Enrolled agents have a lot to keep track of. Beyond serving clients and managing deadlines, you also need to stay on top of IRS continuing education requirements. EAs must complete 72 hours of CE every three years, including at least 16 hours annually and 2 hours of ethics training each year.
That adds up quickly, so choosing courses you actually enjoy can make the process much easier. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best EA continuing education providers and help you find the right fit based on your learning style, budget, and professional goals.
Best Enrolled Agent CE Providers
- Best Overall Course: Becker
- Best Mobile-Friendly Format: Gleim
- Best For Last-Minute Hours: Surgent
- Best Support: Lambers
Enrolled Agent CE Course Comparison
| Provider |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $329/yr | $756/yr | $899/yr | $499/yr |
| Discounts | Save $132 | Save $300 | Save 30% | Save 10% |
| Format | Self-Paced & Live Webinars | Self-Paced Only | Self-Paced & Live Webinars | On-Demand Video & Live Webinars |
| IRS-Approved? |  | | | |
| Direct Reporting? | | | | |
| Get Started | REVIEW | REVIEW | REVIEW | REVIEW |
1. Becker: Best Overall
When I reviewed the Becker’s CE course, I was impressed by how streamlined and professional the entire platform felt. Whether I was working through a self-study video or tuning into a live webcast, the content was consistently thorough and clearly written by professionals who understand the nuances of tax law and real-world EA work.
The built-in CE compliance tracker is one of Becker’s standout features—it automatically keeps tabs on your completed hours and makes it easy to stay aligned with IRS requirements. With over 160 hours of IRS-approved continuing education, including ethics and tax updates, there’s plenty of depth here. The pricing may be a bit higher than some competitors, but if you’re looking for quality, expert-led instruction, and a platform built for working professionals, Becker is an excellent choice.
Features
- 160+ hours of IRS-approved continuing education
- Personalized CE compliance tracker
- Flexible live webcast schedule
- Self-study video
- Downloadable resources
- Direct IRS reporting
Pros
- Trusted brand with content written by industry experts
- Excellent customer support
- Courses designed with real-world tax preparers in mind
- Most affordable
- Excellent user interface
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
- No bundled pricing for unlimited CE hours
Bottom Line
Becker is an excellent fit for enrolled agents who want access to high-quality instruction, a smooth user experience, and a wide range of IRS-approved CE topics. With over 160 hours of content and a built-in compliance tracker, it’s beneficial for professionals who value structure and want to stay organized throughout their renewal period.
Becker: Best Overall
2. Gleim: Best Mobile-Friendly Format
When I tested Gleim’s enrolled agent CE platform, it felt like it was built for learners who value structure and want to knock out a lot of hours efficiently. The Unlimited CE package opens up over 100 hours of coursework, and I liked being able to scroll through and filter by topic. I went through a few modules on ethics and estates, and while the interface isn’t the most modern, the course layout was easy to follow and clearly written.
I also appreciated that courses could be started, paused, and picked up later without losing your place—useful when I wanted to break a long session into chunks. That said, the content is pretty text-heavy, and if you prefer video or interactive elements, this probably won’t be your favorite option.
Still, for EAs who want detailed, IRS-approved material and a customizable path through their CE, Gleim delivers precisely what it promises.
Features
- ~100 hours of CE-specific continuing education courses
- Topics include federal tax law, ethics, and tax forms
- Direct reporting to the IRS
- Mobile-friendly format
- Great for detailed learners who enjoy structure
Pros
- Frequent updates to reflect changes in tax laws
- New courses added often
- You can customize your CE package by topic or hour
- Ideal for meeting enrollment cycle requirements
Cons
- Interface feels dated
- Some courses can be text-heavy
- No live instruction
Bottom Line
When I reviewed Gleim’s EA continuing education platform, I found it packed with a wide variety of detailed, IRS-approved topics. The ability to filter courses by subject made it easy for me to focus on the areas I wanted to improve. While the interface felt a bit outdated and the content leaned heavily on text, the flexibility to start, pause, and resume courses across devices made it a convenient choice. If you’re looking for a straightforward, mobile-friendly way to complete your CE hours efficiently, Gleim is a dependable option.
Gleim
3. Surgent: Best for Last-Minute Hours
Overview
When I reviewed Surgent’s EA continuing education options, I found the platform flexible and efficient for earning hours, especially if you need to complete them quickly. The interface is modern and relatively easy to navigate, though at times the sheer number of options can feel a bit overwhelming. Complex tax topics are explained in a way that’s approachable, but some lessons lean more on surface-level clarity than deeper technical insight.
Surgent offers over 50 live webinars and 50 self-study courses, with individual courses providing up to 16 credit hours. While the variety is useful, the catalog isn’t as expansive as some competitors, and longer sessions may be difficult to fit into a busy schedule. The ability to mix and match between live sessions and self-paced study makes it versatile, but not always the most streamlined option.
Features
- 50+ live webinars
- 50+ self-study courses
- Up to 16 credit hours for a single course
- Buy complete package for extra learning or EA-specific packages for credit only
- Weekly “Expert Hour”
Pros
- Great for last-minute CE needs
- Great option for visual and auditory learners
- Good balance of depth and clarity
Cons
- Unlimited package is pricey
- Limited offline materials
- Live webinars can fill up quickly
- Mobile platform feels clunky
Bottom Line
Surgent covers both ends of the spectrum when it comes to CPE hours. Their options for bite-sized packages of a couple of courses are great if you need to complete some last-minute CE. If you want to go the maximalist route, their Unlimited PLUS subscription gives you an all-access pass to every course and feature they offer however the cons tend to outweight the pros and I suggest Becker over this option if you can afford it.
Surgent
4. Lambers: Best Support
Overview
When I reviewed Lambers’ EA continuing education program, I found it to be a straightforward, no-frills option ideal for picking up a few CE credits quickly. The platform isn’t flashy, and the interface feels a little dated compared to newer providers, but the course content itself is solid and IRS-approved. I tested a few downloadable video courses and PDF-based modules, and while they didn’t offer much interactivity, the information was clear and practical for real-world application.
One area where Lambers really stood out during my experience was customer support. Their team was quick to answer questions and even helped recommend a customized course path based on my specific CE needs. For EAs who appreciate having someone readily available to guide them through the CE process, Lambers offers a level of personal service that many larger providers don’t match.
Features
- Downloadable video courses
- PDF self-study courses
- Live webinars
- Includes 2 hours of ethics in most course bundles
Pros
- Great for brushing up on key tax topics
- Individual courses ranging from 1 to 12 credit hours
- Straightforward, no-frills experience
Cons
- Fewer interactive features
- Interface feels outdated
- Smaller course library than competitors
Bottom Line
Lambers is a reliable choice for EAs who need a few extra CE credits without overpaying for unnecessary features. During my review, I found the content dependable, and the customer service team was especially helpful in tailoring a study plan. While the platform feels outdated and lacks interactive elements, it’s a safe option for straightforward continuing education, especially when you need quick, targeted hours.
Lambers
Honorable Mentions
While these providers didn’t earn a spot among my top EA continuing education picks, they may still be a good fit for certain tax professionals:
CeriFi CPEdge offers a large catalog of IRS-approved continuing education courses for tax professionals. Its self-paced format and flexible subscription options make it a practical choice for enrolled agents looking to complete their CE requirements efficiently throughout the year.
WebCE offers a broad catalog of professional education courses, including continuing education for enrolled agents. Its fully online format and flexible course options make it a convenient choice for busy professionals who want to complete their CE requirements on their own schedule.
Sequoia CPE has been providing continuing education for tax and accounting professionals for decades. Its extensive course library covers a wide range of tax topics, and the self-study format allows enrolled agents to earn credits at their own pace. It’s a solid option for experienced professionals who value course variety and flexibility over bells and whistles.
Final Thoughts
When comparing these EA CE providers, Becker and Gleim stood out the most. Becker offers a modern, user-friendly platform with engaging content, helpful visuals, and progress tracking that makes it easy to stay on top of your CE requirements.
Gleim takes a different approach, focusing on depth and value. Its extensive course library, self-paced format, and affordable unlimited CPE option make it a strong choice for EAs who need flexibility and a large selection of tax-focused content.
Lambers is a solid option for earning credits quickly, but it lacks the interactivity and course variety of Becker and Gleim. Surgent is also worth considering, though Becker remains my top overall recommendation for most enrolled agents. No matter which provider you choose, the right CE program can make staying compliant far more convenient, and a lot less tedious.
| Provider | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $329/yr | $756/yr | $899/yr | $499/yr |
| Discounts | Save $132 | Save $300 | Save 30% | Save 10% |
| Format | Self-Paced & Live Webinars | Self-Paced Only | Self-Paced & Live Webinars | On-Demand Video & Live Webinars |
| IRS-Approved? | | | | |
| Direct Reporting? | | | | |
| Get Started | REVIEW | REVIEW | REVIEW | REVIEW |
FAQ
Enrolled Agents must complete 16 hours of continuing education annually, including 2 hours of ethics, for a total of 72 hours over a 3-year enrollment cycle.
CPE credits and CE are often used interchangeably, but enrolled agents specifically complete CE credits as defined by the IRS for license renewal.
Yes, most enrolled agent CPE courses are available online, and many providers offer flexible, self-paced options that let you work at your own pace.
Most IRS-approved continuing education providers, including the ones listed in this guide, offer direct reporting so your credits are submitted automatically.
If you fail to complete your continuing education requirements, your Enrolled Agent status may be in jeopardy, including suspension or loss of your EA designation.
