[Anonymous]

Hey guys, not sure if any of you can help me, and I know there a lot of differing opinions on whether or not to obtain both the CPA and the EA designations, but I took REG on 8/20 and was wanting to take the SEE while I am waiting to get my scores back for REG and AUD.

I got a PTIN, registered an account on the prometric website, and when I login and go to schedule an exam I get the following error after entering my candidate ID and first four of my last name:

“The eligibility id provided does not exist.”

Any thoughts on this? I was hoping to knock out all three exams this month, but if I can’t even schedule the exam that would obviously hinder me a bit……..I emailed prometric yesterday morning about the error and have not heard anything back yet.

Anyone got any ideas here? I am kind of at a loss!

[Anonymous]

I got my EA before starting the CPA exams and it is nice to say that I am better than a CPA when it comes to taxes. EA's specialize in tax but not all CPAs do. I recommend you get it. The exams are fairly easy compared to the CPA exam, but they still take time to study for. I used Lambers

[Anonymous]

Oh, I've convinced myself to go and get it, have my study materials and am ready to rock, but I am having trouble scheduling…….

[Anonymous]

I think you schedule with your PTIN, not the same number as you do for the CPA exam (your candidate number – or whatever it's called).

[Anonymous]

I know, I used my PTIN, and that is what doesn't work 🙁

[Tux]

To the original question – I suggest calling prometric on the phone.

I'm glad to see questions about the EA….

I'm considering getting the EA, too. But, I'm very unsure.

Although I plan to specialize in tax, no one has been able to tell me what benefit it gives me in addition to the CPA. I was told “you don't need it”.

So, I'm not sure if I should spend the time studying for it, as well as the cost to prepare for it and take it.

Someone told me that work experience will count for a lot more than the EA certification.

I appreciate any advice in helping me to make a decision!!!!!

Also, what review course did you use to study for the EA?

Someone above mentioned Lambers, but I didn't know if they used that for CPA or EA?

I'm aware that Gleim has one.

I might consider the Tax Mama course, if I do it.

I would love advice on how to determine if I should pursue it or not.

AND, which review course is recommended.

Thanks!!

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

[Skynet]

My 2 cents.

I am curently an EA. When the recession hit, I got hit hard. With not much accounting skills and not much funds to take the cpa exams, I decided on the EA as the next best option to at least landing some kind of job in the accounting field. It took me a year but it was well worth it. I managed to get a tax preparer job this year, and even though it was seasonal, it paid pretty well. The additional income allowed me to save up as an added cushion for the cpa exams. The EA is an actual license issued by the IRS. You don't need the EA if you have your CPA, but it can be a great conversation starter at networking events because not many people know about the designation.

I live in SoCal and in order to practice you need a license. A lot of preparers in CA have the license issued by CTEC, but you can only do so much with it. Plus a lot of these preparers have very little training. I wouldn't really trust a lot of these preparers doing my taxes. With the EA, you can both prepare almost any kind of tax returns and also represent tax payers. You wouldn't be able to do that with the CTEC license here. With CTEC you are only limited to preparing personal returns.

Also contrary to beliefs, the EA is not expensive to maintain either. I can maintain mine for less than $200 a year which includes the cost of CE and renewing my PTIN.

The good thing for me right now is that since I have more retail experience than accounting experience and since it is a little tough for me to get an accounting job, at least I know that with the EA, I can land a job during tax season.

Finally, I know a lot of professionals who are CPAs, yet they still maintain the EA license.

[Author]

Replies