IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Tax Preparer Certification Examination

Test Administration

Test Site:

• School: Online

Paper & Pencil

No

Can the instructor take this test?:

Yes

Number of Test Items:

30 basic questions; 35 advanced questions

Time Allowed (minutes):

Test is not timed.

Passing Score (percent):

80%

Cost Per Test:

Free

Test Specifics:

Basic Exam and Advanced Exam.

Additional information:

• This credential is suitable for the Virginia high school curriculums of Accounting, Accounting Advanced, High-Quality Work-Based Learning, and Economics and Personal Finance course options.


• This credential is created and sponsored by the United States federal taxation authority, the Internal Revenue Service, and recognized by industry professionals as valid tax law training and professional continuing education in the preparation of individual income tax returns.


• This tax law credential is offered to U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents, and persons otherwise legally residing in the U.S. or residing on an overseas U.S. military installation with such status.


• This tax law credential is substantive and tests technical tax law competencies through scenario-based questions that require the construction of multiple individual income tax returns while using commercial industry recognized tax preparation software.


• This tax law credential prepares students for industry-related employment; may enhance an individual's resume for Internal Revenue Service employment; helps students negotiate higher compensation in the job market as an experienced tax preparer; equips students to become solo practitioners should they pursue an entrepreneurial path post high school; compete competitively for college admissions; secure future paid internships; and acquire a practical life skill set for their adulthood.