EA exam dates and the testing window
In the U.S., you can take the Enrolled Agent exam any time from July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. The IRS says that is the current test window for domestic candidates. Testing stops in March and April, and international testing is on hold.
| Dates | |
|---|---|
| U.S. testing window | July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 |
| Yearly break | No testing in March and April |
| Testing outside the U.S. | On hold. No new start date yet. |
Why there is no testing in March and April
The IRS says the test "is not offered during the annual blackout period in March and April," and that it is updated with the most recent tax law during that time. In general, the IRS describes the window as running from May 1 to the end of February. This year it starts on July 1.
The IRS has not yet given the exact dates of the next window. Check its FAQ in early 2027.
Which tax year the exam covers
This window's questions follow the Internal Revenue Code, forms and publications as amended through December 31, 2025. Unless a question says otherwise, it is about calendar year 2025.
How you pick a date
You choose your own date. The IRS says you can schedule an appointment at any time online at the PSI website, or by calling 844-645-2218. You can take the three parts "at your convenience and in any order." To book, you first create a PSI profile. The fee and steps are in the cost and registration guide.
The IRS says you can test at home, school, or office. Remote testing is only for people who are physically in the U.S. at the time of the exam. The IRS page does not say how far ahead to book or how many open slots there are, so look at PSI's calendar before you plan around a date.
Tries and the three-year clock
You can take each part up to 4 times in a testing window. After a fail, wait 24 hours before you book that part again. If you fail late in the window, you may run out of time to retry before February 28, 2027, and then you wait for the next window.
A part you pass can be carried over for up to three years from the day you passed it. The IRS lists no pause for the March and April break. The only extensions it lists are below.
If your parts are about to expire
| Who | What the IRS gave |
|---|---|
| U.S. candidates whose parts expire May 1 to June 30, 2026 | The three years are extended by two months |
| International candidates whose parts expire after May 1, 2026 | Extended until international testing resumes |
If you live outside the U.S.
The IRS says scheduling and testing for international candidates is temporarily delayed. It had expected scheduling to begin on September 1, 2026, and testing on September 2. "New start dates have not yet been determined." When it resumes, international testing will only be remote with a proctor.
When you get your result
When you finish, a pass/fail message appears on your screen. PSI also emails you a score report. The passing score is 500 on a 200 to 800 scale. More on the switch from Prometric is in the PSI guide.
Sources, checked October 31, 2026: IRS: Enrolled agent FAQ (last updated October 26, 2026) · IRS: Special Enrollment Examination FAQ (last updated October 26, 2026). Dates can change, so check the IRS FAQ before you book.