EA Exam Day at [Prometric](https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/irs): Exactly What to Expect

2026-07-11

Last reviewed: July 9, 2026. This article reflects current IRS rules and EA exam requirements as of this date.

You've done the practice questions. You've passed the mock exams. Now the last thing you need is a surprise at the test center. Here's exactly what happens from arrival to exit.

What to Bring

Required. Two forms of ID. One must be government-issued with a photo and signature (driver's license, passport, military ID). The second can be a credit card with signature, Social Security card, or another government ID. The name on your ID must match the name you registered with exactly.

Your Prometric confirmation number. You get this when you schedule the exam. Have it accessible. Printed or on your phone. You'll need it at check-in.

Do NOT bring:

Phone (it goes in a locker)
Smart watch or fitness tracker
Wallet (they'll give you a locker key)
Food or drink (not allowed in the testing room)
Notes or study materials
Large jewelry, hats, or outerwear

Arrival

Arrive 30 minutes early. If you're late by more than 30 minutes, Prometric can refuse to seat you. No refund. No reschedule. You pay the $209 again.

The test center is usually in an office building. Look for the Prometric logo on the door. Inside, there's a waiting area with chairs and lockers.

Check-In Process

You'll check in at a front desk. The process takes 10-15 minutes.

First, they verify your IDs and confirmation number. Then they take your photo. Then they scan your palm. Prometric uses biometric palm-vein scanning to verify your identity. This is how they confirm it's you when you leave for a break and come back.

You'll be asked to turn out your pockets, roll up your sleeves, and show your glasses (if you wear them) for inspection. They check for notes, recording devices, or anything electronic.

They give you a locker key for your personal items. Everything goes in the locker. Phone, watch, wallet, keys, jacket, water bottle. The only things you take into the testing room are your ID, locker key, and any approved medical items.

You'll get scratch paper (laminated sheets) and a dry-erase marker. No regular paper or pens. Everything must be accounted for coming in and going out.

The Testing Room

The testing room has rows of computer terminals separated by dividers. It's quiet. Other test-takers will be taking different exams. LSAT, GRE, nursing boards, professional certifications. You'll hear quiet typing and occasional chair movement.

The room is typically cool. Wear layers. You can't control the temperature.

Noise-canceling headphones are available if the typing noise bothers you. Ask the proctor if you want them.

The Computer Interface

The exam software is straightforward. Questions appear one at a time on screen. You click an answer, then click Next.

Key features of the interface:

Flag for review. If you're uncertain about a question, flag it. You can come back to it later if you have time.

Question navigator. A sidebar or grid shows which questions you've answered, which are flagged, and which are blank. Use this to skip around.

On-screen calculator. Basic four-function calculator. No financial calculator functions. The math on the EA exam is arithmetic. You don't need advanced functions.

Timer. Always visible. Counts down from 3.5 hours. Watch it. Two minutes per question is your pace.

The Exam Structure

100 questions split into two sections. The first 50 questions (Section 1) are untimed within the overall 3.5 hours. After finishing Section 1, you get an optional 10-minute break.

The break clock starts when you raise your hand. The proctor checks you out (palm scan). You can use the restroom, get water from your locker, stretch. When you come back, palm scan again, and you're seated for Section 2.

The break time does not count against your 3.5 hours. But if you take longer than 10 minutes, the extra time comes out of your exam time. Take the break. You need to reset between the two sections.

During the Exam

You can raise your hand anytime for more scratch paper, a bathroom break, or a technical issue. Bathroom breaks come out of your exam time.

If the computer freezes or crashes, raise your hand immediately. Don't try to fix it yourself. The proctor will note the time and you'll resume from where you left off. You won't lose time for technical issues beyond your control.

You cannot talk to other test-takers. You cannot look at other screens. The proctors watch through windows and security cameras. Any suspicious behavior can get your exam voided.

Finishing

When you submit the last question, the exam ends. You'll see an unofficial pass/fail result on screen immediately. You'll get a printed copy of the result at the front desk when you leave.

The official score report arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks. For passes, it shows your scaled score. For fails, it includes a diagnostic breakdown by topic so you know what to restudy.

You turn in your scratch paper and marker. They return your ID. You empty your locker. That's it.

If You Pass

Celebrate. Then start studying for the next part. Don't let momentum die. Schedule Part 2 or Part 3 within a week so you have a deadline.

If You Don't Pass

The diagnostic report is your study guide. It tells you which sections you were weak on. Focus your restudy there. Not on the whole exam. Schedule your retake as soon as you're consistently scoring 80%+ on practice exams for those weak sections.

Practice questions for every exam part →