How long does it take to complete the Customs Broker License course?

The average person completes our course in 6 weeks. Allowing a total of 22 hours for reading assignments and 24 hours for lectures, will mean 46 study hours. The sooner you begin, the better.   The DVD's are yours to keep, you may start at any time and repeat any session as often as you wish.

How does your Customs Broker License course work?

The Customs Broker course is divided into 22 Lesson Plans. There are 22 reading assignments and 22 DVD lectures. Reading Assignment 1, matches DVD Lecture 1 - Reading Assignment 2, matches DVD Lecture 2, etc etc. Just as in any class, you complete a reading assignment prior to entering the classroom. The instructor will explain, in simple terms, what you just read. Ordering a Free Sample DVD is the best way of understanding of our format.

Is there homework?

Yes, starting with Lesson 6. Homework consists of questions from previous Customs Broker Exams. At the beginning of each class, we review the homework from the previous lesson plan, explain the answers and tell you where the answer is found in the Regulations.

How much time do I need to plan for homework?

The greatest time requirement is reading of the Customs Regulations or CFR 19.  However, to help you we narrow down what is important and to save you time, we give the reading assignments as "Read" - "Skim" - "Omit". If you have never seen or read the Customs Regulations it may take you a few weeks before you become comfortable with the reading. But typically, your reading will be about one hour per Lesson Plan.

How long is each DVD Lecture?

It depends on the level of difficulty of the topic. Our current Customs Broker Course has 12 DVD's for a total of 24 hours of lecture - with 22 lesson plans, that would average to about an hour per lecture.

What if I need more help?

Registered students receive unlimited use to the Help Desk for a minimum of one year, or two exam cycles, whichever is greater.   The Help Desk is staffed full time and available from 9:00 - 5:00 EST. Of course, email is available for after hours and will be answered the next morning.

How does this course differ from others?

We guarantee this to be the most through, accurate and current course in the nation. Information is explained and not simply recited. Instruction is dynamic and an actual learning experience set in a classroom environment with examples and illustrations. To understand the background of this program, please visit Course Info.

How much does the course cost?

Only $575 for the entire course. As an organization, we are not profit driven.

Will I need any other books?

Yes - The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the Customs Regulations (CFR 19). These two publications are required regardless of how you prepare - even on your own. The Customs Broker License Exam is based on these two publications and they are the focus of our study. Both are available from the Government Printing Office (GPO).

If you enroll in our Customs Broker License course -  do not order any publications until you view DVD #1.  We'll explain these publications, tell you how and when to order, and offer some important tips before ordering.  You should be prepared to budget another $200 for the publications.

What is the outlook for importing and Customs Brokers?

U.S. import trade has grown by over 130% in the last 10 years. The value of imports has grown from 8% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to over 20% of GDP in the last 20 years. The value of imports coming into the U.S. is over $1.4 trillion, resulting in 29.6 million trade entries.

Simply put - we import more than we export. That has always been the case for the last 20 years. Currently the ratio is 6:1  Meaning there are six import shipments for each export shipment.  Domestic transportation has been flat, with a slight decline in 2008.

Q:	What is a passing score to pass the Customs Broker Exam?
A:	A passing score is 75 percent or better is required to pass the Customs Broker Exam

Q:	What if I fail the examination?
A:	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)

Q:	When may I apply?
A:	Assuming you are eligible, you may apply after you pass the Customs Broker License Examination.

Q:	How long after passing the examination can I wait to apply for a Customs Broker License?
A:	You must apply to a CBP port director within three years of the date of the letter notifying you that you passed the Customs Broker License Exam.

Q:	What are the fees for a Customs Broker License application?
A:	There is a $200 application fee (plus a fingerprint check and processing fee).

Q:	Where do I apply?
A:	Apply to the port where you want to transact Customs business as a broker.

Q:

Who reviews Customs Broker License applications?

A:

There are three levels of review. First is a multi-agency background investigation. Second, the CBP port director reviews the background investigation and any other pertinent information, and forwards a recommendation to CBP Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Finally, CBP will carefully evaluate each application, and the Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, will advise the applicant whether his or her application is approved.

Q:	What does the background investigation include?
A:	Each broker license applicant must undergo a background investigation that includes a fingerprint analysis and a review of character references, credit reports, and any arrest record. Arrests or convictions do not necessarily preclude the issuance of a license.

Q:	How long does the license application process take?
A:	The length of time it takes to complete the license application process can vary depending on multiple factors. Some of the factors include but are not limited to the amount of different locations the applicant has lived in, the workload of the agent conducting the background investigation and the national security threat level. An application can take from 8 to 12 months to process.

Q:	Is there an appeal if a broker license application is denied by CBP?
A:	Yes. Appeal procedures are outlined in 19 CFR 117.17.

For any additional questions contact either: Edu@AmericanCustoms.Org or Info@AmericanCustoms.Org