Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I contact CSEA?

How do I register for the program? Do I have to purchase textbooks or other materials separately

To register online, start by clicking the Enroll Now button at the top of the page. You will be prompted to sign-in with your CSEA online account. If you don't have an online account, you will need to create one.

Registration is for the full 10-week course only; there are no opportunities to purchase individual weeks or other segmented parts of the program.

Standard registration includes access to all digital materials and virtual/online instruction needed to complete the course.

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What happens after I register? How do I receive/access course materials?

You will receive the following emails as part of the registration process:

• The registration system will send an order confirmation, which represents a receipt for your registration payment.
• You will receive a second email that provides information on accessing the course materials and joining the weekly Zoom classes.
• The third email will provide your user ID and links for the dedicated self-study site for this program. Please allow 2 business days to receive this email.

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What is the general education format of The Basic Tax Education Program? What can I expect from a typical week of class?

This is a virtual education course with live instruction. This structured training program involves both weekly self-study progress and live Zoom classes. During the class, experienced Enrolled Agents will guide discussions, answer questions, and break down challenging concepts. CSEA's lead instructor and CSEA member, Anita Monrroy, EA, CPA, MST, directs the live online class sessions. Classes will be taught by CSEA members. Guest speakers will share their own pathway to tax excellence and offer encouragement to students.  Throughout the program, Ms. Monrroy will oversee student progress, answer questions, and assist with student concerns.

Classes are taught via Zoom Meeting. Weekly Zoom classes are on Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Pacific Time, from July 24 through September 25, 2025. Students will join the classes by signing in to their individual Learning Center, part of CSEA's Learning Hub experience. Every class will be recorded, and the recording will be made available to students for their use/review. By following the schedule of self-study work, you will be ready to ask the right questions and fully engage with the instructor's expert guidance at the weekly class.

CTEC Qualifying Education is provided through a dedicated self-study site. This program provides 43 hours of Federal tax education, 2 hours of Ethics, and 15 hours of California tax education (a total of 60 hours of education), and meets the qualifying education requirement for CTEC. During your weekly self-study time, you will read lessons, take interactive quizzes, and work on practice tax forms. Students will be required to pass exam modules as they work through the program and upon completion of the final exam module, CSEA will inform CTEC of the student's successful completion of the education required to become a CRTP.

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CTEC requires 60 hours of qualifying education. How is this time accrued/calculated?

CTEC evaluates every qualifying education program to ensure that the instructional materials and final exam complexity will require an average student to invest at least 60 hours in study and instruction. When a student passes the final exam with a score of 70% or better, the test score and confirmation of the student's required 60-hour education completion will be sent to to CTEC.

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Will there be a course orientation session prior to the start of classes?

Yes, a course orientation will be provided before the first day of classes. Information about this orientation is included in the class schedule. The orientation will be recorded and available to view.

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How do I sign in to the weekly class?

You will find the link to each week's class in your Learning Center, which is part of CSEA's learning management system.

Please read this technical FAQ for troubleshooting information.

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What is the process for becoming a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP)?

To register with CTEC you must complete the following registrations steps within 18 months of passing the final exam for this course. If you do not complete the registration process within 18 months, you will be required to complete the 60-hour course again.

CTEC registration must be completed online at https://preparer.ctec.org/NewApplication. It is recommended that students begin the application process before they pass the exam to avoid delays in their application. You will need the following to complete your registration:

• Complete the online application for new preparers.
• Complete the background questionnaire.
• Complete the fingerprint process at a Live Scan facility.
• Take a 60-hour qualifying education course and pass the final exam.
• Obtain a PTIN from the IRS.
• Obtain a $5,000 Tax Preparer Surety Bond.
• Pay the application fee online (currently $102).

CTEC provides comprehensive information on the Tax Preparers area of their website, which can be found at: https://www.ctec.org/taxpreparers/

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How current is the information provided by the Basic Tax Education Program?

New curriculum materials are published in June to meet the California requirements to become a CTEC-registered tax preparer (CRTP). 

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I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaker / Solo hablo español. Can I take this class?

CSEA's lead instructor and CSEA member, Anita Monrroy, EA, CPA, MST, is bilingual with fluency in both English and Spanish. This program is taught primarily in English, but those who need additional clarification in Spanish can be accommodated. (Note that this clarification may be provided after class via email.)

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How do I cancel my registration / withdraw from classes?

You may cancel your registration prior to the first class by completing the cancellation/withdrawal request.

Cancellation Prior to First Class

If you cancel, you will be eligible for a refund of registration fees, minus:

• $40 set-up fee

Terms of Withdrawal (after classes begin)

A course materials fee of $125 will be charged if you withdraw after the first class. You will be eligible for a refund of registration fees, minus:

• $40 set-up fee
• $125 materials fee 

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