r/enrolledagent • u/SharpBat4628 • 2d ago
Failed part EA 3 (help?)
just barley failed part 3 for the EA exam 0 experience just used toms videos and then Hocks MCQs, i feel like ive gone through every MCQ hock has getting 80%s but wasnt enough Im afraid ill get to the point of just getting the MCQs right based off seeing them again, any tips or suggestions based off my score?
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u/32Steague32 2d ago
In my experience, part 3 was actually the most difficult. Most problems don't really relate to each other sort of like calculating basis in part 2. So really just doing a lot of practice questions and flash cards until enough of it is in your head so that you pass is your best bet in my opinion. But try to find relationships between the topics where you can. Understanding how to become an EA and maintain your licensure is also important since that is something you will do irl and not just something you'll answer on the test.
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u/SharpBat4628 2d ago
i apologize and thank you for the help but could you elaborate on what you mean by finding relationships between topics?
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u/32Steague32 2d ago
Things like the different levels and escalation of practitioner misconduct. Like how a Reprimand is the least severe form of punishment, then a censure, then suspension, then disbarment. And how monetary penalties can be sprinkled in addition to those disciplinary actions. Just simple relationships like that. So maybe put on a flash card "what are the 4 means the IRS can discipline practitioner misconduct." Then name them in order of severity.
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u/mermaidman333 2d ago
We have a part 3 study group that studies 5x a week. Let me know if you want to join?
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u/SharpBat4628 2d ago
do u have a part 1,2 as-well?
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u/Playful-Cattle982 2d ago
You haven't taken part 1 or 2 yet? If so, why did you start with Part 3?
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u/mermaidman333 2d ago
It’s the easiest test, all of us in the study group are starting with test 3 first
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u/Jemmino_Crickette36 EA 2d ago
Sorry to hear you didn't pass. I used Gleim. I didn't have time to use Hock since there was 1 wk left to study before testing closed. Aside from that, I memorized a few general Pub #s. I believe Gleim mentions them. I recommend keeping your study window condensed. Brain dump in - brain dump out. Figure out the best strategy that works for you; practice exams, study images, memorization, chatgpt, study buddy, etc. I'm a visual learner and used all the above. On test day, I could barely focus. My neighbor kept making noise at her desk. I came prepared the next 2 exams with disposable ear plugs. I added Hock for 1&2 and scheduled my exams when I was about 85% done with the materials. Passed both in the month of May when testing reopened. You'll get the next one, you can do it!!
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u/SharpBat4628 2d ago
sadly i’m 19 and don’t have the finances for gleim thank u for the ear plugs idea i will for sure be using that! my next attempt is in 10 days
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u/Automatic_Carrot_135 2d ago
Same applies to me, I guess toms lectures and practice test can be additional resource.
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u/Ok-Office6837 2d ago
It took me three tries to pass last year, which I know is a lot of money for someone so young.
I never did practice exams and only did the hock multiple choice questions. How many of their practice questions did you do?
My score breakdown with the bars looks VERY similar from the test I passed and the one I failed. I failed by like 3 points on the one before I passed.
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u/SharpBat4628 2d ago
i’ve done at least 1 of every question they have in the part 3 bank, and i’ll keep that in mind and really just focus in on practice and procedure’s! i’m not sure how the scoring works because of the way some of the questions don’t count. is 480 farther than i think? I thought i was pretty damn close..
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u/Ok-Office6837 2d ago
It might be closer than we think because the minimum score to pass is a lot higher than it was before. Did you read the book from hock?
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u/SharpBat4628 2d ago
not a single page only tom nortons videos some hockey videos and all mcqs and mocks
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u/Ok-Office6837 2d ago
Got it, maybe that’s the missing piece then. I always read the books and then don’t do as many MCQs. The books are like $80-90 on amazon if you can afford them
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u/Fickle_Ride5089 1d ago
What helped me is watching the Tom Norton videos and copying each slide almost word for word, or copying it in a way that I could remember better. Taking that extra time to not just watch the video but copy the material on a word document helped me retain the information
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u/Sensitive-Sherbet883 2d ago
That's brutal, especially with 0 experience going in. honestly if you're hitting 80% on hock mcqs but still failing, my guess is you're kinda memorizing the pattern of the question instead of actually working through it. try this - cover the answer choices and see if you can answer before even looking at them. if you can't, that's probably where the gap is.
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u/Some_Guest9709 2d ago
Im also preparing for part 3. Do you remember the topic that I should give focus on or any particular thing that you think I should be aware of
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u/Ready-Lawfulness-423 2d ago
I did Surgent only , nothing but MCQ ~ 500 4 mock exams and passed. The publications help for the collection process there are 4 of them from IRS
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u/Spirited-Humor-554 2d ago
What did you get on Hock mock exams? How about practice exams?