Customs Broker Examination study guide
Customs Broker Examination · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Customs Broker Examination is the licensing exam administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for individuals who want to become licensed customs brokers. A customs broker represents importers and exporters before CBP, preparing and filing entry documentation, classifying merchandise, and helping clients meet federal import requirements. This page is an independent study resource for candidates preparing for that exam; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by CBP or the U.S. The Customs Broker Examination study guide has 6 sections and about 1,888 words.
01Broker Responsibilities and Licensing
This domain tests how an individual becomes a licensed customs broker, what a license versus a permit allows, and how CBP disciplines brokers who fail their duties. Expect questions on eligibility, the exam, responsible supervision, recordkeeping, and grounds for suspension or revocation.
328 words, about 2 min02Classification and Valuation
This domain is the highest-yield area of the exam. It tests the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), the Additional U.S.
322 words, about 2 min03Entry Procedures and Documentation
This domain tests the timeline and paperwork for getting merchandise into the United States: the entry, the entry summary, bonds, releases, and protests. Entry is filed within 15 calendar days after the merchandise arrives.
310 words, about 2 min04Duties, Taxes, and Revenue Collection
This domain tests how duty is calculated, which fees and taxes attach, and how CBP bills, liquidates, and refunds. Duties are ad valorem (percentage of value), specific (fixed amount per unit), or compound (both).
289 words, about 1 min05Trade Agreements and Special Programs
This domain tests preferential tariff treatment: who qualifies, how origin is proven, and the deadlines that eliminate the benefit. Free trade agreements use product-specific rules, usually a tariff shift (the non-originating inputs must change heading), a regional value content test, or both.
332 words, about 2 min06Enforcement, Penalties, and Compliance
This domain tests 19 U.S.C. 1592 penalty exposure, prior disclosure, detention and seizure, and the compliance programs CBP uses to audit importers.
307 words, about 2 min