight provided by Eva Rosenberg and Arthur Reed in Lambers’ EA review course is impossible to find anywhere else. With a bit more engaging video content, this would be one of the top courses on the market!
WiseGuides EA Review Course (Rank: #5)
OVERALL RATING:
Bottom Line: If you can manage to stomach the obsolete technology behind their EA review course, WiseGuides can provide one of the most affordable courses that still includes thousands of practice questions
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- Course
- Surgent EA Review
- Fast Forward Academy
- Gleim EA Review
- Top Features
- Most Material Covered
- Most Cost Effective
- Best Value
Enrolled Agent FAQs
Want to learn more about enrolled agents or the EA exam process? Here are some helpful answers to frequently asked questions:
What is the best Enrolled Agent prep course?
The EA exam prep course that offers the best experience for the widest range of students is Surgent. Their curriculum is made up of several different study materials, they offer live instructor assistance, and their adaptive learning technology is second to none. Some students will ask our thoughts on other courses like Fast Forward Academy or Gleim–Gleim also has an excellent catalog of EA exam review courses with the largest volume of practice questions and quizzes.
Is the enrolled agent exam difficult?
When looking at the pass rates for EA exam takers, it’s clear that this three-part exam is very difficult— but it gets easier as you progress through each level. According to data gathered by Gleim, Part 1 has the lowest average pass rate (around 61%), and Part 3 has the highest (around 85%).3
How do I prepare for the enrolled agent exam?
The IRS recommends consulting several of their official tax forms and documents when preparing for the EA exam.4 Additionally, they have a list of recommended prep course providers to help you understand the test material, including several of our top-rated courses like Gleim and Kaplan.5
How long should I study for the enrolled agent exam?
According to Fast Forward Academy, students typically need between 40 and 160 hours of study time for each section of the EA exam. They recommend scheduling regular study times over a period of 3 to 4 months in order to meet this goal and pass the EA exam.6
Sources
These are the sources used to make factual claims in the article above:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/tax-examiners-and-collectors-and-revenue-agents.htm#tab-6
- https://www.statista.com/chart/17268/artificial-intelligence-federal-jobs/
- https://www.gleim.com/enrolled-agent-review/blog/enrolled-agent-exam-pass-rates/
- https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/enrolled-agents-frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.ceprovider.us/public/default/listing
- https://fastforwardacademy.com/course/enrolled-agent-exam/ea-study-tips
Additional Resources to Get You On the Right Track
Not sure you want to become an Enrolled Agent? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Check out my Enrolled Agent vs. CPA comparison and see what’s a better fit for you. You can also learn more about other finance and accounting related certifications: CPA Exam Courses, CFA Prep Courses, and CIA Study Materials. And if you have any Enrolled Agent questions, just drop a comment below and I’ll personally help you find the right course for you!