How the EA exam's 200 to 800 scaled score works
2026-11-03 · 3 minute read · By Binod Raj Singh, CPA
You need 500. The score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, then scaled. It replaced the old 40 to 130 scale with a pass mark of 105.
From the 2026 to 2027 window, the SEE reports a scaled score from 200 to 800, and the passing score is 500. The old scale ran from 40 to 130 with 105 to pass.
How it is worked out
- Each part has 100 questions. 85 are scored and 15 are experimental questions that do not count.
- Your scaled score is based on the number of scored questions you answer correctly.
- Scaling makes results comparable across different versions of the exam.
What it means in practice
- There is no fixed percentage that equals 500, so treat practice percentages as a guide only.
- Any score of 500 or above is a pass. The IRS says all scores above passing show the candidate is qualified, so a higher pass gives no extra credit.
- Answer every question. Unanswered questions count as wrong, and you cannot tell which ones are experimental.