What the EA exam costs in 2026 and 2027
Official fees come to about $1,110 if you pass every part first time: three exam fees of $317, a PTIN of about $19 and a $140 enrollment fee. That is below the official fees for the CPA, CMA and CFA, and the prep course is usually the larger cost.
The official fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTIN | About $18.75 a year | IRS | Before you can schedule, then every year |
| Exam, Part 1 | $317 | PSI | When you schedule |
| Exam, Part 2 | $317 | PSI | When you schedule |
| Exam, Part 3 | $317 | PSI | When you schedule |
| Enrollment (Form 23) | $140 | IRS | After passing all three parts |
| Total, first attempt | About $1,110 |
Exam and enrollment fees from the IRS. The PTIN figure is as reported by third parties.
Of each $317 exam fee, $66 is the IRS’s user fee and $251 goes to PSI, the testing vendor. The IRS cut its own portion from $99 in 2026, but the total still rose because PSI’s charge is higher than Prometric’s was.
Retakes and rescheduling
- A retake costs the full $317. You can take each part up to four times per testing window.
- Rescheduling is free 48 hours or more ahead. Inside 48 hours you pay another full exam fee.
- You lose the fee entirely if you miss your appointment or arrive 30 minutes or more late.
The review course
Unlike the CFA, EA courses are sold as one package covering all three parts. Gleim’s own prices are $499 for the test bank, $699 for Traditional and $799 for Premium. Becker, Surgent and Fast Forward Academy fall in a similar range, with reported prices from about $500 to $1,000. All four discount at times.
Three realistic totals
| Scenario | Official fees | Prep | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget prep, passing every part first time | ~$1,110 | ~$500 | ~$1,600 |
| Mid-price prep, passing every part first time | ~$1,110 | ~$700 | ~$1,800 |
| Premium prep, one part retaken | ~$1,430 | ~$800 | ~$2,200 |
Illustrative only. Uses current official fees and list prices for prep, which most providers discount.
Ways to pay less
The NAEA Education Foundation offers scholarships for SEE exam fees and study materials. It has opened applications twice a year, in May and October, so check the current window.
A CE package can be part of the course. Gleim's Premium includes 72 hours of continuing education, and Becker's Premium includes a free CE ethics course.
A failed part costs $317. Booking only when you are ready, and not rescheduling inside 48 hours, avoids paying twice.
Some tax firms reimburse exam and prep costs. Ask before you pay.
Common questions
Are EA exam fees refundable?
No. The exam fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, so it cannot be moved to another person.
Do I pay for all three parts at once?
No. You pay for each part when you schedule it, so you can spread the cost across the testing window.
Are there ongoing costs after I qualify?
Yes. Enrolled agents need continuing education every year, and the IRS requires it from an approved provider. See the requirements page for the hours.