The special enrollment exam (SEE), better known as the Enrolled Agent exam, changed my life. The journey is one that I will never forget. I was a young wife and stay-at-home Mom, running my own tax firm part-time so Enrolled Agent test prep was hard to fit in. But I wanted it so I found a way to make it happen.
I had 3 seasons of experience working in public accounting and an accounting degree under my belt. That did give me an advantage but it didn't mean that I didn't have to study. But getting back into the rhythm of studying was something that I had to be intentional with.
I am often asked how I did it. How did I do my Enrolled Agent test prep with a toddler, my husband working full-time, and in school? There are five things that come to mind immediately. I am sharing them down below. If you are studying for the Enrolled Agent Exam I hope you find these helpful.
1 - Know what is on the exam and the exam layout
This straightforward tip is one that I see people often skip when doing their Enrolled Agent test prep. The Enrolled Agent exam is a three-part exam. Each part focuses on a specific part of tax law. I have it mapped out below.
Special Enrollment Exam (SEE 1) - Individual Taxation
Special Enrollment Exam (SEE 2) - Business Taxation
Special Enrollment Exam (SEE 3) - Representation
Each section of the exam has 100 multiple-choice questions and candidates take it electronically on a computer. There are 3.5 hours to complete your exam from start to finish with time for a break built in. Blank scrap paper and a pencil are available to work problems out by hand. There is also access to a calculator on the computer.
This is the extent of research that people do when looking up what is on the exam. But Prometric, the testing site that the IRS uses to administer the test, gives more insight on their website. Don't overlook this resource that will tell you what areas of tax law you should spend time studying on. I have their most recent (as of 1/14/25) list of test topics linked below.
There is a pdf for each section. When you download this pdf it will tell you how many questions on the exam cover a specific topic. Let's use depreciation as an example. When looking at the guide for SEE 2 you may notice that there are 21 questions covering basis. That means that more than 1/5th of your score is going depends on whether or not you grasp that concept. If not, that is an indicator that you should focus on that area in your studying.
The IRS also offers sample questions and answers for the current EA exam on its website. This is a resource you should add to your Enrolled Agent test prep.
2 - Identify Your Learning Style
Everyone doesn't comprehend and retain information the same way, and that is okay. Knowing how you learn to make your EA test prep smoother is important. There are a lot of review systems that offer an online format. This is good for the sake of convenience but if you are not a self-motivated learner that may not be good for you.
I need to read the information in a physical format. I purchased a physical book to be able to read the material. I used specific pencils, highlighters, and a notebook to take notes. I would take notes while reading a section.
Then I would listen to a lecture over the same section and highlight my notes when the lecturer emphasized something I had already written down. I also joined online study groups on Facebook.
I knew I needed to see other people working toward it as well. I am competitive so the success of others pushed me. I knew that I didn't necessarily need to be in person to learn but I did need to have physical engagement with the material if I wanted to retain it.
Is it the same for you? It's okay if it's not. Here are some things to take into consideration about your learning style:
Do you need live training so you can ask questions?
Are you a better in-person student than online?
Can you focus if you are reading a digital book about taxes?
Do you need an in-person study group or can you do virtual?
Are you self-motivated when it comes to studying?
Those are just a few things to ask yourself before you invest in an EA review system. Different systems have different features that work for different learning styles. You want to understand how you learn and what features you need before paying any money. Most online systems do offer free trials that you can also check out.
3 - Pick an EA Review System for your Enrolled Agent Test Prep
An EA review system is a curriculum to help candidates prepare to take the Enrolled Agent exam. All EA Review systems are not built the same. I will always stand 10 toes down that Passkey Online, created by Christy Pinheiro is the best system. Hock International now has the license to Passkey.
Note: This is all my honest, unfiltered opinion. I am making no money from PassKey Online or Hock International.
Here is why I love Passkey.
Self-paced study
Christy's real-life examples during the lecture and her ability to break down complex topics
Practice quizzes
Practice exams that feel the same as being in Prometric taking the exam
Subscription-based pricing - motivated me to stick to my studying because I knew the longer I took the more money I would be paying.
Optimal on mobile and laptop - so I could listen to lectures in the car and take practice quizzes from anywhere
These may not be the things you care about. There are other options that you can consider. My second choice would be Gleim. Especially if you need a lot of structure to keep you motivated to study. I did an interview with a rep from Gleim. If you'd like to learn more about their EA review system you can check out the interview in the video below.
4 - Designated Study Area
Just like you need an exclusive designated worked space to claim the business use of home deduction, you need a designated space to study for the EA exam. This is helpful for memory retention. It lets your body know that it's time to study.
At Home
It may not be somewhere exclusive but it should be somewhere consistent. This isn't to say that you can't study in different places in your home. But if you have a family you need a designated space to study to establish a boundary.
This is the place you go when you need 30-60 minutes with limited interruption. This test isn't just going to affect you. It will affect the lives of your family as well. It is important that they understand that and can invest in making sure you get your study time in your designated place as well.
Away from Home
Let's face it, sometimes home is not the most ideal place for you to be the most productive. My biggest distractions were dishes in the sink, an unstraightened living room, or clothes that weren't put away yet. I can't focus on studying when I see things that need cleaning. So sometimes instead of wasting my study time cleaning I had to leave home. I would frequent local coffee shops and my alma mater, Bellarmine University. They had added on to the building where the business school is. So it was good to be back on campus and find my new spot. Being on campus also tuned my body in to know it was time to study.
5 - Create a Study Plan
You need to commit to yourself to get the studying done to pass this exam by any means necessary. I understand that life can be busy and sometimes you have to fit studying in where you can get it in. However, I want to encourage you to take charge of your study plan. Your EA review system may be able to help you do this.
Review the material and break down how long you'd like to study each section. Then leave yourself a week to take practice exams. Once you begin a section go ahead and schedule the exam so you stay motivated to stick to your study schedule.
When you take practice quizzes and exams you will see the areas that you are weak in. Plan to spend more time in those areas if they are things that Prometric says they will cover heavily on the test.
Make your family and friends aware of your plan as well. That way it is okay for you to be missing in action for a little bit because they know you have made this commitment to yourself to advance your tax career by becoming an Enrolled Agent.
Now It's Your Turn
Let's take some actionable steps to get you closer to becoming an Enrolled Agent. Make sure you share your answers in the comments.
1 - Have you already reviewed what is going to be on each section of the exam, yes or no? I have linked the Prometric cheat sheets above, so now you don't have an excuse to have them. Download/print them now so you have them for your review.
2 - Which EA Review System have you decided to invest in to help you study? What about it attracted you to it and why do you think it is best for your learning style?
3 - Did you have a formal study plan prior to reading this article? If not it's okay. Share what a realistic 2-week study plan will look like for you.
If I can help you at all let me know in the comments!
Timalyn S. Bowens EA is America's Favorite EA and Tax Expert who will work hard to find a customized legal solution for you! As an Enrolled Agent licensed through the Internal Revenue Service Timalyn can fight the IRS for taxpayers in all 50 states. As the host of Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens and a YouTube content creator she empowers taxpayers to make educated decisions about their tax situation.
When you are facing questions regarding your personal or business taxes, working with a professional makes all the difference. At Bowens Tax Solutions, we serve our Louisville-area neighbors by providing the tax services and knowledge needed to succeed. We are here to assist you with your tax issues and preventative care. Visit our website at www.bowenstaxsolutions.com for more information.
2 Comments