1. Gleim EA Review
SmartAdapt, a large test bank, mock exams, personal support, and an access-until-you-pass Premium option.
2026 PSI exam comparison
Best EA Review Courses for the New PSI Exam
Five active Enrolled Agent prep options, checked for the July 2026-February 2027 testing cycle. This guide focuses on questions CPA candidates actually face: whether the EA adds value, which course fits a busy schedule, and which provider information can be trusted after the move to PSI.
- PSI-ready
- 2025 tax law
- Question banks
- Adaptive study
- Monthly access
- Affiliate disclosure
Decision summary
Five current EA review choices for August 2026
“Best” means best documented fit for a particular study need—not a universal winner. We compared current availability, 2026-cycle alignment, practice, instruction, planning, support, access terms, and price model. We did not invent hands-on scores or independently verified pass rates.
Affiliate disclosure: CPA Exam Guide may earn a commission if you purchase through some links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links are marked as sponsored. Becker and HOCK are included without affiliate links because the comparison is based on fit, not commission.
2. Fast Forward Academy
3,000+ questions, 155+ audio lessons, Fast Focus analytics, unlimited practice exams, and access until you pass.
3. Becker EA
3,000+ MCQs, Adapt2U, Newt AI, academic support, and LiveOnline classes in the current Pro package.
4. Surgent EA
Predictive AI, ReadySCORE, 2,000+ questions, unlimited practice exams, and until-pass full courses.
5. HOCK EA
A cancel-anytime membership with 2,800+ MCQs, nine mocks, 45+ video hours, weekly sessions, and a free preview.
| Provider | Practice listed | Access | Regular displayed price | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gleim | Largest-test-bank claim; 3 or 6 mocks | 12 months Traditional; until-pass Premium | $699; $799 | Comprehensive self-study |
| Fast Forward | 3,000+ questions; unlimited practice exams | Access and updates until pass | $649; $699 with bootcamp | Analytics and audio learning |
| Becker | 3,000+ MCQs; 3 simulated exams | 12 months Essentials; unlimited Premium/Pro | $499 / $799 / $949 | Live classes and support |
| Surgent | 2,000+ MCQs; unlimited practice exams | Until-pass full courses; 24-month test bank | $499; $699 | Readiness tracking |
| HOCK | 2,800+ MCQs; 9 mock exams | Monthly; cancel anytime | $119.99/month | Flexible commitment |
Prices and feature counts were observed August 9, 2026, exclude temporary promotions, and may change. Providers count assets differently, so totals are not quality scores. Confirm the final price and terms at checkout.
The 2026 gate
What every EA course must reflect now
The IRS moved the Special Enrollment Examination from Prometric to PSI effective March 1, 2026. Domestic appointments for the current cycle run July 1, 2026-February 28, 2027; designated international testing begins September 1. A provider that still says Prometric is not a reliable source for current logistics.
Three separately scheduled parts
Individuals; Businesses; and Representation, Practices and Procedures. Each has 100 MCQs: 85 scored and 15 unscored experimental questions.
Timing and scoring
Candidates have 3.5 hours to answer each part inside a four-hour seat appointment. PSI uses a 200-800 scaled score; 500 is passing.
Current tax-law cutoff
The July 2026-February 2027 exam tests law, regulations, forms, instructions, and publications as amended through December 31, 2025.
Known minimum federal fees: $317 for each of three parts, $140 for Form 23 after passing, and an $18.75 2026 PTIN fee equals $1,109.75 before review materials, travel, or retakes. Apply for enrollment within one year after passing Part 3; the IRS then performs suitability checks.
Detailed comparisons
Which EA course matches your study style?
1Comprehensive
Gleim EA Review
Best for a comprehensive, highly structured self-study system.
Gleim combines SmartAdapt planning, digital books, detailed explanations, exam-style practice, performance reports, final review, and personal support. Traditional lists 12 months of access and three mocks; Premium adds expert-led videos, six mocks, coaching, and Access Until You Pass.
- Automatic online updates during access.
- Explanations cover correct and incorrect choices.
- Premium supports a multi-tax-season plan.
- A working demo reduces platform-fit risk.
Sponsored link; preserves the existing Gleim EA destination.Check Gleim EA options
2Focused analytics
Fast Forward Academy EA Review
Best for focused analytics, concise audio, and unlimited practice.
Fast Forward Academy's 2026 Smart bundles list 3,000+ questions, unlimited practice exams, 155+ audio lectures, 23 on-demand videos, flashcards, integrated IRS publications, academic support, and access and updates until pass. Fast Focus isolates topics most likely to improve the result.
- Official FAQs now identify PSI.
- Short audio suits commuting review.
- The bootcamp tier adds on-demand webinars.
- Filters cover unseen, incorrect, flagged, and weak-topic questions.
Sponsored link; preserves the existing Fast Forward destination.Check Fast Forward Academy EA
3Live support
Becker EA Review
Best for CPA candidates who want a familiar platform and live-class option.
Becker says its materials were updated for the 2026 exam. All packages include 3,000+ MCQs, three simulations, Adapt2U practice, digital books and flashcards, concept and tax-form videos, Newt AI, academic support, and a planner. Pro purchases on or after June 1, 2026 include LiveOnline classes.
- Premium and Pro include unlimited access and a pass guarantee.
- Essentials provides 12-month access.
- Pro adds live classes; upper tiers include printed books.
- A 14-day trial reduces platform-fit risk.
Direct, non-affiliate provider link.Visit Becker EA Review
4Readiness tracking
Surgent EA Review
Best for an adaptive readiness dashboard and short targeted sessions.
Surgent's active catalog lists 2,000+ MCQs, Predictive AI, ReadySCORE, built-in IRS publications, unlimited practice exams, automatic updates, and a pass guarantee. Premier and Ultimate provide until-pass access; Ultimate adds audio, print, coaching, and one year of EA CE.
- Diagnostics prioritize weaker areas.
- Individual-part courses are available.
- Full packages list 60+ short videos.
- A test-bank tier offers 24-month access.
Sponsored link; preserves the existing Surgent EA destination.Check Surgent EA options
5Monthly access
HOCK EA Membership
Best for monthly flexibility, community, and weekly study sessions.
HOCK's membership is aligned to the July 2026-February 2027 cycle and lists 2,800+ MCQs, nine mocks, 45+ video hours, books and audiobooks, PassMap planning, expert support, weekly sessions, and HOCK Circle. HOCK acquired PassKey in 2025 and incorporates its EA materials.
- Monthly billing avoids a long commitment.
- Free membership previews all three parts.
- Books, bank, mocks, and podcasts were reported updated in May.
- Tax and development courses add post-exam value.
Direct, non-affiliate provider link.Visit HOCK EA Membership
CPA-candidate relevance
Should a CPA candidate earn the EA?
The EA is adjacent to—not a substitute for—the broad state CPA license. Both EAs and CPAs generally have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, but the routes and career signals differ.
Choose the EA first when
You want a federal tax credential quickly, work across state lines, lack CPA education, or expect work to center on tax preparation, controversy, collections, appeals, or representation.
Prioritize the CPA when
You want audit/attest authority, broader public-accounting mobility, controller or finance leadership roles, or an employer requires CPA licensure. Eligibility remains state-specific.
Stack both selectively
A tax-focused CPA may add the EA to signal concentrated federal-tax knowledge or bridge time before CPA eligibility. Because CPAs already have IRS representation rights, the incremental benefit should justify another exam and CE.
Practical sequence: if the CPA is your primary goal and you are eligible, finish it before splitting study attention. If education rules delay the CPA and you work in tax, the EA can create near-term credibility.
What changed
Why older companies disappeared from this ranking
WiseGuides: removed
No current official product page, 2026 PSI confirmation, or verifiable active checkout was found. It is not responsible to rank a course candidates cannot independently verify.
Lambers: not ranked
We could not confirm enough 2026 PSI-cycle detail from current official public materials to compare the product fairly. It can return when its course, update policy, features, and terms are clear.
Frequently asked questions
EA review course FAQ
When can I take the EA exam in 2026?
Domestic PSI testing runs July 1, 2026-February 28, 2027. Designated international testing runs September 1, 2026-February 28, 2027. Follow the IRS and PSI for locations.
How long do I have to pass all three parts?
A passed part generally remains valid for three years. Parts may be taken in any order, and the IRS permits up to four attempts per part in a testing window.
Does the EA require an accounting degree or experience?
No degree or experience is required to sit. You need a PTIN, must pass all parts, apply for enrollment, and pass the IRS suitability check. Certain former IRS employees may qualify through an experience route.
What ongoing education does an EA need?
EAs generally complete 72 CE hours every three-year cycle, including at least 16 per year and two ethics hours per year, through IRS-approved providers. PTIN renewal is annual.
Can a CPA represent clients before the IRS without an EA?
Generally yes. The IRS says EAs, attorneys, and CPAs are generally unrestricted regarding which taxpayers and tax matters they can represent before IRS offices.
How should I choose among these courses?
Start with 2026 PSI and tax-law alignment, then compare access length, explanation quality in the demo, support, and checkout terms. Do not choose solely from a pass-rate claim or temporary discount.
Primary sources
How this page was verified
Regulatory facts take priority over provider marketing. Provider pages support only product-specific claims.
- IRS — Enrolled agents: frequently asked questions (PSI, schedule, fees, timing, scoring, enrollment, representation and CE).
- IRS — PTIN requirements and 2026 fee.
- Gleim — EA Review courses.
- Fast Forward Academy — current EA bundles and EA FAQs.
- Becker — EA Exam Review and 2026 FAQs.
- Surgent — EA product page and FAQ (used to flag stale logistics).
- HOCK — EA Membership and EA information.
Last substantive review: . Pricing can change without notice; recheck exam rules with the IRS before scheduling.
Reviewed by Bryan Kesler, CPA
CPA Exam Guide founder. This comparison is educational and does not replace guidance from the IRS, PSI, a state board, or a tax professional.