IRS / Prometric study plan
SEE-1 study plan
A step-by-step SEE-1 study plan: the exact order to study in, how long to spend on each stage, and when to start practice questions. Follow it top to bottom.
The real SEE-1 is 100 (85 scored) questions in 210 minutes, pass mark 105 / 130. For the full domain-by-domain breakdown behind each stage, read the SEE-1 study guide.
Your step-by-step plan
Map the blueprint and book a date
Day 1Read the official content outline and the six domains with their weights. Book a provisional exam date now, because a fixed date converts open-ended study into a plan and is the single biggest predictor of actually sitting. Note that Part 1 is one of three parts; this guide covers individuals only.
Lock the intake mechanics (Domain 1)
Week 1Get filing status and dependency solid before anything else, because every later number depends on them. Build a filing-status decision tree and a dependency checklist, then run scenarios through them until the year-of-death, considered-unmarried, and dependent-parent cases are automatic.
Drill income, basis, and the deduction figures (Domains 2 and 3)
Weeks 2-3These two carry the most weight. Memorise the basis and holding-period mechanics, the Section 121 tests, the wash sale rule, and the Schedule A floors and caps as exact numbers. Sort the credits into refundable and non-refundable and learn each eligibility gate. Use scenario questions, not flashcards alone.
Work the tax computations (Domain 4)
Week 4Practise the formulas until you reproduce them from memory: the net investment income tax base as the lesser of two amounts, the alternative minimum tax add-backs, self-employment tax and its deductible half, and the estimated tax safe harbours. The wrong answers here are the results of the shortcuts the formulas prevent.
Cover advising and specialised returns (Domains 5 and 6)
Week 5Learn the three forms of spousal relief versus injured spouse relief, the statutes of limitations, and the accuracy-related penalty rate. Then take the estate and gift checklists and the FBAR versus Form 8938 distinction. These are lower weight but the questions are clean marks once the categories are clear.
Practise on full scenario sets with worked explanations
Week 6Move to full practice sets and read the explanation for every question, including the ones you got right. Part 1 distractors are the right concept with the wrong number or form, so understanding why each wrong option is wrong is where the marks are.
Sit a timed mock and close weak domains
Week 7Take at least one full timed mock to rehearse pacing and flag-and-return, then use your per-domain accuracy to drill the domains dragging you down rather than re-reading what you already know. Repeat until every domain clears the pass line with margin on unseen questions.
Ready to start stage one?
Free SEE-1 questions with worked explanations. No sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this SEE-1 study plan take?
It is 7 stages, paced by how much time you can give it each week - most candidates work through it in 2 to 6 weeks. Each stage below has a suggested duration; slow down on any stage where the recall checks in the study guide are not landing before moving on.
What order should I study SEE-1 in?
Follow the stages in order below. They are sequenced deliberately: foundational material first, then the domains weighted heaviest on the exam, then timed practice, with review passes built in rather than left to the end.
Do I need practice questions as part of this plan?
Yes. Reading alone does not surface what you have not actually learned. This plan builds in graded practice, and the full 313-question bank is free to use as you work through each stage.
Is this plan enough on its own, or do I need the full study guide too?
This page is the plan: what to do and in what order. The study guide adds the domain-by-domain breakdown, easy-to-confuse traps, and worked examples behind each stage - read it alongside this plan, not instead of it.
Examworthy is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS / Prometric. This study plan is original material based on the public exam blueprint. We never reproduce live exam items. SEE-1 and related marks belong to their respective owners.