Becoming a Customs Broker (2024)

FAQs

How hard is it to pass the customs broker exam? ›

If you want the license, you have to pass the US Customs broker exam . This exam is one of the most difficult to pass in the USA. There are roughly 2,600 examinees a year who take the exam, and only around 15% are able to pass. Most examinees will need to take a prep course in order to pass.

The October 2023 customs broker licensing exam had a 34% pass rate, the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee said in an issue paper released Feb. 26.

The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. A passing score is a 75% or better. The examination lasts approximately 4 hours. Examination booklets may not be removed from the examination room during the exam period.

Despite how difficult the exam is, the career outlook for a customs broker is very good. It's expected that over 25,000 new jobs will be created by 2029 to meet shipping demands. Job vacancies for custom brokers increase an average of 5% each year as workers retire without being replaced.

The U.S. Customs Broker Exam (also known as CBLE) is probably the hardest exam to pass in the U.S. This exam is given twice every year by U.S. Customs and the pass rate can be as low as 1%. This means that the CBLE is harder to pass than the USMLE (for doctors) or the Bar Exam (for lawyers).

The salaries of Licensed Customs Brokers in The US range from $35,356 to $335,458, and the average is $77,562.

The Diploma of Customs Broking is a purpose-built course created for our industry sector. This course is offered online by the International Trade and Logistics College (RTO Code 30772) over four semesters (2 years) and includes 14 Core units of study.

Licensed Customs Broker age breakdown

The average age of licensed customs brokers is 40+ years years old, representing 61% of the licensed customs broker population.

How Hard Is the CBP Entrance Exam? The CBP Entrance Exam is intentionally designed to be hard, since it shortlists the most capable candidates who possess the required abilities to succeed both in the tough CBP academy training and in the demanding day-to-day job.

Intimately familiar with import procedures and regulations, a licensed broker makes sure you provide all the data for your filings, double-checks that information for accuracy and meets deadlines for transmitting documentation to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

How long is the US Customs broker exam? ›

How long is the Customs Broker License Examination? You have four hours to complete the examination. Where and when is the Customs Broker Examination given? This examination is normally given at CBP service ports ( Ports ) the first Monday in April and the first Monday in October.

Delays can take weeks. Ports and exam sites can get terribly backed up depending on congestion, and even though congestion is out of your hands, you could end up getting charged storage costs. Typically, though, for ocean shipments, X-ray exams take anywhere from 2- 3 days and intensive exams take around 5 – 7 days.

Customs brokerage services in the U.S. and Canada will be provided by FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc.

The CBP specifies there are three ways to qualify for an entry level position. Candidates either need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, three years of relevant work experience, or a combination of post-high school education and work experience.

DHL Duty Drawback Services is a licensed customs brokerage firm with over 30 years of experience.

How long is the Customs Broker License Examination? You have four hours to complete the examination. Where and when is the Customs Broker Examination given? This examination is normally given at CBP service ports ( Ports ) the first Monday in April and the first Monday in October.

Please allow approximately 4 hours to complete the CBPO Proctored Entrance Exam.