EA study plan generator
Hour ranges are editorial estimates; the biggest-domain share uses the IRS question counts.
Planning estimates only. Domain weights from the IRS SEE content specifications; hour ranges are EnrolledAgentKit editorial estimates.
Save a copy of this plan
How it works
Recommended hours come from our editorial ranges (Part 1: 60-90, Part 2: 50-80, Part 3: 35-60), scaled by your starting point. The biggest-domain figure uses the IRS question counts: Income and Assets or Deductions and Credits (17 of 85) for Part 1, Business Tax Preparation (37 of 85) for Part 2, and Practices and Procedures (26 of 85) for Part 3.
Which part first?
Start with the part closest to your day job. Preparers often start with Part 1; people with representation or compliance backgrounds sometimes start with Part 3, the least numeric part.
All 3 parts, 900 questions, $149 once
Original questions weighted to the IRS content specifications, with explanations that cite the Code, Circular 230 and IRS publications. One payment, free access extension until you pass.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the EA exam?
Our estimate is roughly 150-230 hours across all three parts for most candidates, less with daily tax-prep experience.
Sources
- IRS - SEE Part 1 content specifications (Individuals) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- IRS - SEE Part 2 content specifications (Businesses) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- IRS - SEE Part 3 content specifications (Representation, Practices and Procedures) (accessed 2026-09-23)