Our virtual Customs Broker Exam Preparation course prepares attendees to take and pass the customs broker examination. Its extensive overview of the customs brokerage/import process makes it also a great option for those looking for training in this field.
The customs broker examination is given every April and October. Our course runs twice yearly, beginning two months before each exam date. The next course will begin in summer 2024 in preparation for the October 2024 Customs Broker Exam.
The most important factor in passing the exam is the amount of time spent on preparation!
This course requires a significant time commitment. Before registering, attendees should be able to commit to close to 100 hours of work during the duration of the course. Additionally, please read the entire page below for an idea of what is required to succeed in this course.
Course Details
- The course includes 40 hours of class instruction on topics such as broker regulations, entry, classification, valuation, free trade agreements, antidumping/countervailing duty, fines, penalties and forfeitures, bonds, country of origin marking, liquidation, search and seizure, and intellectual property.
- The fee for the course is $1,050.
- The course is 100% virtual. You may attend from anywhere as long as you have a reliable internet connection and a modern computer (see Software Requirements section below).
- Sessions are Monday and Thursday night from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Eastern time for the two months prior to the exam date. You may attend the sessions live, or view the recording. Recordings will be available for viewing the morning after the live session. A detailed schedule will be provided after registration.
- There is a significant amount of homework, including practice exams. Attendees will end up with close to 100 hours of course-related work.
- All attendees will have access to a Course Materials webpage with homework, practice exams, and class recordings.
- All attendees must have the required materials (see Required Materials section below) prior to the first class. These materials take time to ship, so it is best to order them 2 weeks before the course starts.
Required Materials for the Course
All attendees must purchase the required publications, including the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and Section 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Customs Duties. Both are available through the Government Printing Office and Boskage Publications/Thomson Reuters. The approximate cost for these materials is $400-$500.
Attendees who purchase the materials from Boskage will receive a 10 percent discount. After registration, please contact course instructor Paula Connelly for information on how to order the materials and receive the discount. The publications should be brought to class.
Additional materials, including a manual, required U.S. Customs directives, copies of past examinations, and additional hand-out materials will be provided throughout the course to help students in their studies.
Required Software for the Course
The course is conducted virtually via the software GoTo Webinar. Please make sure that your device meets the necessary technical criteria for participation, as technical issues are not grounds for a refund. The vast majority of modern computers are able to use GoTo Webinar with no setup or issues. You may visit GoTo Webinar to perform a system check on your device.
About the Customs Broker Exam
- The exam will be given in an electronic format at testing locations throughout the country.
- All candidates must submit the test application documentation directly to Customs and pay the exam fee of $390.
- The exam is considered “open book.” Customs will allow attendees to bring the required materials and any other written materials to the exam, but no electronic devices are allowed.
- All exam applications are now processed electronically through the Customs website.
Requirements for Receiving a Customs Broker License
- Must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age
- Must attain at least a 75 percent grade on the exam
- Must be of good moral character (a background check is performed on all candidates who have met the other requirements prior to the license actually being issued)
- Cannot be an officer or employee of the U.S. government
Cancellations & Refunds
Cancellations must be received a minimum of 5 business days prior to the date of an event to receive a full refund. Otherwise, you will be provided with materials as a registrant, regardless of attendance.
Once the course has started, no refunds will be issued for this course for any circumstances. However, it may be possible to defer your attendance to a later course. Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis. Deposits are also non-refundable.
Returning Students
Students who do not pass the Customs Broker Exam after completing this course may retake the course for half price.