“Congratulations! You’ve just finished taking the enrolled agents exam, which will determine whether or not you can practice before the IRS. Here are your results!”
Okay, so that’s not the EXACT screen that pops up after you finish the Enrolled Agent Exam, but it’s pretty close. Immediately after you click that final “OK” button, a score report appears on your screen, and you receive a printed score report with your enrolled agent test results. The scores are confidential, known only to you and the IRS. And that’s it. No waiting, no weeks of stalking your mailman for that long-awaited results envelope, no stress. Your results are given almost instantly.
But how are the results calculated? For each of the three 100-question sections of the Special Enrollment Exam, scores are based on a scaled curve system. This system is determined by calculating the number of questions answered correctly from the total number of questions in the examination, and then ranking your exam results against others taking the exam and converting them to scale that ranges from 40 to 130. (Raise your hand if that was confusing. Okay, let’s simplify.)
Exam scores are based solely on the number of correct answers– incorrect answers don’t count against a person’s score. Your percentage is then compared to others who have taken the exam in the past, to see whether or not you exhibit a command of the material. The IRS has determined a minimum level of knowledge deemed acceptable, and that minimum amount translates to a score of 105 on the scale.
If you get at least 105, you will be notified immediately with a simple “pass” screen, rather than a numbered score (sorry for those overachievers out there, hoping to post a picture of your perfect 130 on the fridge). A passing scores indicates that a candidate is qualified– not how qualified. Enrolled agent training occurs on the job and through EA continuing education courses.
Those who fail, on the other hand– after cursing under their breath– will receive their score, along with a diagnostic report indicating areas of weakness. If you fail, your score report will show a scaled score between 40 and 104, along with diagnostic information to assist you with future enrolled agent test prep efforts.
Diagnostic information will show one of the following indicators for each topic area of the exam:
- Considerably below the minimally acceptable score. If you receive this indicator, it is important for you to approach how you study this topic as you prepare to take the test again. You may want to consider taking an enrolled agent training course or participating actively in a study group on this topic.
- Marginally below the minimally acceptable score. This means close, but no cigar. You should study this topic in detail as you prepare to take the test again.
- At or above the minimally acceptable score. This indicator means you were well-prepared for this section. Be sure to review this topic as you prepare to take the test again.
After you pass all three parts of the examination, you can file Form 23, Application for Enrollment to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service within one year of the date you passed all parts of the examination. Form 23 is available on the IRS website. (Click on “tax professionals” and then click on “enrolled agents.”) Attaching copies of passing score reports reflecting all parts passed to your Application for Enrollment will speed up processing of your application.
And that’s it. After three grueling tests, some semi-complicated math calculations, and three speedy answers, you’ll be on your way to becoming an Enrolled Agent.
Tags: enrolled agent test, enrolled agent test prep, enrolled agent training, enrolled agent training course, enrolled agents exam
