Tax Preparer · Head-to-head
Surgent (EA Exam Review) vs Tax IQ Academy
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Surgent (EA Exam Review) | Tax IQ Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum (25%) | 8.9/10 ✓ | 8.4/10 |
| Credibility (25%) | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Value (20%) | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Flexibility (15%) | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Support (15%) | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Overall | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
Key facts side by side
| Surgent (EA Exam Review) | Tax IQ Academy | |
|---|---|---|
| Program | Surgent EA Review Premier Pass | Tax IQ Academy IRS and CTEC Approved CE Courses |
| Price | $499 – $699 | $29.99 – $79.99 |
| Payment plans | Payment plans offered (see Surgent Payment Plans page) | — |
| Duration | Self-paced; unlimited course access until you pass; Surgent cites 61 average study hours for all three parts | Self-paced online courses; live webinars also available |
| Format | Self-paced | Self-paced |
| Accreditation | — | IRS Approved CE Provider; CTEC approved (California) |
| Certificate | — | Instant certificate of completion; weekly reporting to the IRS and CTEC |
| Refund policy | Money-back pass guarantee subject to conditions (e.g. full tuition paid for the entire course) | Separate refund policy page on the site |
Highlighted cells mark the better value for that row (higher score, lower starting price). “—” means not published or not yet checked. Data checked from October 5, 2026.
Our verdict
Choose Surgent (EA Exam Review) if…
Enrolled Agent candidates who want adaptive, data-driven exam prep with videos and textbooks at a mid-range price.
It scores higher on curriculum.
Choose Tax IQ Academy if…
Tax preparers and EAs who need IRS or CTEC continuing education, AFSP hours or a beginner course at low per-course prices.
Its lowest published price is lower ($29.99 – $79.99).