[leglock]

For anyone who has taken or is taking the EA exam, in comparison to the cpa exam, how difficult is the EA exam?

Are the questions as tricky as the cpa exam or are they more straight forward like a college class test?

Are there review courses for the EA exam?

Thanks

[Skynet]

The EA exams is not that difficult. The exams consists of 3 exams containing 100 questions each exam and you get 3.5 hours. The EA exams are nothing compare to REG of the CPA exam. If I can pass all 3 sections of the EA exam on the first try, you can too.

[leglock]

Thanks skynet. Does having the EA designation confer any additional benefits upon someone or entitle you to certain things the cpa designation does not (aside from networking opportunities which is important)..

Also, were there specific review courses you used for the EA test, or did you just use your CPA materials and that was sufficient?

Thanks again for the info

[Skynet]

Not necessarily. Since I'm in Southern California, a license is required to prepare taxes which is the CTEC license unless you are an EA or CPA. I chose the EA because I can do more with it such as Representations. With the CTEC I can only do personal taxes.

As for the course i used, which I don't recommend, was the Passkey EA materials on Amazon.

[Tux]

I'm interested in this too.

I have been very undecided whether to pursue the EA after the CPA exams, and recently decided that I will go for it, immediately after I get through REG.

so, I'm wondering if I should test for the EA with only my CPA REG study materials or buy an EA study course?

I plan to review the sample questions of old EA exams from the IRS website, so I wonder if that's enough in addition to REG study material??

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Anonymous]

Tux-

Don't waste your time with the EA after your CPA. There is not added benefit of getting an EA when you posses a CPA.

[Anonymous]

Compared to the CPA exam, the EA exam is probably on a scale of 1-10, about a 5. CPA Exam is much tougher.

[Anonymous]

From what I understand, you can pass all 3 exams within a couple of months if you are motivated. While the material of all 3 combined would be more than REG, and more detailed, the questions asked are more straightforward, while the AICPA likes to trick candidates.

That being said, I don't see that much benefit if you are a CPA already. If you aren't yet licensed, and want to represent people, then it's definitely not a bad idea. Also, I don't know if CPAs can practice out-of-state like EAs.

[Anonymous]

IMO,

CPA = Doctor

EA = Nurse/Orderly….

Getting an EA after CPA makes no sense whatsoever…

[Anonymous]

As I said, a CPA is licensed to practice in a particular state, whereas an EA is enrolled to practice before the IRS anywhere. I don't know that there are that many instances where this makes a difference, but it's still different nonetheless.

I could also see someone taking the EA exam as a way to brush up on their tax knowledge. There are many CPAs who have worked in audit who don't have a clue how to fill out a tax return.

[Tncincy]

how many states can you really work in? I wouldn't waste time on an EA when you will make more money with the CPA including taxes.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[hecubus330]

EA exam is super easy if you are a tax person. I passed all three parts on the first try. My studying was last minute cramming 3-4 days before the exam. If I pulled that crap with the CPA exam I would most definitely have failed.

I used the Gleim review system with the UCLA Extension review class.

BEC -69, 69
REG -77 (expired), 79
FAR - ?
AUD - 65, 67

[ScarletKnightCPA]

I'm surprised to hear that you guys feel that the EA exam is so easy, I've heard in the past that it was harder than the Reg exam section. I was thinking about pursuing the EA exam at some point in the distant future to brush up on my tax knowledge.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[hecubus330]

It's not really the content that makes it easier than REG (though I still stand by my original statement of if you are a tax person, it is easy).

The REG testlets are adaptive to how you answer them.

EA exam questions are given at the start of the exam and they do not change. You can answer them in any order and you may go back and change your answer at anytime.

REG has simulations in addition to the 72 MCQs, and you have three hours to finish the exam.

The EA exam is 100 MCQs,(only 85 count toward your score), and you have 3.5 hours to finish the exam.

REG you can only take breaks between testlets.

EA you can take a break whenever you want.

I retook REG after three months of EA classes and studying. My REG score expired. I figured I had been studying tax for a while, so it seemed like a good time to retake. I get my score next week.

BEC -69, 69
REG -77 (expired), 79
FAR - ?
AUD - 65, 67

[mla1169]

But as a CPA you are very technically only authorized in the state issuing the license, if like me you live very close to a state line and are as likely as not to do taxes in another state, the EA may be worthwhile if you aren't licensed in both states.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[san4596]

CPA and EA both allow you to represent a taxpayer before the IRS no matter the state. However, I do not know if this is true for the State Taxing Entity, but I would be willing to be both could still represent the taxpayer.

Why? Non-resident taxpayers. I have filed OK, AL, LA, and even NV state returns on behalf of our clients as non-residents and residents. You have to be licensed in the state that you practice in. Live and work in NY, you better have your license through NY. So on and so forth.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[Author]

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