Discussion:EA vs. CPA exams
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Discussion Forum Index --> Test Area --> EA vs. CPA exams
Chris2lane (talk|edits) said: | 4 February 2006 |
| I am an ATP and a CFP, and now I am considering taking the Enrolled Agent exam or CPA exam. I work in a small 2 man accounting firm. I think the Enrolled Agent exam would be a better choice to take since our bread and butter is taxation. For those of you who have both certifications, which one did you find more difficult? Any feedback would be appreciative. | |
Lacerulean (talk|edits) said: | 17 April 2008 |
| I think it depends on how you look at it.
To me, if you want to do tax, EA is more practical than CPA. CPA exam covers a lot of topics and, to me, I really don't care about those topics. | |
| 17 April 2008 | |
| As a CPA I'm obviously biased but I'd go for that. Nothing against EAs, there are many capable and wonderful EAs, but the designation is not as well known and is less marketable. It all comes down to money - I bet that you will be better able to charge a premium for your services as a CPA. That said, if you're interest is only in taxes it will likely be quicker to complete the EA certification. The CPA certification took me 10 months from sending in the initial application to getting my license and I passed all sections on the first try. Whatever you choose good luck! | |
| 17 April 2008 | |
| I have taken and passed both. CPA is far and away the tougher exam. Unless you know nothing about taxes and a lot about accounting. It also requires a lot more hoops to jump through than the EA does. In the tax field an EA can do anything a CPA can do, legally, but the CPA has more name recognition. Good luck! | |
| 17 April 2008 | |
| I am biased as well being a CPA. That said, I would consider the CPA first given the name value. Then you should go for the EA afterwards. CPA exam is tougher in many respects.
Tom | |
| 17 April 2008 | |
| The EA exam was about 20% of the effort that the CPA was. CPA opens more doors and means more to clients. When I took the CPA 10 year or so ago it was less than 5% tax. | |
| 18 April 2008 | |
| I am an EA/CFP but will say that the CPA has much higher marketing value than the EA. I have not taken the CPA exam but would guess that it is more difficult. | |
| 23 June 2008 | |
| To my opinion, EA is more pratical in taxation area. I like more. It is one part of CPA exam (particularly is Regulation part of CPA). CPA is more broaden. It is so expensive, time constrain for CPA, difficult, and experienced requirement aftter passing it. I am EA and on CPA candidate progress. I recommend to take EA first, then CPA follow | |
| 23 June 2008 | |
| Most time, I have taken any exam and passed them by self-study.
This time, I am on CPA candidate progress. I felt less confident with my scores 60 or 65, so expensive and time consuming, and I left school 2004 and now is a full time employee. Since I experienced that my friends are on CPA review courses with Roger Philip, and only weeekends they overview 3 chapters/one day, and so expensive. I felt it is too much to observe in your brain for one day. Any one recommend me how cost efficiency is to pass CPA exam. What is best material? (I have Bisk material text bools only)? Is there any different between text books and DVD? what is advantage for CPA review course? | |
| 23 June 2008 | |
| I passed EA. And I am a CPA candidate now. I am working for Franchise Tax Board as complaince reqresentative or Collector, but not Tax Auditor. If I pass CPA, and no one sponsor for my expericenced requirements (I am unsure about this because my job classfication). What will happen to my passing CPA? Anyone could help me this question. Thanks in advance | |
