Best Enrolled Agent Continuing Education Courses

If you’re an EA, CPA, or any other finance professional who deals with taxation, making sure that you’re on the right side of tax law is crucial.

One of the best ways to do this is to take tax classes and earn your required Enrolled Agent CPE. In times past, this had to be done in person, but now, many Enrolled Agents use online Enrolled Agent CPE led by industry experts. From IRS-approved continuing education programs to other types of CE credit options, how can one be sure they are taking the right courses?

I’ve done the hard work for you.

As an experienced finance educational expert, I’ve spent considerable time evaluating various continuing education courses for EAs. Below, I’ve outlined the best continuing education, including features, pros, cons, and more.

Top Choices for EA CE Courses

• Best All-Around CPE: Becker – Becker’s extensive selection of IRS-approved courses, live Q&A webcasts, and critical updates make it a standout choice for Enrolled Agents seeking a reliable and flexible solution for their CPE needs.
• Best for Personalized Learning: Surgent – Surgent’s AI-driven platform zeroes in on your weak spots, saving time and helping you study smarter, not harder.
• Best for Career Versatility: Illumeo – Illumeo’s massive library of over 1,800 courses allows Enrolled Agents to expand into leadership, finance, and soft skills while its AI-driven compliance tools ensure all credit requirements are met across multiple designations.
• Best for Video Learners: Lambers – Lambers offers solid video lessons taught by experienced instructors, but its outdated design and higher price tag might not be for everyone.
• Best for Tax Training: Gleim – Gleim’s detailed, in-depth courses are perfect for anyone who wants to fully master tax concepts with a no-nonsense, thorough approach.
• Best for Interactive Study: Fast Forward Academy – With its easy-to-navigate platform and interactive tools, Fast Forward Academy keeps learning simple, fun, and effective.

Enrolled Agent Continuing Education Course Comparison

Feature
Discounts	Save $131	Save 20%	Save 20%	Save 10%
Course Hours	700+ on-demand, 1,000+ live webcasts	16-40 CE hour packages	1800+ courses from 1-10 hours	1-Year All Access CE Package
Live Webinars
Money Back Guarantee
Support	Phone, Email, Live Q&A Webcasts	Phone, Email, Chat	Phone, Email, Live Q&A	Phone, Email
Pricing	$329 – $1,479	$129 – $249	$199 – $399/year	$499
Get Started	BUY NOW	BUY NOW	BUY NOW	BUY NOW

1. Becker Enrolled Agent: Best ALL Around CPE

Becker’s CPE courses are the ultimate choice for Enrolled Agents looking to meet their continuing education (CE) requirements with ease and confidence. With a wide selection of IRS-approved courses, flexible learning options, and cutting-edge tools, Becker stands out as the go-to provider for tax professionals.

Available Packages and Pricing

Prime – 2 Year ($1,479)

• This package is ideal for professionals looking for the best value and long-term access. It includes 1,000+ live webcasts, 700+ on-demand courses, 50+ ethics courses, and exclusive features like critical update courses and CPE podcasts.

Prime – 1 Year ($799)

• Perfect for professionals needing comprehensive CPE for one year, including 1,000+ live webcasts, 700+ on-demand courses, and critical update topics.

Select – 1-Year – $499

• A great mid-tier option for those seeking flexible CPE access. Includes 480+ live webcasts, 570+ on-demand courses, and 50+ ethics courses.

Essentials (90 Days) – $329

• Designed for quick, short-term CPE needs, this package provides 90 days of access to 480+ live webcasts and 475+ on-demand courses.

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Features

• Comprehensive Access: Prime packages provide the broadest access to live webcasts, on-demand courses, and specialized topics.
• Live Q&A Webcasts: Interactive sessions with expert instructors offering real-time feedback.
• Critical Update Courses: Stay current with changes in tax laws and industry trends.
• CPE Podcasts: Learn on the go with convenient audio options.
• Ethics Courses: Meets state-mandated ethics requirements with 50+ approved courses.

Pros

Tailored Learning Experience: From industry-specific certificates to curated bundles, Becker provides tools to customize your CPE journey and focus on the topics that matter most to your career.
Real-Time Interaction: Live webcasts with expert instructors and Q&A sessions make learning engaging and allow for immediate clarification on complex subjects.
Convenience on the Go: CPE podcasts and on-demand courses offer unmatched flexibility, making it easy to earn credits whenever and wherever works best for you.
Comprehensive Ethics Coverage: With 50+ state-approved ethics courses included, Becker simplifies meeting mandatory requirements without sacrificing variety or quality.
Career-Building Focus: Becker’s critical updates, hot topic courses, and innovative content go beyond compliance, helping professionals stay competitive and forward-thinking in their fields.

2. Surgent: Great for Personalized Learning in Tax Education

Surgent provides a vast selection of IRS-approved courses, offering between 1 to 20 credit hours each. These cover essential topics, including federal tax law, ethics, and the latest federal tax updates. I have always appreciated Surgent for its reputation in CPA and EA exam preparation.

Their continuing education courses are nothing short of excellent. I found the adaptive learning technology particularly effective—it tailors the study material based on your knowledge gaps, optimizing your learning time and ensuring you keep your EA status.

Available Packages and Pricing

Self-Study Packages:

• 16-Hour Package ($129): Select from any of Surgent’s IRS-approved courses up to 16 hours. Ideal for self-paced learners.
• 40-Hour Package ($229): Offers a comprehensive study of up to 40 hours, perfect for an in-depth review of complex topics.

Live Webinar Packages:

• 16-Hour Package ($149): Includes live, interactive webinars totaling 16 hours, suited for professionals seeking real-time interaction.
• 40-Hour Package ($249): Provides 40 hours of live instruction, ideal for those who prefer a traditional classroom environment and direct expert guidance.

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Features

• Adaptive Learning Technology: Utilizes A.S.A.P. Technology to customize learning paths according to individual needs.
• Extensive Course Catalog: Offers a wide range of subjects, including the latest IRS updates and specialized topics like ethics and business practices.
• Interactive Content: Engages with interactive study tools that enhance learning and retention.
• Convenient Format: Courses are available online 24/7, allowing you to study at your own pace and on your schedule.
• IRS-Approved: All courses are approved by the IRS, ensuring they meet the highest standards.

Pros

Customized Learning Experience: The adaptive technology doesn’t just adjust to your pace—it dynamically updates your study path as you progress through the material. This means that as your understanding deepens, the system intelligently adapts to challenge you at just the right level, ensuring no time is wasted on topics you’ve already mastered.
Interactive Webinar Options: For those who thrive on real-time interaction and need more engagement than self-paced courses can offer, Surgent provides live webinar options. These webinars allow for direct communication with instructors, offering immediate answers to questions and facilitating a more interactive learning environment. This feature is ideal for Enrolled Agents who benefit from the dynamic exchange of ideas and personalized feedback during their educational sessions.
Practical Applications: The courses include simulations of real-world tax situations, which I have found invaluable in my practice. By applying what you’ve learned to these scenarios, you gain confidence and competence that directly translate to your day-to-day client interactions.
Time-saving: Surgent’s focus on targeted learning means that you spend time on areas where your knowledge is weakest, making your overall study time more productive. This approach not only speeds up the learning process but also deepens your understanding where it counts, ensuring you’re well-prepared in less time.

Cons

Higher Price Point for Webinars: Surgent’s live webinar packages are priced higher than their self-study courses, which may not feel justified if you’re mainly looking for credits rather than instructor interaction. Professionals on a tighter budget might find the extra cost harder to justify compared to other CE providers.

3. Illumeo: Best Value for Professional Versatility

Available Packages and Pricing

Individual Subscription Packages:

• On-Demand CPE ($199/year): The entry-level self-study tier. It provides unlimited access to 1,600+ on-demand courses and the state-by-state compliance tracker.
• Webinar CPE ($199/year): A specialized “live-only” track. It offers 120 hours of live CPE sessions annually and includes access to over 85 ethics courses.
• Premium CPE ($299/year): The most popular choice for EAs. It combines unlimited on-demand courses with over 120 live webinars and adds 70+ specialized “Premium” technical courses.
• Premium+ CPE ($399/year): The “all-access” pass. Includes the full 1,800+ course library, exclusive Premium+ content, and the maximum annual webinar schedule (130+ sessions).

Corporate and Team Packages:

• Enterprise/Team Subscription ($199/user): For teams of 3 or more. This tier grants Premium-level access to all users but includes centralized management tools and compliance reporting.
• The “$99/year” Rate: This is not a standard individual retail plan. It is a high-volume enterprise rate typically reserved for large firms (usually 50+ users) or specifically negotiated corporate contracts.

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Features

AI-Driven Personalization: Uses an AI-powered “CPE Selector” to analyze your career goals and professional gaps, automatically building a custom curriculum for you.

Multi-Certification Support: Covers credits for 28 different professional designations—including EA, CPA, CMA, and CIA—making it the most efficient platform for dually-certified professionals.

Universal Compliance Tracker: A robust monitoring tool for all 50 U.S. states. It allows you to upload and track CPE earned from other providers, serving as a single master transcript.

Peer-Reviewed Quality Control: To maintain high standards, any course that drops below a 4.0-star user rating is automatically flagged and removed from the active library.

Direct Instructor Access: Unlike most self-study platforms, Illumeo provides a direct communication line to instructors for questions, even on on-demand content.

Mobile-Optimized Learning: All courses are fully accessible on mobile devices, allowing for seamless transition between desktop and on-the-go learning.

Pros

Massive Multi-Disciplinary Library: With over 1,800 on-demand courses, you can fulfill EA requirements while building “soft skills” in areas like management, communication, and financial analysis.
AI-Powered Customization: The platform features an AI assessment tool that identifies your specific knowledge gaps and automatically builds a personalized learning path to meet your career goals.
Exceptional Price-to-Volume Ratio: At a price point significantly lower than premium competitors, you receive unlimited access to both on-demand content and live webinars, including dedicated ethics and IRS-approved updates.
Time-saving: Surgent’s focus on targeted learning means that you spend time on areas where your knowledge is weakest, making your overall study time more productive. This approach not only speeds up the learning process but also deepens your understanding where it counts, ensuring you’re well-prepared in less time.

Cons

Static Course Presentation: Most of the library consists of slide-based presentations with voiceovers rather than high-production video or the “gamified” interactive elements found in pricier alternatives like Surgent.

4. Lambers: Moderate Options for Tax Education

Lambers is known for its specialization in taxation and offers a CE course for both CPAs and IRS Enrolled Agents.

They currently offer one program:

• 1-Year All Access Continuing Education ($499.95)

The reason I’m ranking Lambers as high as I am is that I found quite a few first-hand accounts from people who like Lambers’ courses and their CE. Also, a lot of top programs and completion certificates are actually middlemen who run through Lambersm, so this is something to keep in mind.

“Lambers EA review is nice, lots of video lectures.” u/TK7860

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Pros

Dynamic Instructional Methods: Lambers employs a variety of engaging teaching methods, including on-demand video lectures that are known for their comprehensive coverage and engaging delivery. These video lectures make complex tax concepts more accessible and interesting, which is a significant advantage for visual and auditory learners.
Expert Instructors: The courses at Lambers are taught by seasoned instructors with extensive hands-on experience and years of teaching expertise. Their ability to convey complex tax information in an engaging way ensures a high-quality learning experience that keeps participants interested from beginning to end.
Versatile Course Formats: Understanding the diverse needs of their learners, Lambers offers three different learning formats. These include their on-demand videos, PDF self-study courses, and live webinars. I love flexibility when it comes to learning, so this will always be a pro for me.

Cons

Outdated Website Design: One significant drawback is the outdated design of Lambers’ website, which can make navigating the available courses and resources less intuitive. This could potentially frustrate users, especially those accustomed to more modern interfaces.
Lack of Clear Course Offerings: It can be challenging to discern the full range of courses available at Lambers due to how the information is presented on the website. This lack of clarity might deter professionals from exploring the full potential of Lambers’ offerings.

5. Gleim Enrolled Agent: Best for Rigorous Tax Preparation Training

In my experience, Gleim stands out for its meticulous attention to detail. Their courses are designed meticulously, which I believe is key to ensuring deep understanding and retention. What struck me most was the quality of their study materials, especially the detailed explanations that accompany quiz questions. When it comes to complex tax issues, Gleim’s continuing ed is sure to keep you informed.

Available Packages and Pricing

20-Hour CE Package ($79.95)

• Ideal for those who need a moderate amount of continuing education credits annually, this package includes online self-study courses with a variety of tax topics to choose from.

24-Hour CE Package ($99.95)

• Perfect for Enrolled Agents looking for a comprehensive yearly education plan, this package offers online self-study courses covering ethics, federal tax law updates, and more.

30-Hour CE Package ($129.95)

• This extensive package provides a deeper dive into complex tax issues, ideal for those who prefer to exceed their continuing education requirements and stay ahead of the professional curve.

Features

• Wide Range of Topics: Gleim covers federal tax law, ethics, and tax updates, ensuring Enrolled Agents are up-to-date with current laws and best practices.
• Self-Study Format: All packages are offered as self-study, allowing you to learn at your own pace and schedule.
• Comprehensive Materials: Gleim is known for its detailed course materials, which enhance learning through in-depth explanations and robust quiz questions.
• Immediate Access and Progress Tracking: Once enrolled, you gain immediate access to all materials and can track your progress through the Gleim user portal.

Pros

Depth of Material: Gleim’s courses not only cover a wide range of topics but also delve deeply into each subject, providing thorough explanations and case studies. This depth ensures that you not only learn but also understand the nuances of each topic, which is essential for applying this knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios.
Innovative Course Format: Gleim’s courses are uniquely structured to enhance learning and engagement through a blend of audiovisual presentations, introductory questions, and Knowledge Transfer Outlines accompanied by study questions. This format not only facilitates a dynamic learning experience but also ensures effective knowledge transfer. Completing the course with a Qualified Assessment helps to solidify the learning and prepares you thoroughly for practical application in real-world scenarios. This innovative approach is designed to boost understanding and retention, making the learning process both comprehensive and enjoyable.
Self-Paced Learning: The flexibility to manage your study schedule is particularly beneficial for working professionals. You can work through the courses during your free time, fitting your studies around other commitments. This self-directed approach empowers you to take charge of your learning experience, making it as rapid or gradual as you need.

Cons

Limited External Resources: Gleim primarily relies on its own created materials and does not always incorporate a wide range of external resources or perspectives that might enrich the learning experience. This can be a downside for those looking to see a broader range of viewpoints and applications in the field of tax regulation.
Lack of Live Interactive Options and Content Variety: Unlike competitors that offer hundreds of live webinars annually, Gleim’s CPE is almost exclusively self-study and text-heavy. Their course catalog is also significantly smaller—offering roughly 60 courses compared to the 1,000+ available on other platforms—which can make it difficult for long-term users to find new, diverse topics once they have completed the core tax and ethics modules.

6. Fast Forward Academy: Leader in User-Friendly Tax Education Platforms

My exploration of Fast Forward Academy’s tools was enlightening. Their interactive learning platform is user-friendly and robust, making studying less overwhelming. The real-time feedback on practice questions helps pinpoint areas that need more attention, which I found tremendously helpful.

Programs and Course Offerings

Unlimited CPE Access:

• Price: $199.00 (discounted to $169.15)
• Features: This package provides one year of unlimited access to 40 CE courses, available online 24/7. It includes the 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course and fast reporting to the IRS, making it ideal for professionals who require extensive continuing education credits.

24 CPE Hours:

• Price: $149.00 (discounted to $126.65)
• Features: With this option, you can take up to 24 hours of coursework from a selection of 39 CE courses over one year. This package offers flexible online access and rapid IRS reporting but does not include the 6-hour AFTR course.

15 CPE Hours:

• Price: $99.00 (discounted to $84.15)
• Features: This package allows for 15 hours of course time from 39 available CE courses. Like the others, it provides a full year of online access and quick reporting to the IRS, which is suitable for those with lower educational needs for the cycle.

They also have a new program launching in June 2024. Their enhanced IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) in June 2024 was designed for tax professionals looking to stay current with tax law updates and gain recognition in the IRS directory. The program offers a selection of 39 IRS-approved courses, including a mandatory 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course for non-exempt preparers.

With features like open-book exams, multiple attempts, and automatic reporting to the IRS, the AFSP caters to varying learning styles and schedules. This comprehensive program aims to boost professional credentials, offering early bird discounts to encourage early registration and facilitate preparers’ readiness for the upcoming tax season.

Pros

Wide Range of Topics: The program covers a diverse array of subjects, from healthcare and tax planning to IRS representation, ensuring that professionals can find courses that are directly relevant to their areas of interest or need.
Flexible Learning Options: With 24/7 online access, tax professionals can complete courses on their own schedule, accommodating busy lifestyles and varying work demands.
Comprehensive Packages: Whether you need a few hours or unlimited access, FFA provides a range of packages that cater to different continuing education needs, all of which include fast reporting to the IRS.
Targeted Courses for Specific Needs: The inclusion of specialized courses like the CA State Tax course for California preparers ensures that specific regional requirements are also addressed.

Cons

Upcoming Program Uncertainties: One potential downside is that Fast Forward Academy’s most promising program offering, the enhanced IRS Annual Filing Season Program set to launch in June 2024, hasn’t yet been released. Consequently, we don’t yet know what the potential glitches or shortcomings of the program might be, which could affect its initial effectiveness and user experience.
Overwhelming Course Selection: The broad selection of 40 courses, while beneficial, can be daunting to navigate, especially for those who are new to the platform or uncertain about their specific educational needs.

EA Course Comparisons

Becker vs. Surgent

When comparing Becker and Surgent, Becker is the premier choice for those who value high-production quality and a prestigious reputation. Becker’s courses feel like premium broadcasts, featuring top-tier instructors and highly engaging video content that keeps you focused. While Surgent’s A.S.A.P. adaptive technology is excellent for Enrolled Agents who need to earn credits quickly by skipping what they already know, it lacks the polished, classroom-style feel that Becker provides. If you want a learning experience that feels modern and high-end, Becker wins out—though Surgent remains the better pick for the time-pressed professional looking for maximum efficiency.

Verdict: Choose Becker if you want a premium, “gold standard” education with high-end video production that feels like a professional broadcast. Opt for Surgent if your primary goal is speed and efficiency, as their adaptive tech is designed to get you to compliance in the fewest hours possible.

Becker vs. Illumeo

Becker and Illumeo offer very different experiences, but Becker takes the lead for those focused on deep, specialized tax expertise delivered through high-quality video. Becker’s content is sleek and professionally produced, making it easy to digest complex IRS updates. On the other hand, Illumeo is the superior choice for professionals who want variety beyond just tax law. While Illumeo’s massive library of 1,800+ courses and AI-driven career mapping offer incredible versatility for the price, the actual course delivery is often more basic and slide-heavy compared to Becker’s polished videos. For strictly technical tax mastery, go with Becker; for a massive, multi-disciplinary library at a lower cost, Illumeo is the clear winner.

Verdict: Go with Becker if you are looking for a deep, technical mastery of the tax code delivered through a polished, high-production interface. Select Illumeo if you want the best “bang for your buck” and a massive library that helps you grow in leadership and business beyond just tax filings.

Surgent vs. Gleim

When comparing Surgent and Gleim Enrolled Agent continuing education, Gleim edges out as the better choice for its thorough and well-organized content. Gleim’s detailed explanations and carefully designed courses make it ideal for anyone who wants a solid, reliable foundation in tax topics. While Surgent’s adaptive learning technology is great for personalizing study sessions and focusing on weak spots, it doesn’t quite match Gleim’s depth and structure. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and straightforward approach, Gleim is the way to go—though Surgent is still a strong option for those who want a more targeted, efficient learning experience.

Verdict: Gleim is the winner for those who want a meticulously structured, academic deep-dive with the most robust question bank in the industry. Surgent remains the preferred choice for modern, busy EAs who need a flexible, “smart” platform that adjusts to their existing knowledge to save time.

Illumeo vs. Gleim

Comparing Illumeo and Gleim comes down to a choice between variety and depth. Illumeo is the better option for the modern professional who wants a “one-stop shop” for everything from tax ethics to leadership and Excel skills, all managed through a sophisticated AI platform. Its library is nearly 30 times larger than Gleim’s, offering a much broader perspective. However, Gleim remains the gold standard for pure technical rigor. While Illumeo provides a wider range of topics and live webinars, it doesn’t quite reach the level of granular, academic detail found in Gleim’s meticulously designed tax modules. If you want a broad education with modern tools, choose Illumeo; if you want the most rigorous technical deep-dive available, stick with Gleim.

Verdict: Illumeo is the top pick for the “multi-hyphenate” professional who wants a broad, AI-guided education across dozens of disciplines at a low flat rate. However, for Enrolled Agents who strictly want the most rigorous and detailed tax-focused instruction available, Gleim’s technical depth remains unmatched.

Gleim vs. Fast Forward Academy

Gleim and Fast Forward Academy both have their strengths, but Gleim comes out on top for its no-nonsense, thorough approach to continuing education. Gleim’s materials are detailed and go deep into the topics, making it perfect for professionals who want to fully understand the content. While Fast Forward Academy has a more modern, user-friendly platform with some cool interactive tools, it doesn’t match Gleim when it comes to the depth and reliability of the content. If you’re looking for a straightforward, rock-solid course, Gleim is the better choice.

Verdict: Gleim wins for practitioners who value tradition, exhaustive detail, and a “no-frills” academic approach. Choose Fast Forward Academy if you prefer a modern, community-driven interface with high-tech interactive tools that make the study process feel less like a chore.

Fast Forward Academy vs. Lambers

Fast Forward Academy and Lambers both offer comprehensive continuing education courses, but FFA’s approach is more suited to the modern learner with its interactive platform and easy navigation. Lambers, though known for its expert instructors and versatile course formats, falls short with its outdated website and less intuitive user interface. Therefore, FFA’s commitment to technology and ease of use places it ahead of Lambers for those prioritizing a seamless online education experience.

Verdict: Fast Forward Academy is the clear choice for the tech-savvy learner who expects a seamless, mobile-friendly dashboard and modern study aids. While Lambers offers excellent legacy instruction, its outdated user experience makes it a harder sell for those used to modern web standards.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best Enrolled Agent continuing education provider depends on whether you prioritize technical depth, time efficiency, or professional variety.

If you want a premium, high-production experience, Becker is the gold standard for deep tax mastery. For those balancing a heavy workload, Surgent’s adaptive technology is the most efficient path to compliance, cutting out what you already know. Meanwhile, Illumeo offers the best value for professionals who want to expand beyond tax into leadership and business strategy.

Ultimately, selecting a platform that aligns with your specific learning style transforms a mandatory requirement into a strategic career investment.

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