US Customs Broker Exam Pass Rate

Nadeem Virk Avatar

The US Customs Broker exam is a challenging test that requires a lot of preparation and knowledge. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions that cover various topics related to customs regulations, classification, valuation, entry procedures, and more. The exam is administered twice a year, in April and October, and has a time limit of 4.5 hours.

The pass rate for the US Customs Broker exam is not very high. According to the official statistics from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the average pass rate for the exam from 2015 to 2020 was only 15.9%. This means that out of every 100 candidates who took the exam, only about 16 passed. The pass rate varies from year to year and from exam to exam, but it generally ranges from 10% to 20%.

There are many factors that contribute to the low pass rate for the US Customs Broker exam. Some of them are:

  • The exam is very comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics and regulations that are constantly changing and updating.
  • The exam questions are often ambiguous, tricky, or based on specific scenarios that require careful analysis and interpretation.
  • The exam requires a lot of memorization and calculation skills, as well as familiarity with various reference materials and tools.
  • The exam has a high standard of accuracy and correctness, as any mistake or omission can result in a wrong answer or a penalty.
  • The exam is very competitive and has a limited number of seats available for each session.

To increase the chances of passing the US Customs Broker exam, candidates need to study hard and smart. They need to:

  • Review the official study guide and sample questions provided by the CBP.
  • Enroll in a reputable online or in-person course that covers all the topics and provides practice tests and feedback.
  • Use reliable and updated reference materials and tools during the exam, such as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the CBP website.
  • Manage their time wisely and strategically during the exam, as well as before and after it.
  • Stay calm and confident during the exam and avoid making careless errors or guesses.

Passing the US Customs Broker exam is not impossible, but it requires a lot of dedication and effort. By following these tips and strategies, candidates can improve their chances of achieving this professional goal.