Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What if I do not pass a test on my first attempt?

Answer: On paper, there is a test and retest. For the online test you are allowed four attempts at certification for each test. The on-line test questions are randomly pulled from paper test and paper retest so you will take a different test on each attempt.

Question: Are there tools to help me understand the questions I miss on the test?

Answer: Links are next to each question at the end of the online test. These links go back to the relevant tax law topic in Link & Learn for a review of the subject.

Question: Why do some test questions ask for page numbers from reference materials?

Answer: One of the main components of the IRS’s quality improvement strategy is to encourage volunteers to use the Volunteer Resource Guide and other reference tools. Having volunteers refer to these references during certification reinforces this practice.

Question: What if I am unable to complete an online test in one session?

Answer: The online system will bookmark where you stop in the test. When you log back on, it will show “in progress” for the test you were taking. Click on that link to continue.

Question: What if I need to change an answer on the online test?

Answer: You cannot change an answer once you have advanced to the next question or completed a test. So, make sure you enter your answer correctly before you continue.