EAs are generally tax preparers, but they can also wear an advisory hat by providing tax compliance counselling to clients or providing written advice to third parties regarding business transactions. In general, the EA's job is to help their clients with a variety of tax matters, from tax preparation, to representation during hearings or conferences, to helping them through audits. EAs can be seen in an office, in front of the IRS, or sitting down with clients. They work in accounting firms of all types and sizes, with many EAs starting their own businesses.

Unlike the most other professional designations, you can become an Enrolled Agent (EA) without earning a college degree. Plus, once you become an EA, your credential is valid in all 50 states. Whether you have decades of experience in tax or recently decided to make a career change from something completely unrelated, you are eligible to take the Enrolled Agent Examination (referred to as the Special Enrolment Examination, or SEE, by the Internal Revenue Service). A background in taxation helps make the process easier, but there have been students with zero tax experience who studied and passed the Enrolled Agent Exam – on their FIRST attempt! Here’s are the requirements to become an EA:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must have an active Personal Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS
• You must pass all three parts of the Enrolled Agent Exam
• You must be in compliance with U.S. Tax laws
• How many sections are in CPA?
• Each paper is for a period of four hours with 50% MCQ-based questions and 35-50% simulation and written-type questions.

The Enrolled Agent Exam is taken at Prometric Centers which are available worldwide