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Form 2587: Application for Special Enrollment Examination
IRS Form 2587 is an Application for Special Enrollment Examination that candidates file to qualify for the exam administered by Prometric. The examination fee is $259.00 for each of the three parts.
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IRS Form 2587 - Application for Special Enrollment Examination
IRS Form 2587 is an Application for Special Enrollment Examination that candidates file to qualify for the exam administered by Prometric. The examination fee is $259.00 for each of the three parts.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not send the application to the IRS address; mail or submit it to Prometric.
- 2Completing Form 2587 more than once when registering for the exam.
- 3Failing to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) prior to registration.
- 4Not providing required contact information, such as a Primary telephone number.
- 5Using an abbreviated Country name when living outside the United States.
Plain English
This form allows someone to apply for a special enrollment examination, which tests competence in specific tax matters. Once submitted, it enables the candidate to register for and pay for this exam through Prometric. The information provided helps the IRS administer this specialized testing program.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2024-02-29 22:10:37
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when applying for a Special Enrollment Examination administered by Prometric, as part of the enrolled agent program.
- Do not use this form when you are renewing your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) without also applying for an examination, though it can be used to initiate that process.
- Check Form W-12 instead when you need to apply specifically for a Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to submit PTIN application via paper
Processing time is 4-6 weeks, whereas online applications take about 15 minutes
✓ Check the processing timeline before mailing.
Registering/paying for exam but need a different tax form
The primary use of this information is for administering written examinations testing special competence in tax matters
✓ Confirm the purpose aligns with your filing reason.
Need to apply for PTIN and have no SSN
Preparers without SSNs must follow special instructions and complete additional documentation outlined in Form W-12 instructions
✓ Verify you completed the required addenda.
Deadline or filing window
The timing depends on how the candidate registers. If faxed, one full calendar day must pass before scheduling/paying. If mailed, six to 10 calendar days must pass before scheduling/paying.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Examination Fee
$259.00 per part · Form 2587 (p.2)
PTIN Requirement
All applicants need a PTIN · Form 2587 (p.2)
Online Application URL
www.prometric.com/see · Form 2587 (p.1 & p.2)
Paper Mailing Address
Prometric, Attn: IRS Special Enrollment Examination, 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236 · Form 2587 (p.2)
Online PTIN Application Time
About 15 minutes · Form 2587 (p.2)
Registration Method Limit
Candidates should complete Form 2587 only one time under our registration process · Form 2587 (p.2)
Before you submit
- 1Verify the revision date reads March 2024 on Form 2587.
- 2Confirm all three parts of the examination fee are listed at $259.00 each.
- 3Ensure a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) is provided, as it is required for registration.
- 4Check that you have filled in your full mailing address, including Country, Province, and Postal code if applicable.
- 5Verify the Date of birth format is mm-dd-yyyy.
- 6Confirm the primary and secondary telephone numbers are entered correctly.
- 7Ensure all information is completed before attempting to schedule or pay through Prometric.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form 2587 by filling in all required personal and identification data, including your PTIN.
- 2Choose a registration method: either complete it online via www.prometric.com/see, fax it to 1-800-347-9242, or mail it to Prometric at 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236.
- 3Wait the required time period: if faxed, wait one full calendar day; if mailed, wait six to 10 calendar days.
- 4Log on to www.prometric.com/see or call 1-800-306-3926 to schedule and pay for your examination after the waiting period.
Known limitations
- 1The examination fee of $259.00 for each part is non-refundable.
- 2Candidates should complete Form 2587 only one time under the registration process, even if they do not pass all parts.
- 3If a filer lives outside the United States, the country name on Form 2587 must not be abbreviated and must include Province and Postal Code if applicable.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Revision 3 from March 2024. The source directs users to www.prometric.com/ for the latest examination information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm March 2024
- Fee — confirm $259.00 per part
- Mailing address — confirm Prometric, Attn: IRS Special Enrollment Examination, 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236
- PTIN requirement — confirm all applicants need a PTIN to register for any examination
- Estimated time — confirm the average completion time is 6 minutes
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed IRS Form 2587.
- 2Once Form 2587 is completed, schedule and pay for the examination with Prometric.
- 3If mailing the form, wait six to 10 calendar days after submission before attempting to schedule or pay.
- 4If faxing the form, wait one full calendar day after submission before attempting to schedule or pay.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — The official title is Application for Special Enrollment Examination and the Catalog Number is 18668Q.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The examination is offered in three parts and is administered by Prometric.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The fee is $259.00 for each of the three parts of the examination, and this fee is not refundable.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — All applicants must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to register for any examination.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — To express register online, visit www.prometric.com/see and complete Form 2587 there.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The estimated average time to complete this form is 6 minutes.
Common confusion points
Where should I send my completed Form 2587?
The source lists two addresses/methods for mailing; which one is correct?
The form allows mailing to Prometric, Attn: IRS Special Enrollment Examination. This address is specified on both pages.
→ Confirm the address: 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236.
How long do I have to wait after submitting Form 2587 before scheduling/paying?
The waiting time depends on how you submit it; for faxing or mailing, there is a delay.
If faxed, wait one full calendar day before logging into www.prometric.com/see or calling 1-800-306-3926.
→ If mailed, wait six to 10 calendar days before logging into www.prometric.com/see or calling 1-800-306-3926.
What is the difference between 'registering' and 'scheduling/paying'?
Form 2587 must be completed first to allow scheduling and payment with Prometric; candidates should complete Form 2587 only one time under the registration process.
This means completing the form initiates the enrollment before you book the test date and pay the fee.
→ Verify that the completion of Form 2587 is the prerequisite step for using Prometric.
What if I already registered but didn't pass all parts of the exam?
The source states that if a candidate registers but does not pass all parts, they will not have to complete Form 2587 again in order to register for the examination.
This indicates the initial completion of Form 2587 is permanent for the registration cycle.
→ Check for confirmation that your prior submission counts toward future attempts.
How long does it take to get a Paper W-12 processed?
The IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application, which is a paper form, takes 4-6 weeks to process.
This timeline applies specifically to the paper application for a PTIN submitted via Form W-12.
→ Confirm this timeframe matches your expected processing period.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you register but do not pass all parts, you will not have to complete Form 2587 again.
Questions about IRS Form 2587
What is IRS Form 2587 used for?
This form allows someone to apply for a special enrollment examination, which tests competence in specific tax matters. Once submitted, it enables the candidate to register for and pay for this exam through Prometric. The information provided helps the IRS administer this specialized testing program.
Who must file IRS Form 2587?
Examination candidates must file Form 2587 to register for any examination offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
What information does IRS Form 2587 require?
The form collects general applicant information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Specific data points include Date of birth (mm-dd-yyyy) and Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Where do I file IRS Form 2587?
The form can be submitted online via www.prometric.com/see, faxed to 1-800-347-9242, or mailed to Prometric, Attn: IRS Special Enrollment Examination, 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236.
How do I complete IRS Form 2587?
Candidates must complete Form 2587 before scheduling and paying for their exam. The process can be completed online immediately, by faxing it in, or by mailing the physical form.
What happens if IRS Form 2587 is filed incorrectly?
Failure to furnish the information on Form 2587 may result in failure to grant enrollment for the special enrollment examination.
The source lists two addresses/methods for mailing; which one is correct?
The form allows mailing to Prometric, Attn: IRS Special Enrollment Examination. This address is specified on both pages. Confirm the address: 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236.
The waiting time depends on how you submit it; for faxing or mailing, there is a delay. — what should I check?
If faxed, wait one full calendar day before logging into www.prometric.com/see or calling 1-800-306-3926. If mailed, wait six to 10 calendar days before logging into www.prometric.com/see or calling 1-800-306-3926.
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