CBP Officer Entrance Examination exam-day guide
CBP Officer Entrance Examination · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID required by your testing provider (commonly a driver's license, state ID, or passport). Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a second ID is needed; do not rely on a photocopy or a photo on your phone.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the appointment confirmation showing your name, test site address, and start time. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Know the exact test site and route
Look up the address the day before and plan the route, parking, and building entrance. Test centers are often inside larger buildings with security screening, so allow extra time to reach the actual room.
Arrival time buffer
Plan to arrive well before your scheduled start; many providers require check-in before the start time and may deny entry to late candidates. Confirm the provider's specific arrival and cutoff policy in advance.
Review the test format and section order
Know which sections you will see and in what order (for example, reasoning, writing, and experience-record components) so you can pace yourself. Confirm the current format with the provider because test structures change.
Practice with official format information
Use the current official preparation materials for the exam's structure and timing. Do not assume older prep books reflect the current test.
Rest and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, charge your phone, and get a full night's sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming of new material; review only brief notes you already know.
Dress in layers and bring water if permitted
Test rooms vary in temperature. Confirm with the provider whether water, snacks, or a light jacket are allowed in the testing room.
Personal items plan
Most testing providers restrict phones, smart watches, bags, and notes in the testing room. Confirm the provider's rules on storage and prohibited items before test day.
Confirm accommodations if applicable
If you requested testing accommodations, confirm approval and logistics with the provider well before test day and again 24 hours ahead.
Read the candidate conduct agreement
Review the provider's rules on identification, prohibited behavior, and dismissal. Confirm any unclear points with the provider rather than guessing.
Backup plan for transportation
Identify a backup route or ride in case of transit delays or traffic. Missing the check-in window can end your test attempt, so build in margin.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment time, test site address, and ID requirements with the provider. Re-read the format and timing of each section, and take one timed practice set under realistic conditions to check pacing. Stop studying new content and focus on reviewing weak areas you already understand. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and clothing so nothing is rushed on test day.
Do a light review of key strategies only. Check the weather and transit conditions, confirm your route and parking, and set alarms. Eat a normal meal, avoid heavy caffeine late in the day, and go to bed early. Do not start a new practice test that could leave you discouraged or fatigued.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and arrive early. Bring your ID and confirmation, leave prohibited items at home or in the car, and follow check-in instructions. Use the waiting time for calm breathing and a brief review of your pacing plan, not new material.
Read instructions for each section carefully and note the time limit. Answer every question; if unsure, eliminate clearly wrong options and choose the best remaining answer rather than leaving blanks, unless the provider's scoring penalizes guessing (confirm the scoring rule). For writing tasks, plan briefly, write clearly, and reserve time to proofread. If you finish a section early, use remaining time to check answers rather than leaving early.
Note any sections you found difficult while memory is fresh, and confirm with the provider how and when results are reported and what the next steps in the hiring process are.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID required by the provider; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms with the provider before test day.
Follow all check-in and security procedures, including any bag, phone, or electronic-device restrictions. Confirm the provider's prohibited-item list in advance.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test or attempt to view others' screens or materials; follow the proctor's instructions at all times.
Breaks, if any, are governed by the provider's rules. Confirm in advance whether breaks are scheduled, whether the clock stops, and whether you may leave the room.
Scoring rules, including whether wrong answers are penalized, vary by test and provider. Confirm the current scoring policy rather than assuming, and answer every question unless the provider states otherwise.
If you need to reschedule or cancel, follow the provider's policy and deadlines. Confirm the specific deadlines with the provider.
Report any testing irregularity or equipment problem to the proctor immediately; do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Do not discuss or share specific test content after the exam, in line with the provider's confidentiality and conduct agreement.