IRS Announces Changes to 2006 Special Enrollment Examination - IR-2006-61 - April 13, 2006

Sep 26, 2026

IRS announced changes to the 2006 Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), selecting Thomson Prometric to develop and administer a computer-based version on the IRS’ behalf. Delivery is expected in October 2006, expanding locations to about 300 testing centers. The revised exam will include four parts, delivered in a multiple-choice format, with an eight-week testing window, score carryover, and up to four attempts per calendar year. Thomson will survey enrolled agents to shape exam content, while IRS retains oversight and keeps enrollment-application processing with the IRS.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Overview of 2006 SEE Changes

Exam delivery and testing centers

Candidate rules and scoring

Exam content development and administration

| Media Relations Office | Washington, D.C. | Media Contact: 202.622.4000 | | --- | --- | --- | | [www.IRS.gov/newsroom](www.IRS.gov/newsroom) | | Public Contact: 800.829.1040 | IRS Announces Changes to 2006 Special Enrollment Examination IR-2006-61, April 13, 2006 WASHINGTON – Internal Revenue Service officials today announced changes to the Special Enrollment Examination in 2006. A private firm, Thomson Prometric, a nationwide testing firm, has been selected to develop and administer a computer-based version of the exam on behalf of the IRS. The IRS expects that Thomson Prometric will deliver the new version of the examination in October 2006. Generally, passing the four-part Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) enables individuals to become an enrolled agent through demonstrating special competence in tax matters. Those who pass the SEE also undergo an additional background check before enrollment. An Enrolled Agent is a person who has earned the privilege of practicing before the IRS. Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), can represent taxpayers in both examinations and collection matters. There are currently about 40,000 active enrolled agents. The examination will be offered at approximately 300 testing centers operated by Thomson Prometric. Previously, the IRS has only been able to offer testing at about 90 locations. Candidates will take the examination at a computer terminal. Additional changes in administering the SEE include the following: • Candidates will have an eight week window to take the examination. • Candidates will not be required to take all parts of the examination in one sitting. • Candidates who pass a portion of the exam will be allowed to carryover their scores. • Candidates will be permitted to take each part of the exam up to four times each calendar year. -more- IR-2006-61, April 13, 2006, page 2 of 2 As part of the process of exam development, Thomson will conduct a survey of enrolled agents to determine the tasks they perform and the knowledge needed to perform those tasks. The results of the survey will be the basis for developing examination content. The new version of the SEE will be four parts and approximately the same length as prior exams. The exam will be comprised primarily of multiple choice questions. The new format will eliminate true or false questions Policies regarding candidates carrying over previously passed sections of the old examination are being assessed, pending determination of the format and structure of the new exam. The IRS will maintain oversight of the process to ensure high quality standards with respect to examination development and administration. All aspects of the processing and review of the enrollment applications, for those individuals who have passed the examination, will remain with the IRS. The IRS will post additional information on the IRS’ webpage as it becomes available. To check for these updates, go to [IRS.gov](IRS.gov), click on tax professionals and click on enrolled agents. ―30―

FAQs

Who was selected to develop and administer the 2006 Special Enrollment Examination?

Thomson Prometric, a nationwide testing firm, was selected to develop and administer the computer-based version of the SEE for the IRS.

What key scheduling and attempt rules will candidates have for the new SEE?

Candidates will have an eight-week window, may take parts separately without taking all parts in one sitting, can carry over scores from passed portions, and may take each part up to four times per calendar year.

How will the new SEE be formatted and what types of questions will be used?

The new format will be four parts with primarily multiple-choice questions, and it will eliminate true-or-false questions.

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by mieayamfan