Surgent vs Fast Forward Academy EA: which should you buy?
Last checked October 22, 2026 · Sources: Surgent’s own EA listings (tiers, guarantee, Ultimate price); Fast Forward Academy’s course details as listed in 2026, with prices from Auburn University (an FFA partner) and review sites; IRS EA FAQ for exam facts. Ratings are our editorial assessment from published details.
Surgent vs Fast Forward Academy compares two practice-led courses. Surgent’s adaptive course skips what you already know and carries a Pass or Money-Back Guarantee on every tier; its Ultimate Pass is listed at $999. Fast Forward Academy’s online course costs about $449 to $549, with 3,000+ questions, unlimited practice exams and access until you pass, but no guarantee, so a failed part costs $317 to retake.
You already know some tax, want adaptive study and a guarantee on any tier.
Surgent reviewYou want the lowest price with access until you pass, and learn from audio, flashcards and practice exams.
FFA reviewSurgent vs Fast Forward Academy side by side
| Surgent | Fast Forward Academy | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Prices | Ultimate $999 listed; others at checkout (older reports: from $499) | About $449 to $549 online; bundles to $699 |
| Guarantee | Pass or Money-Back on every tier | None found |
| Access | 18 months on Essentials; until you pass on Premier and Ultimate | Until you pass, with updates |
| Approach | Adaptive A.S.A.P. with ReadySCORE | Unlimited practice exams, analytics, IRS publications built in |
| Teaching | 60+ short videos from Premier; coaching on Ultimate | 155+ audio lectures, 23 videos, online textbook |
From each provider’s listings, October 2026; FFA prices from its partner list and 2026 reports. Older reports quote about $499 for entry tiers of both.
The main differences
The guarantee is the clearest difference: Surgent offers a Pass or Money-Back Guarantee on every tier, while we found none from Fast Forward Academy. Fast Forward Academy wins on price and full-length practice, with unlimited practice exams and access until you pass on its online course. Surgent’s adaptive approach saves time if you already know much of the material.
The bottom line
If you want a safety net, Surgent. If you want the lowest cost and plenty of practice exams, and are confident enough to go without a guarantee, Fast Forward Academy.
Common questions about Surgent vs Fast Forward Academy
Which is cheaper?
Fast Forward Academy’s online course is about $449 to $549; Surgent lists its Ultimate Pass at $999 and shows lower tiers at checkout.
Which has a guarantee?
Surgent, with a Pass or Money-Back Guarantee on all three tiers; we found no money-back guarantee from FFA.
Which gives access until you pass?
Fast Forward Academy’s online course, and Surgent’s Premier and Ultimate tiers; Surgent Essentials gives 18 months.
Is this comparison sponsored?
No. We earn no commission from either provider.