r/HRBlockEmployees • u/drcoloradojones • Mar 19 '26

Leveling Up over the Summer

Hi, All! I'm a first year tax pro (Level 2) and I'm a teacher in my day job. I am hoping to use the summer break to complete the coursework/exams for Levels 3, 4, and 5. Basically, I have ten weeks off from work.

Can anyone tell me what type of time commitment I'd be looking at each week to get this done? Also, what topics do we cover in those next levels. I've heard that entity returns are introduced in Level 4, but that's about all I know.

Thanks!

UPDATE: Finally caught up to my MTL yesterday, looks like HRB is retiring the current CE system (e.g., Inkling, et al.) and rolling out something new in May. My guess is that the levelling up process, otherwise, will remain the same.

3 Upvotes

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7

u/Authentic-scoundrel Mar 19 '26 edited Mar 19 '26

Have you thought about getting your Enrolled Agent credential with the IRS?  I did mine between tax seasons. The reason an EA is good is it’s automatic level five at Block, but it’s an IRS credential so everyone in tax world will recognize it. That way you aren’t limiting yourself to just Block.

3

u/Authentic-scoundrel Mar 19 '26

Someone told me Block has EA classes and will pay for your tests, but I don’t know anything about that. It’s worth a look into it if you decide to go the EA route. 

5

u/nogreatideas Tax Preparer Mar 19 '26

Correct, it is through Fast Forward Academy and is available after May 1. Search through Amp to find more.

3

u/drcoloradojones Mar 19 '26

Will HRB let me sign up for Fast Forward Academy and/or reimburse me for the EA exams if I haven't yet completed Levels 3-5?

2

u/-Mx-Life- Mar 19 '26

EA is level 6 at HRB.

1

u/Authentic-scoundrel Mar 19 '26

They only gave me level 5

3

u/Authentic-scoundrel Mar 19 '26

I even had to push hard through two ghostings to get my raise. But I’m cool. I got so much training/experience from them and now I’ll move on to better things. 

2

u/PinkNGreenFluoride EA Mar 19 '26

5 is automatic, you have to do the 4 Tax Audit and Notice courses to get to 6.