IRS Enrolled Agent (Part 1) Best courses
Summary: Best IRS EA prep resources (2026)
The IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), widely known as the Enrolled Agent Exam, is a significant three-part multiple-choice assessment authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and administered at PSI testing centers nationwide (as of May 2026). Successfully passing all three sections of the enrolled agent exam grants candidates the prestigious Enrolled Agent (EA) designation, enabling them to represent taxpayers before the IRS in areas such as tax return preparation, audits, appeals, and other official proceedings. Whether you are a CPA, tax attorney, or other tax professional aiming to advance your career, finding effective enrolled agent exam prep resources can help you achieve a first-time pass.
The enrolled agent exam is structured into three distinct parts, each demanding significant study and preparation, especially for candidates without extensive tax experience. Each section features 100 multiple-choice questions, and with an average pass rate near 66%, the EA exams are recognized for their rigor and depth:
- Part 1: Individuals (covering taxpayer data, income and assets, deductions and credits, and specialized individual returns)
- Part 2: Businesses (addressing tax considerations for commercial entities, business tax preparation, and specialized business documentation)
- Part 3: Representation, Practice, and Procedures (focused on IRS representation, procedural requirements, tax law, and policy)
Candidates may take each section of the enrolled agent exam in any order; however, all three parts must be passed within a three-year period to qualify for the EA credential.
Selecting the best enrolled agent exam prep course can be the key to securing your official EA status. Our guide below features top-rated IRS EA test-preparation providers, including popular choices such as Becker, Gleim, Surgent, and HOCK International. Each prep course offers distinct features tailored to a wide range of learning preferences and time commitments. We provide in-depth comparisons of key IRS SEE study materials, supported by authentic user feedback, to help you choose the most effective solution for your enrolled agent exam preparation.
Please note that student testimonials have been condensed for clarity and relevance. Also note that while our reviews focus on complete EA exam prep courses, some candidates mix and match or combine multiple providers for different exam sections.
Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.
Top-rated IRS EA exam course materials of 2026
Our top picks for IRS EA preparation include options for every study schedule and proficiency level, from self-guided programs to highly involved learning experiences. We chose our selections based on:
- Cost
- Are the materials reasonably priced based on what's offered?
- Variety
- Does the study manual or other core study material come with other features that add value, like flashcards, advising, etc.?
- Coverage
- Does the material include all major sections on the exam? Which resources are designed for holistic preparation, and which are better suited for quick reviews on specific topics?
- Accessibility
- Does the vendor prioritize breaking down concepts in an approachable way for maximum retention? Do their products cater to specific learners or a range of different learning styles?
- Community feedback
- Do students tend to recommend this vendor for IRS SEE preparation? What do learners like about their instructional materials, practice tests, and other resources?
- Score boosters
- Is the program rigorous enough to get you a 105 or above out of 130 (the passing score on the IRS EA)?
For each vendor, we list the key features, pros, and cons of their study aids and tools, highlighting provider strengths and potential limitations. Our guide below can help you make an informed decision on how to best prepare for this tax-heavy professional examination.
All-inclusive prep: Becker
- Becker is a trusted name in financial licensing preparation, and their IRS SEE course is a favorite among working professionals.
- Their course offers many different study aids and tools, with a community-oriented feel facilitated by their online Facebook group.
- Try-before-you-buy lets you see if the course is right for you before making a purchase.
- Their courses come with a large variety of proven study tools that match a number of different learning styles
- Unlimited Adapt2U technology-driven practice tests and an AI exam review assistant allow for a modern test-taking experience
- Pro package offers unlimited lifetime access, plus a free CE ethics course
- Hundreds of SkillBuilder solution videos available for both packages break down complicated concepts
- While courses are all-inclusive, they are also expensive at full price
- No pass guarantee, no printed textbook, and limited access for the Essentials plan
- No live instruction
- Limited number of simulated exams
- Course access for all three parts
- Digital textbook
- 1 simulated exam per part
- 3,000+ multiple-choice questions
- Customizable study planner
- Concept, tax form, and SkillBuilder videos
- Hundreds of digital flash cards
- Virtual academic support
- Flexible payment options
Becker's Enrolled Agent (EA) course stands out as a robust enrolled agent course, offering an all-in-one solution for anyone preparing for the IRS EA Exam. Becker EA review features well-rounded exam prep materials, including in-depth digital textbooks, engaging on-demand video lectures led by seasoned tax professionals, a massive question bank of over 3,000 multiple-choice questions, full-length simulated exams for every section, and digital flashcards, providing effective tools for mastering complex tax topics. All content is available entirely online, letting students access their enrolled agent course modules from any device and study at their convenience, whether over months or during intensive sessions. Students also have the option of signing up for shorter courses devoted to individual parts of the exam, each valued at $200.
This Becker EA package is enhanced with adaptive learning technology (Becker's Adapt2U) and an AI-powered study assistant (Newt™), both designed to target your specific strengths and weaknesses. The built-in, customizable study planner streamlines pacing and keeps students organized. Becker also offers unlimited instructor support and exclusive access to a student community forum, fostering invaluable peer connections and knowledge sharing that complement its expert-backed content.
Becker's EA course adapts to different learning preferences with multiple packages: the Essentials tier includes all core study materials for a full three-part review, while the Pro option includes printed textbooks, a pass guarantee, and a complimentary continuing education ethics course.
Known for its decades-long reputation in professional exam preparation, Becker provides a trusted, user-centric path toward earning your EA designation. However, some candidates mention that the Becker EA materials can be dense, at times overly focused on calculations, and occasionally drift from critical exam topics. A few users have noted that the question format differs from the actual test and find the overall cost high without institutional discounts.
“I'm using Becker for EA, and I really love it. You get all the same features of the CPA review platform like the study planner, flash cards, simulated exams, really good user interface that mirrors the exam exactly.”
“I am using Becker and [dislike] the MCQs. They [often] go into questions not remotely covered in the textbooks or on the flash cards. The calculations are unbearable, and they throw so much at you that retention is nearly impossible. I have been so frustrated.”
Bottom line: The Becker EA prep program offers an all-inclusive enrolled agent course with adaptive learning tools and strong academic support. While it remains a top choice by industry insiders, potential students should consider the intensive nature of the materials and pricing before enrolling.
Industry-recommended: Gleim
- Gleim is another well-known provider of finance-related test preparation, bringing over 50 years of experience in supporting tax professionals and agent certification.
- Their status as an industry leader has led them to become a preferred EA review provider by the National Association of Tax Professionals.
- Realistic practice exams and exam-level questions paired with expertly written digital textbooks
- Traditional and Premium EA Review packages include guidance and support from counselors and educators to enhance your self-study experience
- Premium package includes an Access Until You Pass guarantee
- Includes CPE hours
- The Test Bank does not come with SmartAdapt personalized and guided review
- Expensive, especially considering these are self-study plans without live instruction
- Limited number of tools overall
- 30+ hours of expert-led videos
- Study planner and personalized support (upper tiers only)
- Realistic practice exam environment
Gleim's Enrolled Agent course delivers comprehensive preparation through its extensive test bank, featuring thousands of multiple-choice questions, detailed answer explanations, and full-length mock exams that replicate the testing environment. The Gleim EA Review leverages SmartAdapt™ adaptive learning technology to customize your study plan, targeting your specific strengths and weaknesses. Learners also benefit from digital textbooks, audio lectures, on-demand video content (especially in Premium tiers), and mobile-friendly flashcards, ensuring a flexible and effective study process. The enrolled agent course includes realistic exam simulations and essential tools, such as performance analytics and study planners, to keep your EA exam preparation organized and efficient.
Depending on your chosen package, this enrolled agent course offers valuable support features, including personal counselors for study planning and accountability. The Premium Review System also includes an Access Until You Pass® or money-back guarantee, allowing you to prepare for the EA exam without worrying about expiration dates. Gleim EA Review packages range from standalone test banks to its Premium system, which combines adaptive study tools, personalized coaching, and up to 72 hours of continuing professional education (CPE).
Widely recognized for its in-depth content coverage, structured guidance, and robust practice materials, the Gleim EA course is a solid option for self-driven candidates pursuing the Enrolled Agent credential. However, it's worth noting that some users have found Gleim's material more challenging and complex than the actual exam, which can be beneficial for thorough preparation but may be frustrating for others. Pricing is also on the higher end, with fewer supplementary study aids compared to competitors like Becker.
“Gleim is definitely more complicated, but I like having the harder questions so I can feel really prepared.”
“Some of the Gleim explanations were really overly complicated, but this is the exception, not the norm.”
Bottom line: For those seeking a rigorous enrolled agent course, Gleim EA Review stands above the rest for its depth, adaptive technology, and industry partnerships. Just be mindful of the investment required and the possibility that some practice questions may not perfectly align with the actual exam.
Best for self-study: Surgent
- Powered by predictive AI technology, Surgent Accounting & Financial Education aims to reduce study time while maximizing preparation efficiency and effectiveness.
- Candidates can select from the Textbank, Premier, or Ultimate packages, each designed to support aspiring EAs across a range of educational and professional backgrounds.
- Text Bank is best for candidates looking for drilling, not those who need comprehensive reviews
- Advertises a 97% pass rate
- All tiers come with a money-back pass guarantee
- Surgent offers special promotions to students, helping them pay for both higher education and certification costs
- Courses come with a complimentary two-year associate membership with the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)
- Lower tiers do not come with printed textbooks, flashcards, or live coaching
- Essentials plan does not come with videos or any form of live instruction
- Varying course access periods based on level
- Limited live instruction options
- Proprietary predictive AI technology and ReadySCORE Exam-Readiness indicator
- Unlimited practice exams
- Thousands of practice questions with full text answers
- Free automatic content updates
- 60+ videos with downloadable lecture study notes (Premier and Ultimate)
- Private virtual, one-on-one coaching sessions (Ultimate only)
Surgent's Enrolled Agent exam prep course leverages award-winning adaptive learning technology to deliver a truly personalized study experience. This EA exam prep program identifies and targets your weak areas, aiming to reduce your total study time while maximizing efficiency and retention. Each enrolled agent course package offers a robust set of core materials, including thousands of multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations, unlimited practice exams, concise video lectures, the latest IRS content, and unique metrics like ReadySCORE™ to track your readiness for the actual Enrolled Agent exam with 80% accuracy.
All study resources align with current SEE content outlines and are backed by a money-back pass guarantee to increase confidence in your test preparation. Additionally, Surgent provides a complimentary two-year associate membership with the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), reinforcing its collaboration with industry-leading organizations.
Surgent's EA course is available in thoughtfully tiered packages, ranging from Essentials (with adaptive study software and extensive question banks) to comprehensive plans that add expansive video lectures, printed textbooks, digital and physical flashcards, plus 1-on-1 EA exam coaching. This flexibility allows you to choose the enrolled agent prep combination that best matches your learning style and support needs. Materials for the Enrolled Agent exam prep are fully accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, so you have control over your study schedule. The course is also continuously updated to reflect all current tax law changes and IRS updates.
Many users note that Surgent's adaptive technology and performance tracking help them optimize their test prep strategy and improve exam-day confidence; however, the premium price tag reflects its advanced adaptive features. In a thorough Surgent EA review, some users report content issues, including occasional errors and fewer interactive features than in top Enrolled Agent programs.
“I've used Surgert for all of mine. Passed 1 and 3 first attempt and had 85+ on all practice exams.”
“Currently with Surgent...mind you, I am a complete beginner, and I have already made 4 major mistakes on the course...It's not bad [overall], but still lacks a lot, like, no forum to ask questions.”
Bottom line: Surgent's adaptive, self-study platform offers a leading option for Enrolled Agent exam candidates who prioritize personalized learning in their test prep. However, while it provides excellent results for efficient learners with limited time, past students have cited errors and fewer options to connect with instructors and other test-takers.
Essentials and more: HOCK International
- HOCK International keeps things simple but complete, with a subscription-based course that gives you full access to the interactive learning system.
- Monthly plans let you pay for what you need, including a test bank, mock exams, videos, and expert teacher support.
- Personalized learning experience from Christy Pinheiro, an EA ABA with years of experience in exam preparation.
- Three mock exams plus thousands of multiple-choice questions for each part of the test.
- No physical learning materials included in subscription
- Limited features (ex., no flashcards or live instruction)
- Digital textbook for each part of the exam
- 70+ hours of video
- Over 2,000 practice questions
- Digital badges are awarded for completing each section of the course, which can be shared on LinkedIn
Unlike other providers, HOCK International delivers its EA exam prep course as a flexible, subscription-based online review program. HOCK International's study solution includes in-depth online textbooks, video lectures that thoroughly cover the entire Enrolled Agent (EA) exam syllabus, an extensive bank of multiple-choice practice questions with detailed explanations, and realistic, full-length mock exams designed to accurately simulate the IRS exam experience. The materials are approachable and written in an easy-to-understand format, which sets this course apart from other, denser options. The exclusive PassMap™ learning system is central to HOCK International's course and guides students step-by-step through all exam topics, complete with personalized study planning tools and progress tracking.
In addition to top-tier self-study materials, HOCK International offers subscribers live study sessions led by experienced instructors, as well as access to guidance from seasoned EA professionals, enabling students to deepen their understanding and get clarification on complex areas. HOCK's program is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing for self-paced study and multi-device access, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals preparing for all three exam parts. HOCK International has earned a solid reputation over the years for its outstanding student support, with many candidates reporting successful outcomes after using these review materials.
However, some users have raised concerns about the accuracy of certain practice questions and the effectiveness of the website and its online tools. A few test-takers discovered a gap between high readiness scores on HOCK's assessments and their actual EA exam results, leaving some to question whether HOCK International offers adequate preparation for every candidate.
“HOCK all the way! Can't speak for other courses, [but] HOCK videos really worked for me.”
“I just failed Part 1...I used HOCK and got 98% exam-ready after taking the 3 mock exams, scoring around 55 to 65%. I feel that many of the MCQs were very different.”
Bottom line: HOCK International is widely recognized online as a leading provider of EA exam prep, praised for its exhaustive and accessible program. Still, prospective learners should be aware that some users found discrepancies between predicted readiness and real-world exam performance.
Why it matters
There are numerous enrolled agent exam prep providers available, each offering its own suite of study materials and dedicated candidate support designed to help you excel on exam day. Successfully passing the enrolled agent exam is a powerful way to advance your career as:
- An accountant specializing in tax matters
- An attorney representing clients in tax-related cases
- A financial advisor or planner seeking to expand into tax-focused services
- A tax preparer aiming to elevate your ability to serve both individual and business clients
The Enrolled Agent designation is the highest credential awarded by the IRS, granting individuals unlimited practice rights across all 50 states and before any IRS office. Selecting an enrolled agent exam prep program that provides high-quality study resources, realistic practice exams, and dependable candidate support can help you reach your professional goals faster.
Wrapping up
The EA is a distinguished credential highly valued by tax and accounting professionals. Choosing the right EA exam prep provider can open doors to exciting career opportunities, allowing you to represent clients before the IRS and help both individuals and businesses minimize tax liability while staying in full legal compliance. Effective EA exam prep will prepare you to conquer these three challenging, content-rich exams, and selecting a prep program tailored to your learning style can dramatically boost your chances of passing.
Carefully assess key features, including comprehensive study materials, reputable practice exams, high-quality instructional content, current pricing, and proven results. Taking this strategic approach ensures you select an EA exam prep solution that fits your goals and provides a strong foundation for your professional journey.