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EA · STRATEGYOffice Hours · Marcus & Ava1:04 Free

EA Strategy: Beating the Blackout: Timing Your EA Exam Around Tax Deadlines

Blueprint Domain: STRATEGY-P5

Hosted by Marcus & Ava · 100% Free Open Access

Key Takeaways & Exam Watchouts

Key Takeaways

  • The EA exam testing cycle runs from May through February.
  • March and April are completely blacked out for EA exam testing.
  • A strategy for passing all three EA exam parts in one year involves studying 8 to 10 hours per week from June through December.
  • Following this strategy, candidates can take Part 1 in July, Part 2 in October, and Part 3 in December.
  • Becoming an Enrolled Agent by January allows individuals to immediately sign returns as an EA and represent clients before the IRS.

Exam Watchouts

  • Candidates must plan their EA exam schedule carefully, as March and April are completely blacked out for testing.

Full Spoken Transcript

184 words

Hey, welcome to VoraPrep Audio. Today's episode is from our EA Exam Strategy Masterclass: "Beating the Blackout: Timing Your EA Exam Around Tax Deadlines".

March and April are completely blacked out for testing. Here is how to plan your 3 parts between May and February.

AvaMarcus, tax professionals have intense busy seasons. How can someone working at a firm realistically pass all three parts in one year?
MarcusYou map around the May-to-February testing cycle. If you study 8 to 10 hours a week from June through December, you can easily take Part 1 in July, Part 2 in October, and Part 3 in December.
AvaAnd when tax season arrives in January, you are already an Enrolled Agent. You can immediately sign returns as an EA and represent clients before the IRS.
MarcusIf you want to put this exact strategy into practice with thousands of blueprint-aligned questions and an authentic exam simulator, head over to voraprep.com. Start your free trial today—no credit card required.
AvaSee you in the next masterclass.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the EA exam testing blackout period?

The EA exam has a complete testing blackout during March and April, meaning candidates cannot schedule or take exams in these months.

What is a recommended strategy for passing the EA exam in one year while working as a tax professional?

A recommended strategy involves studying 8 to 10 hours per week from June through December, aiming to take Part 1 in July, Part 2 in October, and Part 3 in December.

What are the benefits of becoming an Enrolled Agent by January?

Becoming an Enrolled Agent by January allows individuals to immediately sign returns as an EA and represent clients before the IRS.

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