[captainperl]

> Isnt the point of the certification to be the expert? I'm just a math guy that can read.

Enrolled Agents (EA) are very good on average as tax accountants. Not perfect, but if talk to them mid-reporting period and they'll have heard of new rules.

Beyond that, what you need to know about "professionals":

1) The job of a CPA is to collect their fees.

2) The job of a lawyer is to collect their fees.

3) "Professionals" rank larger entities ahead of individuals in fees and advancement.