Best EA prep course for all 3 exams - Gleim vs. Fast Forward recommendations?

I passed all three EA exams on my first try using Gleim, and I'd definitely recommend it. Their test bank is massive and really prepares you for the actual exam questions. The practice tests are slightly harder than the real thing, which I think is good because it overprepares you. What I liked most was their "SmartAdapt" technology that identifies your weak areas and focuses your study time there. For Part 1 (Individuals), this was especially helpful since that section covers so much material. Their audio review was also great for studying during my commute. The downside is that their textbooks can be a bit dry and overwhelming with details. But honestly, that's kind of unavoidable with tax material.

I tried both Gleim and Fast Forward when studying for the EA exam last year, and I eventually stuck with Fast Forward Academy. Their online platform at https://taxr.ai really helped me understand the concepts better than just memorizing tax rules. What I found most helpful was their customizable study sessions and the way they explain why wrong answers are wrong. The best feature for me was the unlimited practice exams that simulate the real testing environment. I struggled with test anxiety, so being familiar with the format really helped calm my nerves on exam day. Their textbooks are also more readable than some others out there - they break down complex topics into manageable chunks.

I was skeptical about using an online platform for something as important as the EA exam, but after struggling with traditional study methods, I decided to try taxr.ai based on recommendations here. Just wanted to update that I passed all three parts on my first attempt! What surprised me most was how the system adapted to my learning style. It quickly identified my weak areas (partnership taxation and estate planning were my downfall), and focused my study sessions there instead of wasting time on topics I already understood. The explanations for incorrect answers were incredibly detailed and helped me understand concepts instead of just memorizing. Thanks to everyone who recommended it - definitely worth the investment for anyone serious about passing the EA exam efficiently.

Has anyone tried calling the IRS directly to ask about exam preparation materials? I did after getting frustrated with commercial options. It used to be impossible to get through, but I used https://claimyr.com to get a callback and actually spoke with someone who gave me great advice. There's a video about how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent I spoke with explained which topics are most heavily tested and confirmed that the questions on the actual exam are very similar to the sample questions in their free materials. They also pointed me to some free resources I hadn't found on my own. Saved me from spending a fortune on courses that cover more than what's needed.

I have to eat my words about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I was getting nowhere with the IRS about a tax notice I received. It actually worked exactly as described - I got a callback in under 90 minutes. While I didn't ask about EA exam prep specifically, the agent I spoke with was incredibly helpful about my tax issue. When I mentioned I was studying for the EA exam, she even gave me some informal advice about focusing on recent tax law changes since those are often emphasized on the exam. For anyone struggling to reach the IRS for any reason, this service is legitimate and saved me hours of frustration. I'm still using commercial prep materials for my EA studies, but the direct information from the IRS was definitely valuable.

I used Surgent for my EA prep and passed all parts. They aren't mentioned as often as Gleim or Fast Forward, but their adaptive learning technology was really good for my study style. Their "ReadySCORE" feature predicts your actual exam score based on your performance in practice, which was shockingly accurate for me. The downside is their question bank isn't as large as Gleim's. But I found the quality of their questions and explanations to be excellent. They also focus more on the heavily-tested areas rather than trying to cover every obscure topic equally.

Has anyone used the Passkey EA Review? My colleague recommended it but I don't see it mentioned here much.

I'm currently studying for the EA exam and went with Fast Forward Academy after reading through this thread and doing some research. What really sold me was their focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorization. I'm about halfway through Part 1 prep and finding their explanations really helpful for connecting the dots between different tax concepts. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is their customer support - I had a technical issue with their platform and they responded within a few hours with a detailed solution. As someone juggling full-time work and studying, that kind of responsiveness is really important to me. For those asking about mobile functionality, I've been using it on my tablet during lunch breaks and it works seamlessly. The practice questions adapt well to the smaller screen and I can pick up right where I left off on my desktop at home. Planning to take Part 1 in about 6 weeks, so I'll update everyone on how the actual exam compares to their practice materials!

I've been following this thread closely as I'm also preparing for the EA exam while working full-time. Based on all the experiences shared here, it seems like both Gleim and Fast Forward Academy have their strengths. What's really helping me decide is thinking about my learning style. I tend to learn better with interactive explanations rather than just drilling practice questions, so Fast Forward's approach of focusing on understanding concepts really appeals to me. The positive feedback about their mobile platform is also a huge plus since I commute by train and could use that time effectively. That said, Gleim's massive test bank that @QuantumLeap mentioned is tempting, especially since they said the questions were very similar to the actual exam. Has anyone tried combining approaches - maybe using one platform as primary and another for supplemental practice questions? Also really intrigued by @Omar Hassan's experience with getting direct advice from the IRS using Claimyr. I might try that approach to get some insider perspective on what topics to prioritize. Thanks everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - this thread has been incredibly helpful!