Fast Forward Academy EA review: the lower-cost, access-until-you-pass option
Last checked October 22, 2026 · Sources: Fast Forward Academy‘s course descriptions as listed in 2026 comparisons; list prices from Auburn University, an FFA partner, and from third-party review sites; exam facts from the IRS EA FAQ. Prices vary by source, so confirm at checkout. The rating is our editorial assessment from published details using the rubric on our how we rank page, not a hands-on test.
This Fast Forward Academy review covers EA prep built around a large question bank, unlimited practice exams, audio lectures and flashcards, with access and updates until you pass. It sits at the lower end of EA pricing: Auburn University, an FFA partner, lists $449 for the Online Course and $599 for the Smart Bundle, while 2026 review sites report $549 to $699.
| Category (weight) | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Question bank (25%) | 4.0 | 3,000+ questions with explanations |
| Practice exams (20%) | 4.5 | Unlimited practice exams |
| Lectures and materials (15%) | 4.0 | 155+ audio lectures, 23 on-demand videos and an online textbook |
| Platform and mobile (15%) | 4.0 | Progress analytics and IRS publications built into the course |
| Support (10%) | 4.0 | Academic support and an online community |
| Value (15%) | 4.5 | Lower price with access until you pass, but no money-back guarantee found |
| Weighted rating | 4.2 / 5 |
Our editorial rating, using the same rubric across the site. Scores are based on FFA’s published details as listed; see how we rank for the method.
Questions, practice exams, audio, flashcards, access until you pass.
See prices on FFAAdds a paperback textbook; a bootcamp version adds webinars.
See prices on FFAWhat stands out
The online course includes an online textbook, more than 3,000 study questions, unlimited practice exams, 155+ audio lectures and 23 on-demand videos (older reviews describe 100+ video lectures), digital flashcards, IRS publications integrated into the course, and academic support. Reviewers note that the short audio suits review on a commute, and access and content updates continue until you pass.
Fast Forward Academy EA packages
| Package | Partner list price | Reported 2026 price | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Guide | $199 | $199 | Book only |
| Online Course | $449 | $549 | Textbook, audio and video, questions, practice exams, flashcards, access until you pass |
| Smart Bundle | $599 | $649 | Adds a paperback textbook |
| Smart Bundle plus Bootcamp | – | $699 | Adds on-demand bootcamp webinars |
List prices from Auburn University (an FFA partner) and as reported by review sites; confirm on Fast Forward Academy’s site.
What to watch for
- Prices differ by source, from about $449 to $699 for the courses, and older reports quote $499; confirm the current price directly.
- No money-back guarantee found, so a failed part still costs $317 to retake.
- Score targets changed in 2026: the SEE is now scored 200 to 800 with 500 to pass.
Who should skip it, and alternatives
- You want a guarantee: Surgent lists one on every tier; Gleim Premium offers a refund if you follow its steps and don’t pass.
- You want the deepest question bank and expert video: see our Gleim EA review.
- You want polished video teaching: see our Becker EA review.
Common questions about Fast Forward Academy
Does access expire?
The online course is listed with access and updates until you pass. Check the terms at checkout, since access conditions can differ by package.
Does it use adaptive learning?
Reviewers describe the course as adapting to your progress, with analytics to track it. Check the current features on the provider’s site.
How much does Fast Forward Academy EA cost?
Auburn University lists $449 for the Online Course and $599 for the Smart Bundle; 2026 review sites report $549 to $699. Confirm at checkout.
Is this review sponsored?
No. We currently earn no commission from Fast Forward Academy or any EA provider, and no one paid for this review.
The bottom line
Fast Forward Academy is a reasonable choice if you learn from audio, flashcards and practice and want a lower price with access until you pass. If a guarantee matters to you, compare it against Surgent or Gleim Premium.