Tax laws in the U.S. change more than you might think—over 4,000 changes in the last decade alone. It’s like trying to take a shot at a moving target, which is why staying ahead of the game is so important if you work in tax.
Earning your Enrolled Agent (EA) certification is one of the best ways to do that. But let’s be real—the idea of preparing for the EA exam can feel a little overwhelming.
The good news?
Using the right EA prep course can increase your chances of passing on the first attempt while cutting down your study time. That means less time stuck in the books and more time enjoying the perks of being a certified tax expert.
Let’s break down what you need to know to choose the best course for your needs and set yourself up for success.
Which EA Prep Course is for You?
- If you’re looking for a tailored study experience that adapts to your strengths and weaknesses, go with Becker EA Review. Its Adapt2U technology personalizes every session, helping you focus on areas that need the most attention.
- If you prefer thorough, detailed prep, go for Gleim EA Prep. With the largest question bank and six mock exams, it’s ideal for those who want maximum practice.
- If you want the fastest path to passing with personalized study plans, choose Surgent EA Review. Its tech cuts study time and boosts efficiency.
- If you want to study one section at a time, try Lambers EA Review. Its section-by-section approach is useful, and the price is impressive for what you get.
Best Enrolled Agent Courses
Editor’s Choice  Save $237START NOW |  Save $300START NOW |  Save $210START NOW |  Save 10%START NOW |  No DiscountsSTART NOW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $499 | $499-$799 | $499-$999 | $199-$233 | $549-$649 |
| Discounts |  | | |  | Occasionally |
| Practice Questions | 3,000+ | 3,000+ | 2,000+ | 2,100+ | 3,000+ |
| Videos | | 30+ hours | 60+ hours | 55+ hours | 100+ videos |
| AI Study Assistant | | | | | |
| Money Back Guarantee | | | | | |
| Support | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat | Phone, email, chat |
Best EA Review Courses
1.
Becker EA Review is a powerful option for Enrolled Agent exam preparation, bringing together high-quality content, personalized study tools, and expert guidance to create a well-rounded course. Known for their CPA prep, Becker’s EA Review course leverages decades of experience to help EA candidates succeed.
Here’s a quick look at their packages:
EA Review Pro
Access: Unlimited.
Guarantees: Becker Pass Guarantee.
This is Becker’s most complete EA review option. It includes the Premium upgrades, plus LiveOnline classes for all three parts of the EA Exam. Students can attend live, ask questions in real time, and review class recordings on demand.
EA Review Premium
Access: Unlimited.
Guarantees: Becker Pass Guarantee.
This package adds more long-term security to Becker’s self-paced EA review course. It includes unlimited access, printed textbooks, and a free CE Ethics Course, making it a stronger fit for candidates who want extra support without live classes.
EA Review Essentials
Access: 12 months.
Guarantees: N/A.
This is Becker’s core digital EA review package. It includes the main self-paced study tools, including digital textbooks, Newt AI, practice tests, simulated exams, flashcards, videos, SkillBuilder solution videos, and academic support.
Becker EA Course Features
Here’s what Becker’s course offers:
- Adapt2U Technology: Becker’s adaptive tech identifies your strengths and weaknesses, creating a personalized study path that helps you focus where it matters most.
- Newt™, AI Study Partner: Newt™ is an AI chatbot a la ChatGPT, but specifically programmed to help with EA practice questions, flashcards, video lectures, and textbook passages (to name a few!).
- 3,000+ Practice Questions: An extensive question bank reinforces each topic, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the real exam.
- Flexible Access: Study on any device—desktop, tablet, or mobile—making it easy to fit study time into a busy schedule.
- Expert-Led Video Lectures: Lessons are taught by experienced Enrolled Agents, breaking down complex tax concepts with real-world insights. You can watch both the on-demand lectures and livestreamed sessions, depending on the style that helps you learn best.
- Unlimited Academic Support: Access expert help anytime, ensuring you’re never stuck on a tough topic.
Pros
- Real-World Tax Guidance: Becker’s expert-led lectures focus on practical tax scenarios, preparing you for real-life applications.
- Comprehensive Tools: Access digital textbooks, flashcards, and a compliance tracker for well-rounded exam prep.
- Study Anytime, Anywhere: Becker’s mobile-friendly format lets you study on the go, perfect for busy schedules.
- Super Support System: With 24/7 academic support, an active online community, and Newt AI for around-the-clock aid, help is always available.
- Real-Time Teaching: Choose the Pro Package or add live sessions to the other packages for real-time instruction and feedback.
Cons
- Relatively New to EA Prep: As a recent addition to the EA exam prep scene, Becker lacks some of the long-standing reputation in EA courses that other providers have built, though it leverages years of expertise from its CPA courses.
Bottom Line
Becker is a strong, adaptable choice for those preparing for the Enrolled Agent exam. With its personalized Adapt2U technology, extensive question bank, and live instruction from experienced Enrolled Agents, Becker is designed to help you study smarter and feel fully prepared on exam day. While it’s a newer player in the EA prep space, Becker’s comprehensive features, mobile-friendly format, and around-the-clock support make it a competitive option. For candidates looking for flexibility, expert guidance, and targeted learning, Becker EA Review offers an effective path to success.
2. Gleim: Mastery-Focused Learning
If you’re looking for an EA review course with a solid reputation, Gleim is a fantastic option. They’ve been around for more than 50 years, helping accounting professionals pass their exams. With a range of study materials and a personalized learning experience, Gleim offers something for every type of learner.
Here are the three course options for Gleim’s EA review:
Premium EA Review
- Access: Unlimited until you pass.
- Guarantees: 100% money-back.
It comes with both digital and printed textbooks, unlimited access, extra mock exams, and even up to 72 hours of CPE credits to keep you updated on your professional skills.
Traditional EA Review
- Access: 12 months.
- Guarantees: N/A.
This option gives you digital study materials and full-length mock exams, perfect for a balanced study approach.
EA Test Bank
- Access: 12 months.
- Guarantees: N/A.
This option focuses mainly on offering practice questions, which is great if you just need more drills before the exam.
Gleim Course Features
These courses are packed with features to help you prep for the EA exam:
- SmartAdapt™ technology, which adjusts your study plan based on what you already know and what needs more work.
- 3,500+ multiple-choice practice questions, including actual IRS-released questions for extra realism.
- Over 30 hours of video lectures in the Premium plan to explain tricky concepts in depth.
- Full-length mock exams will get you used to the real test environment.
Pros
- In-Depth Understanding: Gleim’s thorough approach builds a solid foundation, ensuring you’re confident and well-prepared for the EA exam.
- Tailored Learning: SmartAdapt™ helps you focus on the areas you need most, saving you time and making your study sessions more effective.
- Expert Help: Need help with a tough question? Gleim’s team of experts is just a phone call or email away, ready to assist.
Cons
- Limited Access: Some plans only give you 12 months of access, which might not be enough if you’re juggling a busy schedule or need extra time to study.
- Intense Study Load: Gleim is known for being thorough, which means you’ll probably end up studying more than you expect. This can be a good thing, but it might feel overwhelming at times.
Bottom Line
After reviewing Gleim EA Prep, what impressed me most was its focus on truly teaching the material rather than just helping you scrape by. The SmartAdapt™ technology ensures that your study sessions are targeted, and the massive question bank gives you the depth needed to feel confident on test day. What really sets Gleim apart is how it mirrors the real exam experience with its mock tests, preparing you mentally as well as academically. If you’re someone who values thorough preparation and wants to walk into the exam knowing you’re ready for anything, Gleim is an excellent choice.
3. Surgent EA Review Course: Quick and Efficient
If you’re looking for a trusted resource to ace the Enrolled Agent exam, Surgent EA review courses are a standout option. With over 35 years in the game, Surgent has built a solid reputation for helping people pass tax exams, including the EA exam. Their courses are designed to adapt to your needs and provide the best possible preparation.
Surgent offers three different course plans to suit different levels of preparation, from core materials to fully immersive study experiences:
Ultimate Pass
- Access: Unlimited.
- Guarantees: 100% money-back.
Includes printed and digital textbooks, audio lessons, 60+ short video tutorials, a pass guarantee, and even 1-on-1 coaching. You’ll also get bonus courses like Excel and Ethics for tax professionals.
Premier Pass
- Access: Unlimited.
- Guarantees: 100% money-back.
Similar to Ultimate, but all digital—perfect for those who like studying online.
Essentials Pass
- Access: 18 months.
- Guarantees: 100% money-back.
It focuses on core study materials, making it ideal for those who already have a good grasp of the content but need to sharpen up for the exam.
$210 Savings on Surgent EA Review Ultimate Pass
Surgent Course Features
These courses are packed with features that make it easier to study:
- Over 2,000 multiple-choice questions
- Unlimited practice exams
- Adaptive learning tech (A.S.A.P.® Technology) that helps you focus on areas that need improvement
- ReadySCORE™ technology to predict your EA exam score and track progress
I hate dragging around a laptop, so one thing I like most about Surgent is that you can access your course on a desktop, mobile, or tablet. It also syncs your progress.
Pros
- Proven Results: Surgent’s review courses have an impressive pass rate, and many students praise its effectiveness.
- Real-Time Progress Tracking: Surgent’s ReadySCORE™ technology gives you instant feedback on your exam readiness, showing you exactly how you would score if you took the exam today. This unique feature helps you focus on weak areas and boosts your confidence by tracking your progress in real time.
- Unlimited Access: With Surgent, you get unlimited access to your course materials, so there’s no pressure to rush through your studies. This flexibility allows you to take your time mastering each EA section at your own pace. Which most people find helpful since life is always throwing us some kind of curveball.
- Efficient Learning: Surgent’s adaptive learning tech personalizes your study plan, cutting study time by up to 40%. This is great if you’re short on time or juggling a busy schedule.
Cons
- Short Trial: You only get a 5-day trial. That might not be long enough to explore everything and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
- Less Aesthetic: Compared to competitors like Becker and Gleim, Surgent’s design and interface feels a little lackluster.
- Confusing Video Organization: I didn’t love the way Surgent’s videos were organized; it was more of a long list than something strategically woven between MCQ sessions.
Bottom Line
If you’re serious about passing the EA exam and want a course that adjusts to your needs, Surgent is the way to go. The adaptive tech and real-time progress tracking make studying efficient, and the unlimited access gives you the freedom to study at your own pace. Whether you need in-depth video tutorials or just practice exams, it’s all covered here. Personally, the ability to study anywhere on any device would be a game changer for me, making it easy to fit exam studying into a busy schedule. If you want flexibility and results, Surgent’s the top choice.
4. Lambers EA Review Course: Flexible Study on a Budget
Lambers EA takes a different approach to helping you prep for the EA exam by offering separate courses for each exam section. This allows you to focus on one part of the test at a time, which can be helpful for some learners. However, it may not be the best choice if you prefer an all-in-one package for the entire exam.
Lambers’ courses are sold in three separate parts. While this setup offers flexibility, it doesn’t provide a comprehensive bundle like other review courses.
Lambers Course Features
- Video Lessons: Lambers offers 55 hours of video tutorials, breaking down important topics in an easy-to-understand way.
- Question Bank: With over 2,100 questions, you’ll have plenty of practice material that closely mirrors the exam.
- Adaptive Learning: Their test prep software adjusts to your learning needs, helping you focus on weaker areas.
- Flashcards: Lambers provides 450+ digital and printable flashcards for on-the-go review, making it easier to memorize key terms and concepts.
Pros
- Clear and Engaging Video Lessons: Lambers stands out for its video tutorials, which offer clear explanations of difficult concepts.
- Flexible Access: You can study from anywhere, which is a big plus if you have a busy schedule. Being able to focus on one part of the exam at a time can help you stay organized.
- Visual Aids: If you’re someone who learns best through visual aids, Lambers’ videos make a real difference in mastering the content.
Cons
- Outdated Website: The course details on their website are not as clear or comprehensive as competitors like Surgent or Gleim, which can make it harder to know exactly what you’re getting.
- Few Interactive Features: Lambers lacks the forums and real-time feedback options found in other courses, which can make the experience feel a bit more isolated.
- No Free Trial: Unlike some other review courses, Lambers doesn’t offer a trial period, meaning you’ll have to make your decision based on reviews and reputation alone.
Bottom Line
Lambers can be a decent option if you prefer a section-by-section approach and clear video lessons. However, it lacks the all-in-one convenience and interactive features found in courses like Surgent or Gleim. If you’re someone who prefers more robust tools and real-time feedback, you might find Lambers a bit limited. The videos are useful, but the overall package doesn’t feel as comprehensive or tech-savvy as other top choices.
5. Hock EA (PassKey Learning): Straightforward Approach
Hock EA, in partnership with PassKey Learning, offers a subscription-based option for exam prep. While it includes solid study materials, it may not provide the advanced features some other courses offer.
Premium Plan
- Includes over 70 hours of video lessons, 2,300+ practice questions, three mock exams, and full access to PassKey online textbooks.
- Weekly live study sessions, expert support, and access to a student forum are also part of this package.
Standard Plan
- Offers videos, a question bank, and one mock exam but doesn’t include the full PassKey textbooks or extra video lessons.
Pros
- Expert Guidance: Led by Christy Pinheiro, an instructor with over 15 years of experience, Hock provides expert-driven learning. You’ll also have access to student forums where you can ask questions and engage with others studying for the exam.
- Streamlined Learning: Once you get the hang of the concepts, users report that studying becomes quicker and even, dare I say, fun. This is a bonus if you want to speed up your study process.
Cons
- Need for Supplemental Materials: While Hock is praised for helping students understand the material, some users feel the questions don’t match the difficulty level of the actual exam.
- Clunky Online Tools: Some features, like the online flashcards, aren’t the easiest to use. Having to rate the difficulty of each card can disrupt the flow of your study sessions.
- Inconsistent Live Sessions: The quality may vary while live study sessions are included. Some users have found the moderators less helpful than expected, which can be a downside if you’re counting on live support.
Bottom Line
From my review, Hock EA with PassKey Learning offers a basic approach, but it lacks the advanced features I’d expect from a top prep course. The practice questions don’t match the difficulty of the actual exam, so you’ll likely need extra materials. The online tools are clunky, and the live sessions aren’t always helpful. If you’re just looking for something straightforward, it might work, but I think better options out there; why settle?
Final Verdict
Picking the right Enrolled Agent review course really comes down to what works best for you. Do you want tons of practice questions? Prefer video lessons? Or maybe you need something with adaptive learning to help you zero in on your weak spots? Personally, my top picks are Becker, Gleim, Surgent, and Lambers. They’ve got all the tools you need—easy-to-use platforms, smart tech, and plenty of practice material to get you exam-ready fast.
It’s all about finding the course that fits your learning style and goals. Get that right, and you’ll be on your way to passing the EA exam with confidence!
FAQs
Becker, Surgent, and Gleim offer flexible, self-paced courses. They let you study at your own speed with adaptive learning features that tailor the content to your needs.
3,000+ is a good amount to shoot for, offered by providers like Becker and Gleim.
Yes, Becker, Gleim, Surgent, and Lambers offer pass guarantees, giving you peace of mind if you don’t pass on your first try.
Every course offers some form of free trial for their EA study materials, so you can test them out and see if it’s a good match before committing.
