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If you’re interested in becoming a customs broker, you should know that passing the Customs Broker Licensing Exam is one of the first hurdles you’ll need to clear. The licensing exam is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of customs regulations. It also ensures that potential brokers understand the risks involved with this type of career and are aware of the responsibilities they will be taking on by becoming licensed as a broker. Either by yourself or with a reliable company, studying for the exam can be challenging. That is why we have created this resource so that you can pass it on your first try! Let us help you get through this as fast and efficiently as possible.

What You Need to Know About the Customs Broker Exam

The Customs Broker Exam is often referred to as the Customs Broker License Exam. It is a test designed to assess prospective customs brokers’ knowledge of customs regulations, law, and risk management. The exam is administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and is required for anyone who wishes to become an entry-level customs broker. CBP is responsible for the collection and enforcement of tariffs, the trade balance, and the supervision of all imports and exports to and from the United States. You can find information about customs brokers and the exam on their website. The exam is offered at select CBP offices around the country. There is a large amount of information to be covered on the exam, so it is recommended to start preparing as soon as possible. The exam itself lasts 4.5 hours and is given in one session. Because of the amount of information you will need to know, the best way to prepare is to take a customs broker exam prep course. These courses are designed by individuals who have extensive experience in the customs industry and will help you to both understand and retain the necessary information.

How to Pass the Customs Broker Exam

One of the most important aspects of passing any exam is to stay calm. Regardless of how well you may know the material, you will not be able to perform well if you are feeling anxious or stressed. It is important to take a few slow breaths before you go into the exam room to help you stay relaxed. You may even want to take a few minutes outside to do some breathing exercises. It is also important to know your limits. If you feel like you can’t complete the exam in 4.5 hours, slow your time and realize that even if you fail, everything will be okay. Do not feel overwhelmed.

Studying for the Customs Broker License Exam

When it comes to studying for the customs broker exam, it is important that you are able to cover all of the information in the course, or at least know where the information is. Some of this information will be more important than others, but it is important to be able to understand WHERE the information is located. When studying for the exam, you have to be prepared for a lot of information. It is recommended that you study for at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to taking the exam. That time should be sufficient to allow you to review the information and successfully complete the exam. When you’re studying for the exam, make sure you have a study schedule. This will help you to stay on track and keep focused. Studying for the exam shouldn’t take over your life, but it is important to make time for it each day. There are many exam prep courses offered at schools and online. These courses will help you to understand the information covered on the exam and how it is relevant to the industry.

Customs Broker Exam Topics

There are many customs broker exam topics, but they can mainly be broken down into three categories: origin, transit, and destination. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these categories covers. The first origin portion can cover items such as country of origin rules/regulations, certificates of origin, and free trade agreements. The second portion may cover incoterms, valuation, and an understanding of items related to transportation such as bonds. The third portion covers things at the destination, what happens or can happen upon arrival of goods.

Key Takeaways

There are many customs broker exam topics, but they can mainly be broken down into three categories: origin, transit, and destination. It is important to be prepared for a lot of information, so it is recommended that you study for at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to taking the exam. Make sure you check the exam syllabus to see which topics are covered in the exam so you can study the appropriate material. Studying for the exam should take up about an hour each night for 10 weeks, if not more.