How to Schedule Your EA Exam With PSI: 2026 Steps and Fees

2026-07-113 min read

Last reviewed: July 16, 2026.

PSI Services replaced Prometric as the administrator of the IRS Special Enrollment Examination effective March 1, 2026. Do not use an old Prometric account or an older fee table to schedule a 2026 exam.

1. Obtain a PTIN

You need a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number before scheduling. A 2026 PTIN costs $18.75 and most first-time online applications take about 15 minutes. A PTIN is an identifier, not proof of tax competence. IRS PTIN requirements

2. Use the PSI portal

Start from the IRS enrolled-agent page and follow its link to PSI. Create a PSI profile using the same first and last name shown on the unexpired government-issued photo ID you will present on exam day.

You may take Parts 1, 2, and 3 in any order. You do not have to schedule all three together.

3. Choose the delivery method and date

For the 2026 cycle:

Domestic testing runs July 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027.
International testing runs September 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027.
International appointments are remote-only; the IRS says there is no in-person international testing for this cycle.
The annual blackout period is generally March and April.

Available dates and delivery options can change, so treat the PSI portal—not an article screenshot—as the source of truth.

4. Pay the current fee

The current fee is $317 per part, paid when the appointment is scheduled. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. IRS EA examination FAQ

5. Review the confirmation

PSI emails the appointment date, time, location or remote-delivery details, examination name, and confirmation number. Check every field immediately and keep the confirmation number; it is required for changes.

Rescheduling and failed attempts

Rescheduling or cancellation at least 48 hours before the appointment has no fee.
Changing or canceling less than 48 hours before the appointment requires another full exam fee.
Missing the appointment or arriving 30 minutes or more late forfeits the fee.
After failing a part, wait 24 hours before scheduling that same part again.
A candidate may attempt each part up to four times during a testing window.

For accommodations, call PSI using the number and accommodation hours listed in the IRS FAQ rather than completing ordinary online scheduling first.

Practice under timed conditions on EADojo.

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Retrieve it before the explanation retrieves it for you.

Galilea is employed as a full-time saleswoman and travels occasionally on behalf of her employer. Her employer does not have a reimbursement policy. Her adjusted gross income in the current year is $80,000. She has the following miscellaneous expenses, including business expenses for which she was not reimbursed: Meals with clients: $500. Home office expenses: $1,100. Personal tax return preparation: $200. Gambling losses: $9,000. Galilea had $2,000 of gambling winnings during the year. Based on the information above, what is her allowable deduction for miscellaneous itemized deductions on her Schedule A?

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Becoming an Enrolled Agent From India: 2026 Rules and Career LimitsIndian tax professionals can pursue the EA examination route without a U.S. degree, but 2026 international testing is remote-only and the credential does not guarantee U.S. employment or salary.EA Exam at PSI: 2026 Test-Day ChecklistTaking the Enrolled Agent exam at PSI? Check the current fee, ID rules, timing, breaks, results, remote-testing requirements, and what to bring.The EA Exam Just Got $99 Cheaper. Nobody Noticed.The IRS quietly reduced the Special Enrollment Exam user fee from $99 to $66 per part in April 2026. That's $99 saved across all three parts. Here's what changed and what the total cost actually is now.

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