RTRP Test Takers Share Their Experiences

I haven’t decided if I’m going to take the RTRP exam. Since I’m an Enrolled Agent (EA), I don’t have to. However, if I start having problems explaining to potential clients that I don’t have to take the exam, I might change my mind.

TaxPro Today talked to preparers who have taken the test for their impressions and suggestions for other preparers. What caught my eye were several who pointed out that despite the test being open book that you really don’t have that much time to look up info. The test is allotted for two and a half hours (150 minutes) and has 120 questions which works out to one and a quarter minute for each question. That’s not a lot of time to look anything up. The test takers also make suggestions for preparing for the test and the exam process.

The IRS is strongly suggesting taking the test soon and not waiting to the last minute.

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Comments

[Paul C]

Trish,
I wouldn't think that needing to explain to potential clients why you didn't take the RTRP exam would be a reason for taking the exam when you are already an EA. If it came up, I would explain that the exam for becoming an EA is more demanding than that for the RTRP (no reference material allowed, more subject matter) and the CPE requirements are greater, as you are aware.

Having said that, one issue that is probably only going to become more apparent is that few people outside the profession know anything about the EA designation, including even its existence, unlike the awareness of the CPA designation, in contrast. And now, with all the focus by the IRS on the RTRP designation, including efforts to increase public awareness, the EA designation may actually decrease in relative awareness and marketability, because of the attention paid to RTRP.