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Enrolled Agent Exam Registration: How to Register for Enrolled Agent Exam
If you’ve decided that a career as an enrolled agent is right for you, you’ll need to earn your Enrolled Agent Designation from the IRS. You can only do that if you have enough experience working for the IRS or if you pass the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam. For those who need to pass the exam, the road ahead isn’t necessarily easy, but it is definitely worth it. With some support and the right study tools at your disposal, you may find you can pass the exam and start your career as an IRS enrolled agent sooner than you think. Now that you’ve made the decision, however, you need to think about how to schedule and pass the Enrolled Agent Exam. Below we’ll cover all the steps you need to take to get started on your Enrolled Agent Exam registration.
Enrolled Agent Exam Registration
- Acquire a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
- Use the Prometric Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) web service to register for the exam. You can also find information about other testing resources, along with sample test questions and the latest information for SEE candidates in the bulletin.
- Study and prepare for each section of the Special Enrollment Examination.
- Pass all three sections of the SEE within a two-year window.
- Apply for your designation as an enrolled agent and pay the appropriate fees at Pay.gov. You can also do pay for the EA exam fees by filling out Form 23 and mailing it to the IRS with a check.
All tax professionals must have a PTIN, which is a crucial first step. The rest of the process takes a bit of work, though. So that you can set yourself up for success, we’ll go through each step in detail below.
Before Submitting Your Application to the EA Exam – What You Need to Prepare
When making a decision like this, it’s natural to want to start working toward your goal immediately. Before you start the steps above, however, there’s one other thing you need to do: Make sure you pass the exam! You may have noticed that you have a two-year window to pass all three sections of the IRS EA Exam. Getting stuck on any of those sections could spell disaster for your schedule or your ability to pass the other two effectively.
Experiencing an exam failure is something nobody wants to go through. Instead, why not go in with confidence, knowing you’ve given yourself every opportunity to succeed? To do that, you should definitely consider enrolling in an EA Exam review course. A review course can help you understand how the test is administered, the types of questions you’ll see on the exam, and the most effective strategies to prepare for success.
Of course, not all review courses are the same, and everyone learns and studies differently. You’ll want to ensure that your chosen course fits your learning style. The course should also have enough information and study materials to adequately prepare you for the Enrolled Agent Exam, and it should last long enough to ensure that you have enough time to absorb the curriculum. When you’ve found the right course for you, these EA exam discounts will help you save money!
Applying for the Enrolled Agent Exam – How to Register
The first steps of the application process are fairly easy to complete. The whole registration process can be done online. We’ll go through each part of the process in detail, as there are two systems you’ll need to navigate to complete the process. Let’s start with the first step – getting a PTIN – and the first system, the IRS’s PTIN registration page.
Step 1: Acquire a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
Before starting your Enrolled Agent Exam registration, you’ll need a Preparer Tax Identification Number. If you don’t already have one, you can create one by going to the IRS Tax Professionals webpage, then clicking the “Renew or Register” link on the right.
Once you’re there, you’ll need to log into your account to continue. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t have one.
Create your account if you haven’t already done so by choosing the option on the right. Once you have logged into your account, you can proceed to follow these steps to create your PTIN.
Step 2: Use the Prometric Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) Web Service to Register for the Exam.
The IRS uses Prometric to handle the registration and administration of the Enrolled Agent Exam.
New Users Must Create an Account
Just like last time, you’ll need to create an account first. To do so, click the green circle on the left with the key icon, or you can click the text below it that says, “Create An Account.” Once you’ve done that, you’ll be asked to create a username and password and provide some other general information.
You’ll need to create a secure password (see the requirements in the screenshot below) and pass a couple of CAPTCHA verification checks to ensure you’re not a robot.
Once you’ve provided all the required information, click “Create Account.”
Important: When you click the Create Account link, the Prometric system will auto-generate a confirmation e-mail and send it to the address you gave them. You must click the activation link in the e-mail within 24 hours for your account to be activated. You’ll have to start the process again if you don’t get that done within 24 hours.
After you’ve created your account, you’ll have to log in first.
Login Instructions: Existing Users
Fill in your new username and password information, type in the correct CAPTCHA code, and then press “Log In.”
Create Your Profile
The following information is required to complete your Prometric profile and your EA Exam registration.
- Your full legal name – it must be an exact match to the name on your government-issued ID
- Country (select from dropdown menus)
- Full Address and phone number
- Date of Birth (select from dropdown menus)
- PTIN
Make sure the profile information you enter is accurate before submitting.
If you don’t wish to subscribe to e-mails from Prometric, click the slider on the bottom left of the screen (circled in red) before clicking “Save and Continue” (circled in red on the right).
Review the Candidate Account Page
Once you’ve hit “Save and Continue” on the account creation screen, you’ll be taken to the candidate account page. From here, you’ll be able to access all kinds of functions regarding your IRS Enrolled Agent Exam. In addition to scheduling your exam from this page, you can also see which exams are coming up, which ones you’re already scheduled for, and which ones you’ve already taken. Other options include canceling an exam, rescheduling an exam, and finding directions to the nearest testing center.
As you can see from the screenshot above, the exam has three separate parts. The exams do not have to be taken in sequential order, though. (Our website has information about each EA exam section, too.)
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, click the orange button on the right side of the screen next to the section of the EA exam you’d like to sit for first.
Next, you’ll need to read the Information Review and Privacy Policy Review pages. Once you’ve done that, you can click “Next” at the bottom of the page.
Accommodations:
If you require testing accommodations, you’ll need to request your accommodation before you schedule your appointment by calling 1-800-967-1139. A Prometric representative will send you an accommodations packet that outlines all accommodations available to individuals pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations include sign language interpreters, adaptive equipment, and other aids that provide equal access for test takers with disabilities.
Select a Test Center:
Enter the city, state, or zip code for the area where you’d like to test. Click search, and select the testing center that is closest to you. Hint: Use the search radius to broaden your search if you can’t find a testing center within 25 miles of your zip code.
Once you find the testing center that will work best for you, click “Schedule an Appointment” next to that center on the list.
Selecting a Date and Time:
On the next screen, you’ll have the best results if you choose “Find available seats in a 3-month period.” Once you’ve selected that, click “Go.” Note: Appointments cannot be scheduled for more than six months in advance.
Use the calendar that pops up to choose the day that works best for you and the drop-down menu on the right to choose a time. Once you’ve selected a date and time, click “Go.”
Final Steps:
You’ll need to complete the payment information on the next screen. The fee for each section of the exam is $203. After completing the information, click “Next.”
You’ll be redirected to a page that says “Appointment Complete.”
On this page, you can print or save your appointment confirmation, print your receipt, or request an e-mail copy of your receipt.
Review the information on your appointment confirmation carefully. Make sure the date, time, and testing center are correct. Contact Prometric as soon as possible if you need to reschedule or make any other changes to your appointment.
Before Your Test Date:
Once you’ve scheduled your test, there are a lot of things you’ll need to do to prepare. As mentioned above, you should definitely consider a review course. These are expensive exams with high stakes, and failure is costly. An EA review course can help you understand what you’re up against, so you can enter the testing center with confidence.
Speaking of the testing center, here are some things you should know before you show up for your first exam:
- You’ll need both a government-issued ID and a copy of your appointment confirmation.
- Each testing center has different requirements, so check the test-day requirements for your specific testing center before arrival.
- Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before your test. A well-rested brain functions much better than a tired one.
- Be sure to arrive early to your appointment to give yourself enough time to park and find the right place to go.
What to Expect on Test Day:
When you walk into the Prometric exam center, you’ll be asked to show your ID and your appointment confirmation. Then you’ll be taken to a place where you can store personal belongings that are not allowed, such as cell phones or other electronic devices, notes, etc. Testing center personnel will supply you with materials that may be allowed, such as scratch paper or other necessary materials. You can keep your ID and locker key with you during the exam. You’ll be asked to empty your pockets to ensure the integrity of the test, and testing center personnel will explain all of the rules and procedures to you at this time.
Depending on the testing center, you may be required to provide biometric identification information (fingerprint scan, etc.) in addition to your government-issued ID.
Each exam section is timed, and there are no scheduled breaks. Make sure you take care of personal issues or bathroom needs before you enter the testing room.
Questions During the Exam
If you have questions during your test, simply raise your hand, and a Prometric testing representative will come to assist you. If you experience a computer issue, ask the proctor to log the incident. Also, please note that proctors cannot answer any questions regarding test content or scoring information. They can only answer procedural questions about how to take the test or use the materials provided (such as computer systems).
One final thing that bears mentioning is that testing center officials are trained to be vigilant regarding suspicious behavior. Also, testing centers are under constant video and audio surveillance. Make sure you take your behavior seriously during the exam to give yourself the best chance of success.
Final Thoughts
Scheduling and sitting for the Enrolled Agent Exam shouldn’t have to be stressful. It’s a high-stakes test that could have major implications for your career, but with the right tools and adequate preparation, a passing grade is definitely achievable, and the rewards are worth it. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career as a tax professional, visit Prometric’s website and schedule an appointment. Then check out all of your review course options and get studying!
About the Author Stephanie
I am the author of How to Pass The CPA Exam (published by Wiley) and the publisher of this and several accounting professional exam prep sites.
