Enrolled Agent Certificate

Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes
Get registration details and learn how to apply.
- Summer classes start Monday, June 8. View Summer term classes
- Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 17. View Fall semester classes

Coming in Fall 2026! This program is pending state approval.

Represent taxpayers before the IRS

Learn to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In addition to preparing tax returns and advising clients how to maximize tax benefits, you are the trusted professional who responds to IRS notices requiring action. You may do this work for individuals, corporations, trusts, non-profits or other entities.

Prepare to ace the Enrolled Agent Exam

Enrolled agent status is the highest credential awarded by the IRS. Preparing you to pass the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam is the focus of this certificate.

IRS Enrolled Agent logo The three-part exam is challenging. An estimated 66% of people passed the exam in 2024-2025. It is essential to have the best test prep. College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL, prepares you to take the exam and work as a tax practitioner.

Learn in small classes with 16 students on average
Experienced faculty know you by name and provide individual attention

Real-world experience through accounting internships

Get paid to practice the skills you learn at CLC in the real world. Accounting firms in Lake County, IL offer internships for students completing the Enrolled Agent Certificate. Graduates who pass the IRS Enrolled Agent exam may be offered full-time positions.

Highlights

Internships Available

Gain valuable work experience and form professional connections.
Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 2 years or less.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Finish in 1.5 years as a part-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $55,599
  
  Median
  
  $83,520
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $148,197
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.73
  
  Median
  
  $40.15
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.24
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  39.48%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  14.08%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  43.6%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,026
  
  Median
  
  $51,933
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $77,568
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.79
  
  Median
  
  $24.96
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $37.28
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  47.24%
  
  Certificate
  
  20.79%
  
  Some college
  
  4.72%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.54%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  12.19%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  6.52%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,877
  
  Median
  
  $63,796
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94,504
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.69
  
  Median
  
  $30.67
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  29.13%
  
  Some college
  
  19.95%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.69%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  38.23%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $64,642
  
  Median
  
  $97,455
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $145,169
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.07
  
  Median
  
  $46.85
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69.79
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  12.57%
  
  Some college
  
  2.37%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  77.48%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  7.59%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $62,972
  
  Median
  
  $90,981
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $183,257
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.27
  
  Median
  
  $43.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $88.10
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $65,307
  
  Median
  
  $106,278
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $205,950
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.39
  
  Median
  
  $51.09
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $99.01
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.42%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  62.17%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  35.41%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $66,173
  
  Median
  
  $107,509
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $180,882
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.81
  
  Median
  
  $51.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86.96
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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choose an academic program
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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ACC 121	ACC 121 Financial Accounting Class Description This is an introductory course focusing on financial reporting for external users. Course coverage includes basic accounting principles, the accounting cycle with an emphasis on transaction analysis, and financial statements. Specific course topics include the valuation and reporting of cash, receivables, inventory, long-term assets, current and long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity.	4	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 121
Course Title	ACC 121 Financial Accounting Class Description This is an introductory course focusing on financial reporting for external users. Course coverage includes basic accounting principles, the accounting cycle with an emphasis on transaction analysis, and financial statements. Specific course topics include the valuation and reporting of cash, receivables, inventory, long-term assets, current and long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ACC 212	ACC 212 Federal Taxation of Individuals Class Description This course involves the practical study of Federal Tax Law as related to the individual and sole proprietorship. Topics covered include history of Federal Income Tax, Personal and Dependency Exemptions, Cash and Accrual Methods, Gross Income inclusions and exclusions, Depreciation Methods, Property Transactions, Realization and Recognition of Gain or Loss, Deductions for and from Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), Itemized Deductions, Passive Activity rules and Tax Credits.	3
ACC 213	ACC 213 Federal Taxation of Entities Class Description This course is an introduction to corporate, partnership, gift, estate, and international taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the taxation of corporations and flow-through entities. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects including Alternative Minimum Tax, Accumulated Earnings Tax, Gift and Estate Tax, and International Taxation.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 212
Course Title	ACC 212 Federal Taxation of Individuals Class Description This course involves the practical study of Federal Tax Law as related to the individual and sole proprietorship. Topics covered include history of Federal Income Tax, Personal and Dependency Exemptions, Cash and Accrual Methods, Gross Income inclusions and exclusions, Depreciation Methods, Property Transactions, Realization and Recognition of Gain or Loss, Deductions for and from Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), Itemized Deductions, Passive Activity rules and Tax Credits.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 213
Course Title	ACC 213 Federal Taxation of Entities Class Description This course is an introduction to corporate, partnership, gift, estate, and international taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the taxation of corporations and flow-through entities. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects including Alternative Minimum Tax, Accumulated Earnings Tax, Gift and Estate Tax, and International Taxation.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ACC 231	ACC 231 Federal Tax Compliance and Research Class Description This course explores the procedures and responsibilities connected to federal income taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the inventory of necessary tax forms, reporting and filing obligations, representing clients before the IRS, and research practices necessary to secure the most accurate outcome for taxpayers. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects, including: Alternative Minimum Tax, Exempt Organizations, and Taxation of Trusts and Estates.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 231
Course Title	ACC 231 Federal Tax Compliance and Research Class Description This course explores the procedures and responsibilities connected to federal income taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the inventory of necessary tax forms, reporting and filing obligations, representing clients before the IRS, and research practices necessary to secure the most accurate outcome for taxpayers. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects, including: Alternative Minimum Tax, Exempt Organizations, and Taxation of Trusts and Estates.
Credits	2

Total Credit Hours

12

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have a master's degree or more.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.

Meet our Accounting experts

Learn more about faculty at CLC

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After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

To become an enrolled agent, you must pass the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam. This certificate program prepares you to take the exam.
The exam has three sections containing 100 questions each. Each section takes about 4 hours to complete.
You must meet certain qualifying criteria and pay the exam fee. Once you become an enrolled agent, you must renew your status every three years. Some IRS employees may be exempt from the exam requirement. Read IRS FAQs to become an enrolled agent.
In the Enrolled Agent Certificate program, you will learn to
- navigate federal tax code
- file complex tax returns for individuals and businesses
- research tax issues and develop positions in support of clients
- apply financial accounting principles to calculate federal income tax liabilities
- address federal tax audits and resolve tax debts
- represent clients before the IRS
- prepare for the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam
- understand the roles and responsibilities of being a tax practioner
Enrolled Agents are trusted for their expertise and integrity. They are a vital resource for those seeking professional and reliable tax guidance.
No, you don’t need prior accounting experience or credentials to earn the Enrolled Agent Certificate.
If you’re a problem solver with strong attention to detail, this certificate helps you enter the accounting workforce. And you can use it as a step toward earning other accounting credentials, like the Professional Accounting Certificate or an accounting degree.
Already work in tax preparation, law or another field? Expand your practice by becoming an Enrolled Agent.
You gain more skills and develop greater confidence by completing the Enrolled Agent Certificate at CLC. How?
Classes help you do more than pass the IRS Enrolled Agent exam. They teach you to become an effective tax preparer.
Faculty have working tax industry experience. You get in-person instruction and individual feedback to grow your skills and confidence.
Credits earned can further your education. The four courses of the Enrolled Agent Certificate can be used toward earning an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or eligibility to sit for the CPA exam.
Local employers want to hire CLC graduates. We work closely with Lake County employers. They want to hire tax practitioners who complete our Enrolled Agent certificate program. Some offer student internships, which can be a direct line to full-time employment.
In-person assessments make you better at the job. In-person assessments are a key part of the Enrolled Agent Certificate program at CLC. The assessments help you to retain knowledge and hone your skills. Employers value this. They trust our students are gaining the skills necessary to be successful.
The Enrolled Agent Certificate is 12 credit hours and takes an average of 3 semesters of part-time study to complete. Part-time students typically can complete the certificate in 1.5 years.
Yes, you may be able to take some classes online, which offers learning flexibility. However, all assessments must be completed in person in a proctored environment.
This prepares you for the style and rigor of the IRS Enrolled Agent exam. And it shows future employers you are capable and skilled.
As an enrolled agent, you can work as a
- Tax preparation specialist
- Tax consultant
- Income tax preparer
- Tax associate
- Corporate tax preparer
- Tax advisor
- Tax accountant
You may work as a tax professional at
- Public accounting firms
- Small accounting firms
- Banks
- Law firms
- Investment firms
- Government agencies like the IRS, state department of revenue, county treasurer's office
- Your own accounting or tax preparation consultancy
- Accounting and finance departments of large and small businesses across industries
Accounting internships available through CLC help you hone your skills and connect with local employers.
As you near the completion of your studies, our Career & Job Placement Center can help you land the job you want. Our career specialists work closely with companies that are hiring. They guide you in resume building, interview prep and more.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
Yes! By completing the Enrolled Agent Certificate, you are 1/3 closer to earning CLC's Professional Accounting Certificate, which qualifies you to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
College credits earned in this certificate program also can be applied toward the Accounting Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree. Likewise, you can use the credits to get an Accounting Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree, then transfer to a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree in Accounting.
Explore Accounting programs at CLC

What students say about CLC

Riley Pemstein
Transfer student
“If you take advantage of what CLC provides, it'll really benefit you in the future. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t pursue that internship.”
Riley took general education courses at CLC. He then transferred to University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign. The internship he got through CLC led him to study accounting and earn his CPA license. He now works as a tax accountant.
Read Riley's story

Related programs

This certificate is just one possible way to study Accounting. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

Transfer Degree
Accounting A.A.
Associate in Arts

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$11,200* (estimated)
View Details Accounting A.A.
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Associate in Applied Science

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$11,025* (estimated)
View Details Accounting A.A.S.
Career Certificate
Professional Accounting Certificate

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$4,200* (estimated)
View Details Professional Accounting Certificate
Career Certificate
Accounting Technician Certificate

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$4,550* (estimated)
View Details Accounting Technician Certificate

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Enrolled Agent Certificate

Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes

Coming in Fall 2026! This program is pending state approval.

Represent taxpayers before the IRS

Prepare to ace the Enrolled Agent Exam

Real-world experience through accounting internships

Highlights

Internships Available

Stackable Credentials

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Accountants and Auditors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Brokerage Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Budget Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Credit Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Financial and Investment Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Financial Examiners

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 4 Credits

Semester 2 3 Credits

Semester 3 5 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Meet your instructors

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

How do I become an enrolled agent?

What skills will I learn?

Do I need accounting experience or other credentials?

Why take Enrolled Agent classes at CLC?

How long is the program?

Can I take classes online?

What jobs can I get with this certificate?

How much does this program cost?

Is this certificate stackable to earn an Accounting A.A.S. or A.A. degree or other credentials?

What students say about CLC

Riley Pemstein

Related programs

Accounting A.A.

Accounting A.A.S.

Professional Accounting Certificate

Accounting Technician Certificate

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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