The IRS sets clear mandates for the EA enrollment cycle: 72 hours of enrolled continuing education every three years, including at least 16 hours annually, of which two must be in ethics.
Whether you’re new to CE or an annual credit hour veteran, fulfilling your requirements is non-negotiable; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your continuing education courses and maybe even learn some strategies to boost your paycheck.
But which CE course provider is right for you? After combing through over a dozen EA CE options,
I’ve narrowed it down to my top 5. I took a lot of care in choosing various courses, boosting the chances that your perfect match is inside.
Top 5 Best Continuing Education Courses
- Best Overall: Becker
- Overall Runner-Up: Illumeo
- Best Live Webinars: Surgent
- Best Multi-Format Learning: Lambers
- Best On-Demand Access: Gleim
Enrolled Agent CE Course Comparison
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx Price | $329 | $199-$399 | $359-$899 | $199-$899.95 | $192-$756 |
| Discounts | Save $131 | No Discounts | Save 30% | Save 10% | Save $349 |
| Learning Formats | Self-study, Webcasts | Self-study, On-Demand Videos, Some Webinars | Self-study, Live Webinars | Self-study, Live Webinars, On-Demand Videos | Self-study With Some Audio-Visuals |
| Unique Features | Compliance Tracker and Course Suggestions | AI CPE Plan Builder, Multi-Credential Library | Smart Filters, Topic-Based searches | User Guide and Flexible Course Selection | Audio-Visual Lectures and Knowledge Transfer Online |
| IRS Reporting |  | | | | |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Becker: Best Overall
I enrolled in Becker’s EA CE subscription to test it out for myself. Over the span of two weeks, I completed 10 hours of coursework across various topics, including ethics and tax resolution.
The CE compliance tracker stood out immediately—it auto-updated as I progressed and flagged missing hours in each category. This proved useful in avoiding any reporting issues.
The user interface was intuitive, especially for those newer to self-paced learning. The downloadable PDFs were a nice bonus, especially for note-takers or anyone who wants to follow along offline.
I did think that some courses felt very lecture-heavy and could benefit from more interactive components or quizzes to break up the material, but I liked the layout—it’s beginner-friendly and clearly labeled. I also appreciated the pacing—most courses weren’t too long, which made it easier to squeeze in between client work.
What You Get With Becker EA CE
- Access to 75+ EA-specific courses
- Unlimited CE credit consumption
- IRS credit reporting is directly integrated
- Personalized progress dashboard
- Curated ethics and federal tax law modules
- Tax Rep Network guest lectures (a notable highlight)
- Downloadable materials + instant certificates
Pros
- Best Personalized CE Compliance Tracker: Keeping tabs on credits can be tricky, but Becker’s compliance tracker brings everything together in one simple dashboard.
- 75 Courses for EAs: Becker provides a good number of courses for EAs.
- Highly Affordable Subscription: A top pick for test prep, the Becker course bundle offers exceptional value in its EA-specific CE subscription.
- Unlimited Credits: With Becker, there’s no stress about maxing out on credits. Your learning isn’t limited by the number of credits you’ve got left.
- Instructors Know Their Stuff: Becker’s educators don’t just teach—they bring an average of 20 years of experience in accounting, consulting, and education. Rated 9/10 by students, they’re recognized experts in course content.
Cons
- The CE Subscription Has a Short History: Becker’s CE subscription launched recently. However, their strong reputation as prep providers and affordable pricing make them worth the gamble for some learners.
Becker EA CE Promo Code
Save $131 on Becker EA CE today and receive engaging courses filled with in-depth knowledge for an exclusive discount!
$131 Discount on Becker EA CE Subscription
Bottom Line
With its 160 approved credit hours, Becker’s CE subscription model takes the stress out of scrambling for must-have credits. Not to mention, their insightful courses keep tax preparers engaged and updated on the latest in tax law.
I find that Becker’s CE compliance tracker sets the standard for convenience when tracking credits and coursework. If you’re new to CE, this powerful tool makes it effortless to stay organized and stress-free.
Becker: Best Overall
2. Illumeo: Best Value for CE Variety
Illumeo doesn’t just check the boxes—it opens the whole toolbox. I tried out their CE platform for a week, focusing on tax-related courses and brushing up on business ethics. I wasn’t expecting much for the price, but I found myself impressed by just how much was included. The course interface was straightforward, with transcripts, slide decks, and player controls all in one clean layout. I also liked that the course dashboard grouped content by topic and credential—it helped me quickly find EA-relevant options.
What makes Illumeo stand out is its reach. While many platforms only focus on EA-specific content, Illumeo brings in courses that build broader business skills, like financial analysis and leadership. That kind of variety is ideal if you’re looking to grow beyond tax prep.
While not all courses are engaging—some feel like basic voice-overs—there’s something for every learning style and professional goal. I didn’t run into any tech issues, even streaming from a mobile device—it worked just fine on the go.
What You Get With Illumeo
- Over 1,000 on-demand business and tax courses
- Cross-credit options for CPA, CMA, EA, and more
- Downloadable course assets (transcripts, slides, etc.)
- One flat fee for unlimited access
- Certification library for tax, ethics, and soft skills
- Mobile-friendly platform for learning anywhere
Pros
- Huge Course Library: With more than 1,000 courses, Illumeo gives you access to a wide mix of topics, ideal for multi-licensed pros or those upskilling in new areas.
- One Subscription, Many Credentials: Instead of paying for separate CE packages, Illumeo lets you use one platform to earn credit for multiple designations—making it great for professionals juggling different licenses.
- Learn at Your Pace: Everything’s self-paced, and you can start or stop courses as needed. Great for busy tax professionals who need flexibility.
- Certificates Instantly Delivered: Once you pass a course, your certificate is ready to download—no waiting, no delays.
- Built-In Career Development: Want to add some business acumen or tech skills to your resume? Illumeo includes courses outside the CE box, like Excel modeling or communication techniques.
Cons
- Less Engaging Formats: Many courses are slide-based with voiceover, which might not hold your attention if you prefer visual or interactive content.
- Not EA-Focused: While EA courses are available, the platform isn’t designed specifically with enrolled agents in mind, so you’ll need to filter to find what you need.
Bottom Line
Illumeo is an excellent fit for learners who want more than just the basics. It’s affordable, flexible, and packed with content for every stage of your career—not just tax law. While it might lack the polish of other platforms, it delivers on volume and value, especially if you need CE for more than one credential.
Illumeo
3. Surgent: Best Live Webinars
Surgent offers impressive flexibility and a huge catalog of options—but the platform feels a bit dated, and finding what you need isn’t always intuitive.
I reviewed several features on the platform, including two live webinars—one on ethics and another on tax law updates. The instructors were knowledgeable, and I appreciated the real-time Q&A segments and occasional polls, which made the sessions feel more engaging than typical lectures.
I also explored their gamified learning modules, which sounded exciting in theory but felt more like traditional quizzes in practice. Navigation was clunky at times—I had to click around more than expected to find saved courses or resume progress.
Surgent’s Core Features
- 232 Self-Study Courses and 113 Live Webinars
- Self-Study Downloads (1 to 16 Credit Hours)
- Expert-Led, Live Webinars (1 to 8 Credit Hours)
- On-Demand Webcasts
- Direct Credit Reporting to IRS
Save 30% on Surgent EA CE Course Package
Pros
- Various Learning Formats: Surgent offers a combination of self-study PDFS, live webinars, and on-demand webcasts that easily accommodate preferred learning styles and time-pressed schedules.
- Easy Renew™: Surgent’s subscription auto-renews, ensuring uninterrupted learning —all at the same price you paid at sign-up. Opt out anytime.
- Game-Based Learning Experience: Surgent’s high-tier bundles offer gamified courses that make learning immersive and competitive. These real-life scenarios push players to solve problems, think critically, and make the best decision.
Cons
- Leans Toward the Expensive Side: Surgent’s CE courses are pricier, which may be concerning if you’re working with a tight budget.
- Premium Content Costs More: Those who want to enhance their learning with exclusive content will have to pay extra for advanced options.
- Clunky User Experience: While the course content is strong, the platform’s navigation isn’t the most intuitive—especially when jumping between formats or tracking completed hours.
Bottom Line
Surgent may offer one of the most expansive CE catalogs for enrolled agents, but the high price tag and extra charges for premium content might leave some users questioning the value. The live webinars are a standout feature—but unless that format is a must-have for you, other platforms deliver a more seamless and cost-effective experience.
Surgent
4. Lambers: Best Multi-Format Learning
If CE usually feels like a chore, I’m sure Lambers can change your mind with their many learning opportunities. Their two-year course bundle allows you to complete courses at your own pace, earn credits, and grow your knowledge.
While reviewing Lambers, I tested a couple of courses at different times of day, and the videos consistently loaded quickly—no buffering or access delays. Their exam format stood out too; it was low-pressure and allowed me to double-check answers before submitting, which isn’t something every platform offers.
I also appreciated the instructor’s tone—it felt more personal and conversational than the overly formal delivery I’ve seen elsewhere, which made the material easier to digest.
Need something shorter? Lambers offers a one-year bundle or an 18-hour 2024 AFSP Tax Preparer Bundle. You can earn credits quickly and lower your learning costs.
Lambers Core Features
- Access to Video, PDF, and Webinar-Based CE Courses
- Cutting-edge video Courseware With Live Instructors
- 24/7 365-Day Access
- Rapid Reporting to the IRS
- 25-Question Assessment After Each Course
- Certification on Completion (PDF Format and Printable)
Pros
- Two-Year Courses for Longer Learning: Lambers offers an extremely competitive two-year access bundle, giving you extended time to complete courses. Ideal for those who want to pace their learning over time.
- Shorter Programs Also Available: Time-pressed? Lambers’ 2024 AFSP Tax Preparer Bundle has your back to help you earn credits before deadlines arrive.
- Open Book Final With Unlimited Attempts: Lambers’ courses finish with a 25-question exam. You can retake them as many times as you need to pass, so there’s no pressure.
- Highly Trained and Experienced Educators: Instructors with advanced degrees bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing students with a well-rounded education. Eva Rosenberg, whom you might know as Tax Mama, is part of the team.
Cons
- Needs Fresh Details On Packages: Updating course details would give Lambers’ customers a clearer picture of what they’re buying for added peace of mind.
- Some Expensive Options: Their two-year bundles are priced on the higher end, but the cost is justified by extended access, which doubles the time to earn CE credits.
Lambers EA CE Promo Code
Save 10% on your enrolled agent continuing education, and enjoy Lambers’ flexible learning formats for a bargain!
Bottom Line
Lambers makes continuing education easier than I expected, with open-book exams and unlimited attempts that keep things low-pressure. During my review, the videos loaded quickly at all hours, and I liked that I could double-check my answers before submitting. The instructor tone felt more personal than formal, which helped the material feel more approachable. However, some course details were a bit vague and could benefit from an update.
Lambers
5. Gleim: Best On-Demand Access
Gleim has been championing tax professionals for decades, including enrolled agents who are fast approaching their three-year renewal period. Their CE bundles are designed to reinforce core tax knowledge while helping you meet your renewal requirements without overspending.
During my review, I tested several on-demand courses in areas like ethics and business taxation. I liked that the platform allowed me to preview a course before enrolling, which saved time. The dashboard was clean and easy to navigate, and the assessments were slightly more rigorous than others I tried—a plus if you’re looking for something more substantive.
Gleim stands out for its affordability and no-nonsense approach. Even the smaller hour-based packages provide just what you need to stay current. That said, the content is very text-heavy, and the platform doesn’t offer any live or video instruction, which may be a downside if you prefer a more dynamic learning format.
Gleim CE Offers the Following
- On-Demand Access to Gleim’s CE Course Catalog
- Over 60 High-Quality Courses With Audiovisual Presentations
- Knowledge Transfer Online (With Study Questions)
- Qualified Assessments
- Direct IRS Reporting
Pros
- Various Hour-Based Bundles: Gleim offers flexible time-based packages from 1 to 100 hours. Whether you urgently need credits or cost-saving multi-hour bundle alternatives, there’s an option for you.
- Very Affordable: Gleim’s offers budget-friendly programs, with some reportedly as low as $6 per hour.
- Access to a Free CPE Course: Test drive their free lectures as a first-time user before committing to a paid bundle — no buyer’s remorse! You may even earn some credit if the course is eligible for IRS reporting.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Create your free account and unlock Gleim’s Personal Classroom. This user-friendly dashboard allows you to buy, add, and start courses with the click of a button.
- Organized Course Catalog: Gleim features an easy-to-browse library. Whether you’re looking for the Ethics in Tax Practice Course or the latest Tax Procedure, finding the right course is a breeze.
Cons
- Information Overload: Gleim’s study materials can be dense at times, which may overwhelm learners who struggle with heavy reading. There aren’t any webinars either, which may disadvantage some learners.
- Capped Hours: Gleim’s top 100-hour packages offer plenty of credits. However, unlike competitors such as Becker and Surgent, which offer unlimited credits, Gleim has firm limits.
Bottom Line
Surgent’s live webinars are top-tier, and their course variety is hard to beat—but the overall platform feels overpriced for what you get. Between the clunky interface and extra fees for premium content, it’s not the most user-friendly or budget-friendly choice. If you don’t specifically want live instruction, you may find better value and smoother usability with another provider.
Gleim
Final Verdict
So, which enrolled agent CE provider truly delivers? For most learners, Becker remains the gold standard, with a personalized compliance tracker, IRS-integrated reporting, and a growing library of EA-specific content that simplifies staying current.
Looking for value without sacrificing depth? Illumeo is your best bet. It’s a powerhouse for professionals who wear multiple hats, offering unlimited CE credits across numerous credentials—all for one low price.
If variety is your learning love language, Lambers hits the mark with its mix of formats, flexible timelines, and open-book assessments. It’s especially great for those who need more than just a checklist experience.
Surgent, while lower in this ranking, shines for learners who thrive in a classroom-style setting. Their live webinars are hard to beat, and their course catalog is one of the largest around.
And finally, Gleim offers unbeatable affordability and simple, straightforward learning. While it lacks bells and whistles, it gets the job done—perfect for those who prefer to earn credits efficiently and on a budget.
No matter your learning style, you’ll find a platform here that helps you meet IRS CE requirements while actually enjoying the process.
FAQs
The Internal Revenue Service needs you to complete 72 hours of enrolled continuing education every three years, with 16 hours of credits annually, including two hours in ethics.
This depends on your learning style, budget, and study needs. However, Becker’s tech-driven and structured programs are amazing, while Gleim is best for one-the-go learners looking for a time-saving study method.
Yes, but this depends on experience levels, skill set, specialization, and geographic location. Established enrolled agents with strong expertise and a steady client base can reach this income bracket.
With its compliance tracker, tech-enhanced learning formats, and downloadable study materials, Becker offers everything modern learners need to streamline their studies.
You’ll need to pass the Special Enrollment Examination, commonly referred to as the EA exam. The exam has three parts of federal tax law updates that you’ll need to study: Individuals, Businesses, and Representation, Practice, and Procedures.
