Enrolled Agent Exam Updates: PSI, the New Score Scale and Testing Window
The IRS changed who runs the enrolled agent exam in 2026, and with it the score scale, the fee and the testing window. Everything below comes from the IRS's own pages, re-read on 28 Oct 2026: IRS "Enrolled agent news" (page updated 29 Sep 2026) and "Enrolled agents: Frequently asked questions" (page updated 26 Oct 2026).
Latest confirmed updates
- 27 Oct 2026: SEE testing window runs to 28 Feb 2027. The IRS says the current window for U.S. domestic candidates is 1 Jul 2026 to 28 Feb 2027. Testing is unavailable in March and April while the exam is updated. (IRS, Enrolled agents: Frequently asked questions, checked 8 Nov 2026.)
- 27 Oct 2026: International SEE scheduling is temporarily delayed. The IRS says scheduling and testing for international candidates is temporarily delayed. If you plan to test outside the U.S., check the IRS FAQ before you book. (IRS, Enrolled agents: Frequently asked questions, checked 8 Nov 2026.)
- 9 Oct 2026: PSI bulletin revised: 2025 law for the whole window. PSI's candidate bulletin (revised 9 Oct 2026) keeps the US$317 fee per part and says exams taken 1 Jul 2026 to 28 Feb 2027 test law as amended through 31 Dec 2025. Ignore legislation, court decisions or penalty amounts after that date. (PSI, Candidate Information Bulletin: IRS Enrolled Agent SEE, checked 8 Nov 2026.)
What changed in 2026
| What | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs the exam | Prometric | PSI Services, from 1 Mar 2026 |
| Score scale | 40-130, with 105 to pass | 200-800, with 500 to pass |
| Fee per part | IRS user fee US$99, plus the vendor's fee | US$317: US$66 IRS user fee (T.D. 10045) plus US$251 to PSI |
| Testing window | The IRS's usual pattern: 1 May to the end of February | 2026-27, 1 Jul 2026 to 28 Feb 2027 |
Two consequences matter most. Scores on the old 40-130 scale no longer describe the exam (the 500 passing score explained), and the questions test law as amended through 31 Dec 2025, which includes the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes for 2025.
International candidates
Scheduling and testing for international candidates is temporarily delayed: scheduling was due to open on 1 Sep 2026 and testing on 2 Sep 2026, and the IRS has not set new dates (checked 11 Nov 2026). Once it starts it is remote-only with a proctor. The IRS says candidates whose passed parts could expire during the delay will get extra carryover time.
What has not been announced
The 2026-27 testing window is open from 1 Jul 2026 to 28 Feb 2027 for U.S. candidates. Testing pauses after 28 Feb 2027 while the exam is updated; the 2027-28 window is not announced yet. Current dates live on the enrolled agent exam dates page.
What it means for your prep
- Use material written for the 200-800 scale and tax year 2025 law; anything quoting 105 to pass predates the PSI exam.
- Book with PSI, not Prometric: see how to sign up with PSI.
- Rehearse the format: 100 questions, three locked sections, 3.5 hours, as our full practice exams do.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the enrolled agent exam now?
PSI Services, since 1 Mar 2026, under contract with the IRS. Prometric no longer runs it (IRS "Enrolled agent news").
What is the new EA exam passing score?
500 on a scaled score of 200-800. A passing report shows no score; a failing one shows your scaled score.
Can I take the EA exam from outside the U.S., such as India?
Scheduling and testing for international candidates is temporarily delayed: scheduling was due to open on 1 Sep 2026 and testing on 2 Sep 2026, and the IRS has not set new dates (checked 11 Nov 2026). Once it starts it is remote-only with a proctor.
When is the next EA exam window?
Testing pauses after 28 Feb 2027 while the exam is updated; the 2027-28 window is not announced yet.
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