The Internal Revenue Service has released specifications for the competency test individuals must pass to become a Registered Tax Return Preparer. The 120-question tests offers a combination of multiple choice and true-or-false format. The IRS listed major topics that will be covered by the examination. Individuals with a provisional tax preparer identification number are not required to pass the exam until Dec. 31, 2013.

The IRS will notify those preparers who are required to take the test with more details. When the test is available, preparers can utilize their online accounts to schedule a test time and select a Prometric site.

About 730,000 return preparers registered and received PTINs in 2011. Of these, roughly 62 percent do not have professional credentials. The fee for the test is expected to range between $100 and $125. There is no limit on the number of times preparers can take the test, but they must pay the fee each time. Individuals must pass the test only once.

The IRS provided the following list of recommended study materials.
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
Form 1040 Instructions
Circular 230, Regulations Governing Practice before the Internal Revenue Service (rev. 8/2/11)
Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business
Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education
Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax - Individuals
Form 6251 Instructions
Form 8879, IRS e-File Signature Authorization
Prometric will provide individuals with Publication 17, Form 1040 and Form 1040 instructions as reference materials during the test.