Is the customs broker exam harder than the bar?
This exam is tough!
You must apply for the license within 3 years of the date of the letter. Approximately 2,600 examinees take the U.S. Customs broker exam every year, and only 15% pass. That's a lower pass rate than the Series 7 exam (65%), the bar exam (59%), and the certified public accountant exam (49%).
Customs Broker Exam 2023 Passing Rate
Now, let's delve into the pass rates for recent CBLE exams: The CBLE held on April 26, 2023, unveiled a pass rate of 5.5% before appeal decisions were considered. On October 26, 2022, the CBLE showcased an 11.1% pass rate prior to the appeal process.
The exam is an open book/open test with a time limit of four hours. It consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 75 percent of them correctly to pass.
The average Licensed Customs Broker in the US makes $77,562. Licensed Customs Brokers make the most in San Jose, CA at $153,137 averaging total compensation 97% greater than US average.
Unfortunately, most people who take the exam do not pass on the first try. In fact, it takes many applicants several attempts to pass the exam. The average pass rate is reported to be between 3-11%, regardless of the fact that the test is open book and open note.
The degree of difficulty of the test also varies across tests as the test is not standardized. The Customs Broker Exam is challenging because it tests a wide range of topics in customs compliance.
It is recommended to allow at least 4-5 months prior to the exam for study. CBP analytics suggest in order to pass the exam over 100 hours of study are required. Classification is approximately 20% of the broker's exam.
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.
What makes a good customs broker?
A customs broker that works efficiently has the toolbox they need to get the job done quickly, without any missteps. This could mean a variety of things: are they using useful technology? Are they using tools to deliver approved permits in a timely manner?
All costs associated with customs exams are the responsibility of the importer. These costs may include exam fees, service fees, transportation costs, and storage costs. See Customs Exam Fee for more information.
- General expertise.
- Industry experience.
- Licensing qualifications.
- Relationship with Customs.
- Company size.
- AEO qualifications.
- Commitment to compliance.
- Ethics and Compliance track record.
Demand for Customs Brokers is expected to go up, with an expected 25,840 new jobs filled by 2029.
As of Feb 14, 2024, the average annual pay for a Licensed Customs Broker in the United States is $75,242 a year.
How much does a Customs Broker make in the United States? The average Customs Broker salary in the United States is $86,574 as of January 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $74,573 and $99,333.
Customs brokers focus solely on imports. Companies exporting to international borders (even Canadian customs) will be dealing with a non-US broker. Freight forwarders may work with importers and exporters.
As you may be aware, LCB stands for 'Licensed Customs Broker' while CHB stands for 'Customhouse Broker'.
But you should know that NATIONALLY the pass rate for the April 2017 exam was 31%, the October 2017 was 26%, the April 2018 was 12% and the October 2018 was 23%. The April 2019 exam only had a pass rate of 11.25% with the October 2019 exam coming in at 4.2%.
Pass Rate Information
The October 25, 2023 CBLE resulted in a 34% pass rate prior to appeal decisions. The April 26, 2023 CBLE resulted in a 5.5% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.
Why hire a customs broker?
Customs Brokers can help your imports arrive safely and file your paperwork and Customs entries with U.S. Customs officials. Customs Brokers afford you peace of mind while you avoid import process hurdles.
- You're Importing Internationally. ...
- 2 You Don't Want to Learn the Technicalities Associated with the Process. ...
- You Want to Avoid Costly Mistakes with Your Shipments. ...
- You Have a Relatively New Import Business. ...
- You Don't Have a License.
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 average salary for Customs Broker is ₱60,009 per month in the Philippines.
Types of US Customs inspections holds
PGA/Commercial Enforcement Hold: A hold that Participating Government Agencies (PGAs), i.e., FDA, USDA, CPSC and additional agencies who regulate products entering the US can place on a container to ensure that it complies with regulations.
