I applied online. The process took 8 weeks. I interviewed at Jackson Hewitt (Jacksonville, FL) in Jan 2010
Interview
To get started you must first attend a Tax Preparer training which prepares you for the PTIN license. It also serves to allow the company to get to know you. So the Interview is quick and short, usually one on one.
I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Jackson Hewitt (Kissimmee, FL) in Nov 2018
Interview
She was very professional, asked about my interest in the tax field, and if I had any experience. We discussed availability and transportation. She advised me as to how the franchisee worked and discussed salary.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
If I would be willing to take a short exam. It was based on the current year laws, to show level of base skill.
You have to attend tax school, which usually starts in September, and costs $99. You'll eventually have to get a income tax preparer ID number from the IRS, called a PTIN, and that costs $64, I believe. The process is rather involved and you'd only work during tax season (January--April).
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
There are a series of exams that you must take. It's fairly easy, but it's still a rather involved process.