Customs Broker Exam in the USA: What It Is and How to Prepare

A customs broker is a professional who assists companies in transporting goods across borders. They handle all matters related to customs clearance. The main role of the specialist is to ensure that goods pass through customs legally and without complications.

To work as a customs broker in the USA, one must pass an exam called the Customs Broker License Examination (CBLE). After successfully passing the exam, the candidate receives a customs broker license and can perform their duties. In this article, we will discuss what this exam entails and how to prepare for it.

Requirements for Candidates

Candidates must meet several criteria to be eligible for the exam:

• Be a citizen of the USA;
• Be over 18 years old;
• Pass a background check for any criminal history;
• Submit an application to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during a specific period announced in the Federal Register.

Additionally, candidates must pay an exam fee, which is determined according to established tariffs.

Detailed Exam Instructions for Customs Broker License

Preparing for the Exam: Key Steps and Recommendations

Exam preparation is a crucial stage for successfully obtaining a customs broker license. Let's take a closer look at each step.

1. Studying the Program: Before starting preparation, candidates must thoroughly study the CBLE exam program. It includes various aspects of customs brokerage activities: customs laws and regulations, tariffs, classification of goods, and more.
2. Finding Information: There are many educational materials available for preparation, such as textbooks, study guides, online courses, video tutorials, and practice tests. Candidates can use these resources to better understand the material and engage in practical learning.
3. Test Preparation: During preparation, it is helpful to use practice tests and simulation exams. This will help candidates become familiar with the exam format, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for real exam conditions.
4. Participation in Preparatory Courses and Group Sessions: Some candidates may join preparatory courses or group sessions, where they can receive additional explanations and support from other candidates or instructors.

Proper organization of preparation and systematic study of the material will help candidates maximize their readiness for the exam and achieve success.

Previous exam tasks can be found on the CBP website.

Exam Process

CBLE is held twice a year: in spring and fall. This year, the exam will take place on May 1st. Registration closes on March 21st. If you fail the exam on the first attempt, you have the opportunity to try again. The exam consists of two parts:

• A test covering a wide range of topics related to customs clearance of goods and customs procedures;
• Questions that assess candidates' ability to analyze and apply customs rules in practical situations. In this part, candidates must provide detailed answers to each question.

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After successfully passing the exam, candidates must complete the licensing process: submit the necessary documents to obtain the license, provide a bond, and fulfill additional requirements established by CBP.

Successful completion of the exam opens the doors to an interesting and important profession. DiFFreight can become your reliable partner in organizing international transportation, providing a wide range of brokerage services. With us, your international shipments will be carried out efficiently and smoothly.