As a tax professional, staying sharp is essential, and continuing education is the backbone of that expertise. Enrolled Agents are the only tax professionals licensed by the federal government to represent taxpayers before the IRS—so staying on top of the latest tax laws is crucial.
But here’s the kicker: not all continuing education courses are created equal.
If you’re an EA or planning to become one, finding the best CE courses can be the difference between coasting along and excelling in this fast-paced industry.
Let’s dive into what makes these courses stand out and how to find the perfect one for you.
EA Course Match: Which CE Option Suits You Best?
- If you want premium, flexible CPE with comprehensive content and real-time learning through live Q&A sessions, Becker is the top choice. It’s perfect for tax professionals seeking quality and career-focused tools.
- If you’re looking for comprehensive, in-depth courses, then Gleim is the ideal option. Perfect for those who want to dive deep into federal tax law and ethics.
- If flexibility and real-time feedback are a priority, then Fast Forward Academy is for you. Its user-friendly platform offers convenient online continuing education.
- If you want personalized learning with adaptive technology, then Surgent is your top choice. It helps you focus on areas that need improvement.
- If engaging video lectures matter, but you can tolerate an outdated platform, then Lambers may work. However, it’s not as intuitive for modern users.
1. Becker: Top Overall Choice
Becker is known for its extensive course catalog and flexible learning options and delivers high-quality education tailored to the needs of tax professionals. Whether you’re aiming to stay compliant with IRS CE mandates or sharpen your skills in specialized tax areas, Becker offers solutions that make professional development both accessible and engaging.
- Prime – 2 Year: This all-inclusive package provides 24 months of access to 1,000+ live webcasts, 700+ on-demand courses, 50+ ethics courses, critical tax updates, and CPE podcasts—perfect for professionals who want long-term flexibility and comprehensive content.
- Prime – 1 Year: A one-year subscription that includes the same robust offerings as the 2-year Prime package, ideal for meeting CE requirements on an annual basis.
- Select – 1 Year: A mid-tier option that delivers 480+ live webcasts, 570+ on-demand courses, and 50+ ethics courses. Great for those seeking a balance between content and cost.
- Essentials – 90 Days: Designed for short-term needs, this package provides 90 days of access to 480+ live webcasts and 475+ on-demand courses. Perfect for professionals needing to quickly meet CE requirements or refresh their knowledge.
Key Features
- Extensive Course Library: Becker offers a broad selection of IRS-approved courses, covering topics like federal tax law, ethics, and critical updates. Prime subscribers gain access to the largest variety, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
- Interactive Learning Options: Live Q&A webcasts allow participants to engage with expert instructors in real-time, providing an interactive and dynamic learning experience.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With CPE podcasts and on-demand courses, Becker makes it easy to earn credits on your own schedule, whether you’re at home, commuting, or traveling.
- Ethics and Compliance Made Simple: Becker includes 50+ ethics courses that fulfill state-mandated requirements, streamlining compliance while offering diverse and engaging content.
- Critical Update Courses: Stay ahead of the curve with courses that focus on the latest changes in tax laws, ensuring you remain competitive in your field.
Check out my full review of the Becker EA CPE subscription.
$131 Discount on Becker EA CE Subscription
Pros
- Flexibility: A variety of subscription options make it easy to find a plan that fits your schedule and budget.
- Comprehensive Offerings: Becker goes beyond compliance with career-focused courses, such as critical updates and industry hot topics.
- Expert Instructors: Access to knowledgeable instructors during live sessions enhances understanding and retention.
- User-Friendly Design: On-demand courses, podcasts, and progress tracking make Becker’s platform intuitive and convenient.
Cons
- Cost: Becker’s packages are on the pricier side, which may not suit those with a tight budget.
- Limited Short-Term Options: While the Essentials plan provides 90 days of access, it doesn’t include all of Becker’s premium features.
Bottom Line
Becker’s CPE subscriptions are a standout choice for Enrolled Agents who value flexibility, comprehensive content, and career-focused learning tools. With tailored courses, live Q&A webcasts, and mobile-friendly options like CPE podcasts, Becker makes earning CE credits a seamless experience. Though it comes at a higher price point, the unmatched quality and breadth of content justify the investment for professionals serious about staying ahead in the competitive tax industry.
2. Gleim: Reliable CE for Tax Prep
Gleim is known for providing some of the most detailed and thorough continuing education courses for Enrolled Agents. From my experience, their materials really help you grasp tough tax topics. What stands out are their in-depth explanations that follow each quiz question, making sure you fully understand the content. If you’re looking for a course that covers federal tax law updates, Gleim is a great option.
- 16-Hour CE Package: Ideal for meeting your one-year reporting requirement to the IRS. Includes 12 months of access to 16 CE hours, available on-demand 24/7.
- Unlimited CE Hours Package: Perfect for completing a large portion of your three-year CE requirement in one year. This package offers 12 months of unlimited access to the entire CE catalog, available on-demand 24/7.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Coverage: Gleim offers a wide range of courses that cover critical areas for Enrolled Agents, including federal tax law updates, ethics, and detailed topics like property transactions and C corporation tax liabilities. For example, the 16-Hour CE Package includes courses like Ethics in Tax Practice and Gross Income, ensuring you stay fully compliant with IRS regulations while deepening your knowledge in key tax areas.
- Self-Paced Learning: All of Gleim’s courses are available on-demand, meaning you can study at your own pace and fit your learning around your schedule. Whether you need quick refreshers or a deep dive into topics like Calculating Tax Liability for C Corporations, Gleim offers the flexibility to complete your CE when it’s convenient for you.
- Detailed Explanations: Gleim is known for its thorough course content, offering in-depth explanations and detailed feedback on quiz questions. For example, the Federal Tax Update course doesn’t just give you the basics—it breaks down each new tax law with real-world applications, helping you understand the nuances of complex regulations.
- Immediate Access: Upon enrollment, you get instant access to all study materials, including audiovisual presentations, study questions, and qualified assessments. With 24/7 access to everything from Property Transactions to Ethics in Tax Practice, you can track your progress and get your CE credits reported to the IRS quickly and reliably.
Pros
- Thorough Content: Gleim’s courses are designed to go deep into each subject, such as their Unlimited CE Hours Package, which gives you access to a full library of tax courses, ensuring comprehensive coverage and in-depth learning.
- Flexible Study Format: With on-demand access 24/7, you can complete courses like Individual Gross Income or Staying Current with Tax Laws on your own time, making it easier to balance work, life, and continuing education.
- Focus on Retention: Gleim’s use of quizzes and assessments throughout courses reinforces key information, helping boost long-term retention. The quizzes, like those in the Property Transactions course, aren’t just basic—they challenge you to apply what you’ve learned, which ensures you’re absorbing the material.
Cons
- No Live Interaction: Since Gleim’s courses are self-study, there aren’t any live sessions for immediate clarification on tough topics, which might be challenging for those who prefer interactive learning.
- Limited External Perspectives: Gleim primarily sticks to its own materials, so you won’t get much input from outside sources or additional viewpoints on tax regulations.
Bottom Line
Gleim is an excellent choice for Enrolled Agents who want in-depth, self-paced courses that thoroughly cover tax topics. With detailed explanations and quizzes designed to reinforce retention, you’ll find it easier to grasp complex tax laws. The 24/7 on-demand access lets you study whenever it fits your schedule. While it lacks live interaction, the comprehensive content and flexibility make Gleim ideal for staying up to date with tax regulations and maintaining your EA status without stress. Plus, they handle IRS reporting, so you don’t have to worry about that part either!
3. Surgent: Great Adaptive Technology
Surgent offers a solid variety of IRS-approved continuing education courses for Enrolled Agents. Their courses range from 1 to 20 hours, covering everything from federal tax law to ethics and the latest tax updates. I’ve personally found Surgent useful for keeping up with my continuing education requirements.
Self-Study Packages
- 16-Hour Package: Choose from a list of IRS-approved courses, perfect for working at your own pace.
- 40-Hour Package: Get up to 40 hours of study time, great for a deeper dive into tougher topics.
Live Webinar Packages
- 16-Hour Package: Interactive, live webinars totaling 16 hours for those who prefer real-time learning.
- 40-Hour Package: 40 hours of live instruction with expert feedback.
Key Features
- Personalized Learning: Surgent’s innovative adaptive technology, such as in courses like Advanced Critical Tax Issues for Limited Liability Companies and Partnerships (ACTL), adjusts in real time to focus on areas where you need the most help. This personalized approach streamlines your learning process, saving time by prioritizing weaker areas, so you don’t waste energy on topics you’ve already mastered.
- Variety of Courses: Surgent offers an extensive range of courses to meet the specific needs of Enrolled Agents, from the latest IRS updates to niche areas like Ins and Outs of Health Savings Accounts (HSA2) and Individual Charitable Planning (ICP2). Whether you’re interested in real estate taxation, choosing the right business entity, or philanthropy-focused tax planning, Surgent has a wide selection of CE topics that keep you up to date with the latest regulations.
- Flexible Format: All courses, such as Real Estate Taxation: Critical Considerations (RET4) and Choosing the Right Business Entity (CETA), are available online, allowing you to complete your CE requirements at your own pace. Whether you prefer early-morning sessions or late-night study, Surgent’s on-demand and scheduled live webinar formats let you tailor learning to your lifestyle.
- IRS Approved: Surgent is an IRS-approved continuing education provider, meaning their courses, like The Best Federal Tax Update Course (BFTU), meet the highest standards for Enrolled Agents. You can trust that their curriculum is up to date, helping you maintain compliance with IRS requirements while expanding your tax knowledge.
Pros
- Customizable Study Plans: Surgent allows users to tailor their continuing education schedule around specific deadlines or busy periods, making it ideal for EAs with unpredictable workloads.
- Real-Time Progress Tracking: Surgent offers detailed real-time tracking, enabling users to see how close they are to meeting their CE requirements. This feature helps professionals stay organized and accountable without manually monitoring their progress.
- Interactive Webinars: If you enjoy learning in a group, Surgent’s live webinars offer real-time feedback from instructors.
Cons
- Less Interaction Outside Webinars: Most self-study courses are designed to be independent, so you won’t get much instructor feedback unless you choose the live webinar format.
- No Offline Materials in Some Packages: Certain plans don’t include downloadable PDFs, which can be limiting if you prefer to print and review content offline.
- Longer Webinar Sessions: Many live webinars run two to four hours, which can be tough to fit into a busy workday if you prefer shorter learning blocks.
Bottom Line
If you need continuing education as an Enrolled Agent, Surgent is a solid option. Their courses are flexible and IRS-approved, with coverage that ranges from tax law updates to specialized topics. The adaptive tech and progress tracking can help streamline the process, but keep in mind that some courses run long, offline materials are limited, and the experience isn’t always the most engaging. It will get the job done, but it may not feel as polished or convenient as other providers.
4. Fast Forward Academy: Easy-to-Use Platform
Fast Forward Academy is my third choice for Enrolled Agents and tax preparers looking for a simple, easy-to-use continuing education platform. When I used their tools during my review, I found the interactive platform to be really helpful in making the learning process feel less overwhelming. Plus, their real-time feedback on practice questions helps you see where I needed to focus more. This is a big FFA plus!
Unlimited CPE Access
You’ll get a full year of access to 40 different continuing education courses, available anytime online. This package includes the required 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course and quick reporting to the IRS, making it a great pick for those needing lots of CE credits.
24 CPE Hours
This package offers 24 hours of coursework from 39 available courses, also with online access and fast IRS reporting. However, it does not include the AFTR course.
15 CPE Hours
This is a good option for those needing fewer hours. You get 15 hours from the same pool of 39 courses, with the same online access and fast reporting.
Key Features
- Wide Range of Topics: Fast Forward Academy’s courses cover a broad spectrum, from healthcare to tax planning and IRS representation, so no matter your focus, there’s something relevant for every tax professional. Specialized courses like Offers-in-Compromise and Taxation of Daycare Providers ensure even niche areas are addressed.
- 24/7 Access: All courses are available online, meaning you can log in and learn whenever it suits your schedule, whether it’s late at night or between client meetings. This flexibility makes it easier for busy professionals to fit in with their continuing education.
- Flexible Packages: Fast Forward Academy offers packages that cater to your specific needs, whether you’re looking for a few hours of CE or unlimited access for a year. Their Unlimited CPE package is perfect if you need to catch up on CE hours quickly, while smaller packages like 15 CPE Hours let you take just what you need.
- Specialized Courses: They offer courses tailored to meet specific state requirements, like the California State Tax course, ensuring you’re compliant with both federal and state regulations.
Pros
- Comprehensive Course Selection: What I really like about Fast Forward Academy is their range of specialized courses. Whether it’s something niche like Tax Issues for Divorced and Separated Parents or Taxation of Daycare Providers, they cover areas that aren’t always easy to find elsewhere. It’s great for tailoring my education to fit my specific client needs.
- Self-Paced Learning: One of the things I appreciate most is the flexibility. I can log in whenever I have the time and go at my own pace. Whether I need a quick review of a topic or want to dive deep, it’s easy to fit the courses around my schedule without feeling rushed.
- Instant Access to Certificates: I love that as soon as I finish a course, I get my certificate right away. No waiting around—it makes the process so much smoother, especially when I’m juggling multiple tasks and just want to verify my CE credits quickly.
- Clear Progress Tracking: The dashboard is super user-friendly. I can easily see how many CE hours I’ve completed and what’s still left. It keeps everything organized and takes the guesswork out of managing my requirements, which is a huge plus when I’m busy.
Cons
- No Live Support: While the platform is user-friendly, the absence of live support for immediate assistance can be frustrating for learners who need quick clarifications during their studies.
- Lots of Choices: Having access to 40 courses is great, but it can be overwhelming if you’re new to the platform and unsure where to start.
- Basic Interface: The platform design is functional but not the most modern or visually appealing, which might feel outdated compared to competitors with more sleek interfaces.
Bottom Line
Fast Forward Academy is my third pick for Enrolled Agents and tax preparers looking for a straightforward and flexible continuing education platform. The variety of courses makes it easy to find something that fits your needs, and the self-paced format means you can study whenever it works for you. I especially like how quick and simple it is to get your certificates and track your progress. However, the lack of live support can be a downside if you need immediate help, and the abundance of course options might feel overwhelming for newcomers. Overall, it’s a solid option, especially if you prefer a hassle-free learning experience with plenty of flexibility.
5. Lambers: Moderate Choice for Tax Education
Lambers is a well-known name for Enrolled Agents and CPAs looking for continuing education in taxation. They offer one main program for those seeking comprehensive tax training.
1-Year All Access Continuing Education
This package gives you unlimited access to all their continuing education courses for a full year. Lambers has been used by many professionals and is often the behind-the-scenes provider for other CE programs.
Exclusive Offer – 10% Off Lambers CPE Courses
Pros
- Engaging Video Lectures: Lambers uses video lectures that explain tax concepts in a clear, accessible way, making complex topics easier to understand.
- Expert Instructors: Their instructors are experienced professionals with deep knowledge of federal tax law, offering valuable insights.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Lambers offers on-demand videos, PDF self-study materials, and live webinars, giving you multiple options depending on your learning style.
Cons
- Old Website: Their website design feels outdated and may be hard to navigate, which could make finding the right courses frustrating.
- Unclear Course Info: It’s sometimes difficult to figure out exactly which courses are available because the site doesn’t organize the information well.
- High Cost: At $499.95 for a year of access, Lambers is more expensive than many other providers, which could be an issue if you’re on a budget.
Bottom Line
Lambers has solid teaching methods and knowledgeable instructors, making it a good choice for Enrolled Agents who prefer video lectures and flexible learning formats. However, the old-fashioned website and unclear course listings might make it harder to find what you need, and the higher price tag could be a concern if you’re trying to save money. Overall, it’s a strong option for high-quality education, but it may not be the most user-friendly or affordable choice out there.
Comparing EA CE Course Providers
Surgent vs. Gleim
If you’re looking for depth and structure, Gleim takes the lead. Its content is thorough, well-organized, and trusted by professionals who want a clear, consistent path through their CPE. Surgent, while innovative with its adaptive technology, can sometimes feel more focused on shortcuts than comprehensive coverage. If you want learning tailored to your exact weak spots, Surgent has appeal—but for those who prefer reliability and detail, Gleim is the stronger choice.
Gleim vs. Fast Forward Academy
Gleim may be known for its detailed content, but Fast Forward Academy (FFA) brings a modern twist. FFA’s interactive tools and real-time feedback create a more engaging experience, almost like having a study buddy at your side. Gleim’s materials are comprehensive, but FFA’s technology-driven approach makes learning feel smoother and more intuitive. For tech-savvy learners or those who like a bit of hand-holding through the process, FFA takes the lead.
Fast Forward Academy vs. Lambers
Comparing Fast Forward Academy and Lambers feels like looking at the old and the new. Fast Forward Academy’s interface is sleek, user-friendly, and loaded with interactive features that keep you engaged. Lambers, while known for its solid instructors, feels like a blast from the past with an outdated website that can be frustrating to navigate. If ease and modern design matter to you, FFA is the clear winner.
Final Thoughts
Enrolled Agents have more choices than ever when it comes to continuing education, but not all providers deliver the same experience. Becker remains the strongest overall option thanks to its unmatched content library, polished delivery, and career-focused resources—though the higher cost may not suit every budget. Gleim is the go-to for thorough, detail-rich coverage of tax law and ethics, but it can feel rigid without live interaction. Fast Forward Academy offers a modern, intuitive platform with real-time feedback, but its lack of live support may frustrate some learners. Surgent brings adaptive technology and flexibility, yet its long webinar sessions and limited offline materials can make it feel less convenient than competitors. Lambers provides budget-friendly alternatives, but outdated platforms and weaker user experience mean they trail behind the leaders.
At the end of the day, the best CE provider depends on your learning style: choose Becker if you want premium quality and breadth, Gleim if you want depth, Fast Forward Academy if you value ease of use, and Surgent if adaptive personalization appeals to you. Lambers and WiseGuides may work if cost is the deciding factor, but most professionals will find more value with the top three.
FAQs
Enrolled agents must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years, with a minimum of 16 hours required annually. This includes 2 hours of ethics training each year.
Enrolled agents are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of federal tax law education each year as part of their continuing education to stay current with IRS regulations.
Yes, most continuing education providers offer online courses, allowing enrolled agents to complete their CE requirements at their own pace and convenience.
Failure to complete your continuing education requirements can result in the loss of your enrolled agent status, meaning you won’t be able to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
In some cases, CE credits earned for federal tax law may be applied toward other credentials, such as CPA or tax preparer requirements, but you should verify with the specific licensing body.
