Know the window before you plan
The IRS EA FAQ lists the current domestic testing window as July 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, with PSI handling scheduling. Testing is unavailable in March and April while the exam is updated, so a part you plan to take this cycle needs a seat on or before February 28, 2027. Confirm current dates, fees, and retake rules on the dates and fees guide before you book.
Free practice by part, no account needed
Each part has a free five-question sample adapted from IRS-published examples. Every answer shows a short explanation and the official reference, and each question also has its own guide page. Use the samples to learn the PSI multiple-choice format before you pay for anything.
Find your starting part with the diagnostic
The free 15-question diagnostic covers all three parts in one sitting and shows a part-by-part breakdown with a focused seven-session plan. It asks for an email to start, and your results stay in this browser. If you are unsure where to begin, the part-order guide walks through the common choices.
Put a dated plan on the calendar
The free printable study planner lays out ten weeks of focus areas, practice targets, and checkpoints from the diagnostic to exam day. Count back ten weeks from a target PSI appointment inside the window, and repeat a week when its checkpoint fails. The planner asks for an email to open and print. The study plan guide explains the reasoning behind each week.
Study the TY2025 rules this window tests
For July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 sittings, the IRS says questions reference the Internal Revenue Code, forms, and publications as amended through December 31, 2025, and unless stated otherwise they relate to calendar year 2025. That law period includes changes enacted during 2025. Free material written for an earlier window can teach thresholds and rules that no longer match, so check the stated tax year first. The part guides and the topic library are written for this law period.
Use practice exams as rehearsals
Samples show the format, but readiness comes from unseen, timed, mixed sets scored by domain. The practice exam guide explains how to run a rehearsal and read results by objective, so you can tell when a part is ready to schedule.
When free stops being enough
Free tools are enough to learn the format, pick a part, and build a plan. When you need question volume, timed mixed exams, and domain-level reporting, compare paid options against a checklist first. The study materials guide lists what to look for, including the law period, and the plans page shows current PassFast options.
What candidates ask next
What is the EA exam testing window for 2026-27?
The IRS EA FAQ lists the current domestic window as July 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027. Testing is unavailable in March and April. Confirm dates on the IRS and PSI sites before you book.
Which tax year does the 2026-27 EA exam test?
For this window, questions reference the Code, forms, and publications as amended through December 31, 2025, and unless stated otherwise they relate to calendar year 2025.
Can I prepare for the EA exam for free?
You can start for free. IRS sample questions, PassFast part samples, the diagnostic, the study planner, and the topic library cover format, part choice, and planning. When you need timed, mixed practice at volume, add a larger question bank.
Do I need an account for free EA practice?
No account is needed for the part samples or the question guides. The diagnostic and the printable planner ask for an email to open.
Are older free EA practice questions still useful?
Use them with care. Each window tests a specific law period, so questions written for an earlier year can teach rules and amounts that have changed.
Primary sources
Exam facts on this page are checked against these current official sources.
