[VAactgGrad]

Has anyone taken both? How much additional studying does the Special Enrollment exam require than for the REG exam? Has anyone passed the Special Enrollment exam using only the studying material for the REG section of the CPA? I’m looking to take the Special Enrollment exam but not planning to pay the hefty fees for the studying material… I have no work-related experience in tax. Thanks for any feedback.

[Anonymous]

I had bought the EA study guides on AMazon, they were under $300.. they were definitely different than my REG book. Way more detailed material than the REG book. For example, I remember the EA material went over Military benefits and things they can deduct, but the REG exam had no information on that.

I never sat for the EA exam, but I can tell you the study material was a bit different then the REG book. I don't know what the score is to pass the EA. I'm sure it's a lot easier than the REG exam.

[mike01]

I have the EA license. I took the test 2 years ago. The questions are more in depth than the CPA exam. I personally thought the exam was tougher than the CPA exams. If you pass you don't get a score and you know whether you pass or fail before you get out of your seat at Prometric. The study material I used I believe was less than 200 dollars for all 3 sections from Phonix Tax Group. Don't have a heart attack when you find out you pass on the same day as your test.

[VAactgGrad]

CPA Someday & mike01,

Thanks for the Info! Instant scoring for the EA, wow, that's something! I saw some studying material on TaxMama for near $1k, looks like I need to search for other materials. The 200 – 300 range is definitely reasonable. Not looking forward to the EA exam's being more in depth, but I guess the added detail in tax is the reason I want to study for it.

[Anonymous]

OUch on that price! It's all MCQ 😉 No sims 🙂 You can do it! Check Amazon. Search “EA Study guide” there are definitely cheaper options. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

I'm an Enrolled Agent. I took the Individual and Business parts of the EA exam right after I took REG last fall. I didn't buy any additional materials. You should be able to use your CPA exam review materials and the IRS website and do just fine.

The website has recommended publications for each sections and old exams that will help you. Try that before you spend any money. It worked for me!

[VAactgGrad]

CPAWannaBe,

Thank you for the advice.What resource did you use for part 3 of the exam?

[Anonymous]

For the third part I used the old exams (because a lot of that stuff hasn't changed) and the publications they listed. There were a ton of pubs for that part but the old exams really helped me know what to study.

[Author]

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