What is an EA -- as in Turbo Tax Expert Services offers Live advice from a CPA or EA?

[Rox4]

when i purchase turbo tax 2017, i paid for CPA assistance through turbo tax.  How to i get that assistance?

[Marketstar]

An EA is an IRS Enrolled Agent who has passed three rigorous tax exams (ethics, personal taxes, business taxes) administered by the IRS.

On completion of the 3 exams, the applicant is deemed by the IRS to be qualified to represent a taxpayer before the IRS

[TaxGuyBill]

"EA" is an "Enrolled Agent".  Directly from the IRS webpage:

An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years.

Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before. Learn more about enrolled agents in Treasury Department Circular 230 (PDF).

https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/enrolled-agent-information