So, you want to be a Customs broker?

It is that time of year when Customs and Border Protection makes their semi-annual announcement about the Customs broker license examination.  Given every April and October, the pass/fail, multiple choice exam is the first step for an individual seeking their license to transact business as a Customs broker.  After a grueling examination whose pass rate varies between five and fifteen percent, applicants must then pass a stringent background check complete with interviews with a CBP agent and personal reference checks.

Some people feel that it is an easy test.  While a few pass on their first try, it is not unusual for some to need two or three tries to pass.  It is designed to comprehensively put a potential broker through their paces on a host of topics and situations that would manifest themselves regardless of whether the applicant would be at an airport, seaport, interior port or land border crossing.

In comparable medical terminology, someone sitting for the exam really should be prepared to be a general practicing physician.  Anything and everything can cross their desks from apparel to pharmaceuticals to auto parts and that person is expected to have the capabilities to handle it all.  Add necessary and frequent interactions with other government agencies as well such as FDA, Fish & Wildlife or Agriculture and the value of a broker with a deep body of knowledge and experience is readily evident.

So…do you want to be a Customs broker?  Follow this link and check out the notice from Customs if you’re interested.