What the EA exam costs, and how to register
Becoming an Enrolled Agent costs $1,109.75 in IRS and exam fees, if you pass each part the first time. Most of that is the exam itself: $317 for each of the three parts.
| What you pay for | Fee |
|---|---|
| PTIN (2026) | $18.75 |
| Exam: 3 parts at $317 | $951 |
| Enrollment (Form 23) | $140 |
| Total | $1,109.75 |
The PTIN and exam fees are non-refundable, and every retake costs another $317. Study materials aren't required and aren't in the table.
How to register, step by step
- Get a PTIN. Apply online at rpr.irs.gov. For most people it takes about 15 minutes and costs $18.75. You need it before you can book the exam.
- Make an account with PSI. PSI took over the exam from Prometric on March 1, 2026. Register at test-takers.psigov.us/irs. (More on the switch.)
- Book and pay for one part. You pay the $317 when you schedule. You can take the parts in any order.
- Pass all three. You need a 500 on a scale of 200 to 800.
- Apply for enrollment. File Form 23 on Pay.gov and pay $140, or mail the form with a check. Do this within one year of passing your last part.
- Wait for the background check. The IRS checks that you've filed your tax returns and don't owe back taxes, and runs a criminal background check. It aims to finish within 60 days.
There's no degree or work-experience requirement on this route. Some former IRS employees can skip the exam, but that's a separate process. See both routes.
When you can book
Testing normally runs from May 1 to the end of February, with a break in March and April. This year's U.S. window is July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. International testing is on hold, and the IRS hasn't set new dates yet. More on exam dates.
Rescheduling and retakes
You can move or cancel your appointment for free up to 48 hours before it. Later than that, you pay the full $317 again. Miss it, and you lose the fee.
If you fail a part, you can book it again after 24 hours, up to 4 tries per part in each testing window. Each try is a new $317.
How long you have
Each part you pass stays valid for three years from the day you passed it. Pass Part 1 on November 15, 2025, and you have until November 15, 2028 to pass the other two.
Sources, checked October 4, 2026: IRS: Special Enrollment Examination FAQ · IRS: Become an enrolled agent · IRS: PTIN requirements · IRS: Applying for enrollment · PSI: IRS exam registration. Fees and dates can change, so check the IRS pages before you pay.