EA exam data
EA Exam Statistics 2026
Key numbers for the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE): pass rates by part, fees, format, study time, and reported Enrolled Agent salary. Figures are reported or approximate and can shift year to year. Free to cite and embed.
Last updated . Reviewed by R. Ralli, EA. Sources
Cite or share this
EA exam pass rates by part
2024-2025 testing year, about 66% overall. Figures are compiled from Prometric score data (the IRS does not publish official pass rates). The data predates PSI, which delivers the exam from 2026 onward.
58%
Part 1: Individuals
hardest
71%
Part 2: Businesses
70%
Part 3: Representation
| Testing year | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 58% | 71% | 70% |
| 2023-2024 | 56% | 68% | 70% |
| 2022-2023 | 60% | 68% | 69% |
| 2021-2022 | 55% | 62% | 73% |
| 2020-2021 | 66% | 72% | 82% |
See the full breakdown in our EA exam pass rates guide.
The EA exam at a glance
Exam fee
$317 per part
$951 for all three, via PSI
Format
100 questions
multiple choice, 3.5 hours per part
Passing score
500 of 800
scaled score (range 200 to 800)
Parts
3 parts
Individuals, Businesses, Representation
Testing window
July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027
US, remote or at a PSI test center
Study time
150 to 250 hrs
total across the three parts
Reported salary
$68k to $127k
varies by source, experience, setting
Continuing education
72 hours / 3 yrs
16 hours a year, 2 ethics hours a year
Frequently asked questions
What is the EA exam pass rate?
In the 2024-2025 testing year, pass rates were 58% for Part 1 (Individuals), 71% for Part 2 (Businesses) and 70% for Part 3 (Representation), about 66% overall. Part 1 (Individuals) is the hardest by pass rate. Figures are compiled from Prometric score data (the IRS does not publish official pass rates). The data predates PSI, which delivers the exam from 2026 onward.
How much does the EA exam cost in 2026?
The fee is $317 per part, or $951 for all three parts, paid to PSI when you schedule.
How many times can you take the EA exam?
You can attempt each part up to 4 times per testing window, and a passed part carries over for up to 3 years from the date you pass it. Each retake costs the $317 fee again.
Can you take the EA exam online?
US candidates can test remotely through PSI online proctoring (from home, school, or office, in a walled room where you will not be disturbed) or at a PSI test center. The current US window runs July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027.
What score do you need to pass the EA exam?
Each part is scored on a scaled range from 200 to 800. You need a scaled score of 500 to pass. Before July 2026, under Prometric, the range was 40 to 130 with 105 to pass, and the IRS has published no conversion between the two scales.
How long does it take to study for the EA exam?
Most candidates study about 150 to 250 hours total across the three parts, usually over 4 to 8 months.
Ready to practice? Take a free EA practice test, or start with Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Sources
- IRS Enrolled Agents Frequently Asked Questions, for testing window, delivery, attempts and carryover.
- Federal Register: Enrolled Agent Special Enrollment Examination User Fee Update (April 20, 2026), for the $317 per-part exam fee.
- Gleim, for reported pass rates by part.
- Becker, for reported pass rates by part.