If you’re thinking about becoming an IRS Enrolled Agent, you already know the three-part special enrollment examination (the EA exam) is a serious commitment.

Gleim EA Review is a popular choice for tackling it. But popularity alone doesn’t answer this question:

Is it actually worth your time or money?

After going through the course myself, I’ll walk you through what works, what doesn’t, and who it’s really built for.

Key Takeaways

  • If you’re looking for a comprehensive review course, Gleim includes full-length mock exams, so you can learn the material and get used to the test format.
  • If you want personalized learning, Gleim’s SmartAdapt technology builds a study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses, so you know exactly what to focus on.
  • If you want the biggest test bank, Gleim offers over 3,500 practice questions so that you can cover every major topic on the EA exam.
  • If price is your main concern, there are cheaper courses out there, but Gleim discounts may help lower the cost.
  • If you prefer easier practice questions, Gleim might not be the best fit for you. Its questions are often harder than the actual exam.

Gleim EA Overview

Gleim

Gleim is a well-known name in accounting test prep, and it’s also an IRS-approved CE provider. Many universities and accounting firms use its programs, and it’s ranked as a Preferred Provider by the National Association of Tax Professionals.

I was especially impressed by the guarantees. With the Premium program, you may be eligible for a refund if you don’t pass the EA exam on your first try. You also get the Access Until You Pass® Guarantee, so you can keep studying until you pass every section.

Another standout feature is SmartAdapt. It tracks your answers and shows you where you’re struggling. You can focus on weak areas and spend less time reviewing what you already know.

Pros 

✅ Massive Test Bank: Gleim offers one of the largest test banks available, with around 500 more questions than Becker and 1,500 more than Surgent.
✅ Personalized Support: You get 1-on-1 access to accounting experts. They help you build a study plan and answer your questions.
✅ Flexible Study Time: You get 12 months of access, with unlimited access if you choose the Premium plan. 
✅ Personal Counselors: Gleim assigns you a personal counselor who keeps you on track as you study. 
✅ Adaptive Learning Platform: Gleim’s SmartAdapt™ course adapts to your weak areas, so you’re better prepared for test day.

Cons

❌ Some Features Only Available with Premium: If you want videos or unlimited access, you’ll need to upgrade to the Premium plan.
❌ Doesn’t Include a Study App: Unlike some test prep companies, Gleim runs through a web browser rather than a standalone app.


Gleim EA Course Package Options

Test Bank

The Test Bank plan gives you practice questions, ebooks, and practice exams. It’s a good fit if you just want to brush up on key terms and test your knowledge before exam day.

Traditional

The Traditional plan gives you more structure and support. You get SmartAdapt, audio lectures, three mock exams, a study planner, and performance reports. If you prefer reading and want a guided study plan without video lessons, this is a solid middle option.

Premium

The Premium plan includes everything, plus video lessons and added support. You also get support from accounting experts, six mock exams, and up to 72 hours of CPE. It offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass on your first try, along with support until you pass the exam. If you want the most support and flexibility, this is the best choice.

Digging Deeper into Gleim EA Course Details

So is Gleim the right choice for you? Here’s a closer look at what you get, so you can decide for yourself.

Course Structure

Gleim’s course structure felt very serious from the start. Even at the Test Bank level, you’re getting a lot of practice to work through, and once you move into the Traditional or Premium plans, the course becomes much more guided. I liked that the study planner helped turn all that material into something more manageable. Instead of staring at a huge pile of content and figuring it out myself, I could follow a schedule, track what I’d finished, and move through the course with a little more direction.

Gleim EA study planner

That said, Gleim definitely leans toward the rigorous side. It’s not the kind of course that tries to feel light or easy, and I think that’s important to know going in. The practice questions felt challenging, and overall, the course gave me the impression that it would rather overprepare you than risk leaving gaps. For some students, that’s exactly what they want. For others, especially people who don’t love self-guided study, I think the Traditional or Premium package makes a lot more sense than relying on the Test Bank alone.

Video and Audio Lectures

Gleim EA video lecture

The biggest difference between the upper-tier plans is how the instruction is delivered. The Traditional plan includes audio lectures, while the Premium plan adds 45+ hours of video lectures taught by Professor JT Eagan. After spending time with the videos, I thought they added a lot. He explains things clearly, keeps the pacing steady, and does a good job making dense material feel less intimidating.

I also liked that the videos worked smoothly across devices. Watching on my computer felt clean and straightforward, but I also had no issue using them on an iPad or tablet, which made the course easier to fit into different parts of the day. More than anything, I felt like the video format gave me extra context that would have been easy to miss in audio alone. For me, that made the Premium plan much more appealing.

Value

Gleim gives you a lot to work with, and that stood out pretty quickly. It’s one of those courses where you can tell a big part of the value is the sheer amount of material and support built into the higher packages. If you like having lots of practice, detailed explanations, and a course that feels substantial, Gleim makes a strong case for itself.

The Premium plan is especially compelling because it combines the full course with video lectures, expert support, a money-back guarantee, and access until you pass. That’s a pretty strong package for someone who wants a more complete prep experience rather than just a bank of questions. I wouldn’t call Gleim the lightest or easiest course out there, but if your idea of value is getting a lot of depth and long-term support, it does that well.

Support

Support is one of the areas where Gleim feels more reassuring than some stripped-down competitors. All plans include phone, email, and chat support, so there’s already a solid baseline there. But once you get into the Traditional and Premium plans, the added coaching makes the course feel much less isolating. I liked that those options weren’t just about dumping content on you and hoping for the best.

Premium also includes access to accounting experts, which gives it another layer of support when the material gets tougher. That makes a difference in a course like Gleim, because the content can feel demanding. If you’re the kind of student who wants both a lot of practice and people you can turn to when things get difficult, Gleim does a good job covering both sides.

Gleim EA practice question

Gleim EA Review vs. the Competition

See how Gleim compares to the top EA prep courses here, or read on below for quick comparisons.

Gleim vs. Becker EA

The main difference between Gleim and Becker comes down to learning style. Gleim is more traditional and practice-heavy, while Becker feels more modern and guided. Becker’s platform is polished and easy to use, with adaptive tools that help you stay on track. Gleim is simpler, but it focuses more on deep practice and repetition.

Becker’s structure keeps you moving forward, which is helpful if you need direction. Gleim gives you more control, but that also means you need discipline. Where Gleim really stands out is in practice. It offers one of the largest question banks available, making it a great choice if you want to drill concepts until they stick.

Choose Gleim EA if you learn best through repetition and lots of practice.

Pick Becker EA if you prefer video-based learning.

Gleim vs. Surgent EA

Gleim vs. Surgent comes down to depth versus speed. Gleim is very detailed, with a large question bank and a lot of material to work through. It’s a great fit if you want to fully understand tax concepts and don’t mind spending more time studying.

Surgent is built for efficiency. Its system focuses on helping you study smarter by targeting weak areas and cutting out unnecessary review. If you’re on a tight schedule, Surgent can feel much more manageable.

Go with Gleim if you want as much practice as possible.

Choose Surgent if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.

Gleim vs. Lambers EA

Comparing Gleim and Lambers comes down to a matter of comprehensiveness versus simplicity. Gleim is the more in-depth course, with a larger bank of practice questions, more robust study tools, and a stronger sense of structure throughout the prep process. It’s a better fit if you want a course that feels thorough and gives you plenty of material to work through.

Lambers is more straightforward. It doesn’t feel as expansive or feature-rich, but that can be appealing if you want something simpler and less overwhelming. For students who prefer a simpler review format and don’t need many extras, Lambers may feel easier to settle into.

Go with Gleim if you want the more comprehensive EA prep course.

Choose Lambers if you prefer a simpler, more stripped-down study experience.

Final Verdict

If you’re a self-motivated learner, the Gleim EA Review is a great fit. It stands out for its detailed explanations, deep coverage of key EA topics, and a massive bank of practice questions. I like that it doesn’t cut corners. Instead, it builds your knowledge step by step, so you walk into the exam feeling prepared, not guessing. 

If you’re willing to put in the work and want a thorough, no-nonsense prep experience, Gleim gives you the tools you need to pass.

FAQs

Is the Gleim EA Review good for beginners?

If you’re a beginner, the Gleim EA Review can still work for you, but it may feel challenging at first. If you stick with the study plan and take your time, it becomes much easier to follow.

How long does it take to complete the Gleim EA course?

It depends on your schedule and experience. Most students spend a few weeks to a few months per exam section. Since the course is self-paced, you can move faster or slower based on your needs.

Does Gleim EA Review include practice exams?

Yes, it includes practice exams that mimic the multiple-choice format. These help you test your knowledge, track your progress, and feel more confident before test day.

Can I use the Gleim EA course on my phone or tablet?

Yes, you can access the course on a laptop, tablet, or phone. This makes it easy to study wherever you are, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Can I self-study for the EA exam?

You can, but most people find it easier to stay on track with a structured prep course like Gleim. It gives you practice exams and clear coverage of the topics you’ll need to pass the EA exam.