Becoming a US Customs Broker

What is a Customs broker?
Customs brokers are private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assist importers and exporters in meeting Federal requirements governing imports and exports. Brokers submit necessary information and appropriate payments to CBP on behalf of their clients and charge them a fee for this service.

How many licensed Customs Brokers are there currently in US?
There are approximately 11,000 active licensed Customs brokers in the United States.

What is the Customs Broker License Examination?
The Customs Broker License Examination is an open book/open test with 80 multiple-choice questions based on designated editions of:
• The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)
• Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations
• Specified Customs Directives
• Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements document (CATAIR)

Must I be a U.S. citizen to take this examination?
No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to take this examination. But you must be a U.S. citizen to apply for a broker license. You have 3 years to apply for the license after the examination.

How long is the Customs Broker License Examination?
Four hours.

Where and when is the Customs Broker Examination given?
This examination is normally given at CBP service ports the first Monday in April and the first Monday in October. If that Monday is a religious holiday, the examination will be given the following Tuesday.

How much is the examination Fee?
The appropriate CBP port director must receive the examination application and $200 fee at least 30 days in advance of the examination.

What else may I bring to the examination?
You may bring any written, non-electric, references including study guides, and past exams. You may NOT bring in laptop computers or PDA’s but you may use a silent calculator. Rulers are allowed.

What is a passing score?
A passing score is 75 percent or better.

What if I fail the examination?
You may retake the examination until you pass. You are also entitled to submit an appeal of your examination score to CBP in accordance with 19 CFR 111.13(f)

Will I be notified when and where the examination will be given?
At least 10 days before the examination, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will mail you a notice of the time and place it will be given.

Related link:
Customers Broker License Exam Preparation
Class Schedule

*above Source from www.cbp.gov