EA exam dates and scheduling for 2026 and 2027
Last checked October 23, 2026 · Sources: the IRS enrolled agents FAQ (updated August 2026) and PSI’s candidate information bulletin.
Unlike most exams on this site, the EA has no fixed sitting dates. The current testing window runs from July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027, and you book any day in it. Testing then closes in March and April while the IRS updates the exam for new tax law.
The EA exam dates: this testing window
The IRS says the exam is generally offered from May 1 to the end of February. This year the window began on July 1 because the exam moved to a new testing vendor, PSI, in March 2026. Confirm the opening date for next year on the IRS and PSI sites once it is announced.
| What the IRS says | |
|---|---|
| Testing window | July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 for US candidates |
| Closed period | March and April, while the exam is updated |
| Which tax law is tested | The Internal Revenue Code as amended through December 31, 2025, and tax year 2025 |
| International candidates | Remote testing only, and currently delayed with new dates not yet set |
From the IRS enrolled agents FAQ, updated August 2026.
Because the exam tests tax year 2025, study materials need to match it. A guide for an earlier tax year will have outdated figures.
How scheduling works
- Book online or by phone through PSI whenever you like within the window. You pay $317 when you schedule.
- Take the parts in any order, and on any days. They do not have to be on the same day or consecutive days.
- Wait 24 hours before rebooking a part you failed. You can book a different part straight away.
- Up to four attempts per part in each testing window.
Rules that cost people money
- Reschedule or cancel at least 48 hours ahead or pay another full exam fee.
- Arrive 30 minutes late and you forfeit the whole fee.
- A mismatched ID counts as a missed appointment, so your name must match your booking exactly.
Passed parts carry over for three years
Once you pass a part, you have three years from that date to pass the others. Each part has its own clock. If you passed Part 1 on November 15, 2025 and Part 2 on February 15, 2026, you would have until November 15, 2028 to pass the remaining part, or lose credit for Part 1.
When you get your result
Immediately. A pass or fail message appears on screen when you finish, and PSI emails you a score report on the 200 to 800 scale, where 500 passes.
Common questions about EA exam dates
What happens after February 28?
Testing closes for March and April while the IRS updates the exam for new tax law. Parts you have already passed keep counting toward your three-year carry-over.
Do I have to finish all three parts in one window?
No. Passed parts carry over for three years each, so you can spread the three parts across more than one testing window.
Can I test remotely from abroad?
Yes, with a proctor, but it is currently delayed. The IRS says candidates can schedule a domestic test appointment, and parts that might expire during the delay will get extra time.
How soon can I retake a part?
You can rebook a failed part after 24 hours, up to four attempts per part in each testing window, paying $317 each time.