UPDATE: Long overdue good news: I officially passed the April 2009 exam. The results were pending while Customs reviewed my appeal. A very nice person from Customs called me two days before the October 2009 exam to tell me I didn’t need to study anymore. I won the one point needed to pass. Thanks to all my classmates, Renata Pearson, my family and friends who supported and taught me more than I could possibly know. I’m indebted to so many people and feel very fortunate.
My application was submitted to Customs. The license number is pending until completion of the background check.
A few weeks ago I took the U.S. Customs and Border Protection License examination. The open-book exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions based on version of several reference materials:
Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements document (CATAIR)
The exam is one of several requirements to become a Customs Broker. For more information, CBP provides specifics.
I was extremely nervous and scared about taking the exam a second time. The first time was challenging without exposure and experience to entry processing. And the thought of failure ie: not passing lingered in my head for several months. But talking to family and friends reminded me to believe in my abilities and squash self-doubt.
Despite common myths about the exam, it’s a straightforward test that challenges your ability to think quickly, find the appropriate regulatory cite and accurately distill the vague language. And all of this in 80 minutes! It’s very doable if you are strategic and plan carefully.
After spending the last few months studying at the office late at night, going to class, studying on my own and with a variety of classmates, taking at least 6 practice exams not including old quizzes, I’m excited at how much stronger I understood the concepts. So I’m sharing what I learned in hopes others who study and take the test can succeed.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed customs broker. All advice should be used at your own discretion. For more information on classes check the Customs Broker Forwarder Association of Northern California for prep courses. The class is taught by a licensed customs broker who brings passion, dedication and hard work to teach students how to understand the regulations. The pass rates are very high in this course.
Tips on studying for the Customs and Border License Exam
- Set aside a time and day to study
A set schedule creates good habits that stick and succeed. Look for a quiet place free from distractions such as the television, computer, Internet, music and people. You need to be completely focused to study the thick language of the law. I found the break room at the office with the spacious long tables and isolation worked best. Studying in a room away from the office eliminated distractions such as nearby chatter, the Internet (huge time waster) and looking at work projects. Highlight, mark, tab, cross-reference citations in the informed compliance publications with the regulations. The extra effort and time to do this will reinforce the material in your brain.
- Start studying 6 months to a year in advance
This is my second attempt at taking the test. I took the prep course from CBFANC last year and learned an enormous amount about customs brokerage. Using the same textbook from the CBFANC prep course I used their schedule as a guideline and started my reading a month in advance. It’s near impossible to finish the reading following the course schedule unless you’re a speed read. By starting earlier there is less pressure to cram all the material in the short amount of time. This also allowed me to spend more time underlining, writing and highlighting in my book key areas to prepare questions.
- Create your own cheat sheets and print references from CBP site
The exam allows you to bring any printed reference material. Use this to your advantage! I created cheat sheets on free trade agreements, merchandise processing fee exemptions, harbor maintenance fee and general guidelines. The CBP website also contains all kinds of charts, facts, figures and printouts on fees, penalties and other topics. Print anything that looks relevant. Create a separate binder (1 1/2 to 2 inches thick) or use an extra catalog ring for those reference materials. I highly encourage printing out the informed compliance publications especially on textiles. They are a wealth of information in explaining the different fibers, yarn forward rule and preferential trade agreement qualification.
- The index is your friend and practice, practice and practice
The index is a very useful tool when taking the exams (actual and practice). It can be used to look up key words for classification or to find a listing of service ports. Some people tend to forget it’s another helpful tool. Also take at least 6 previous exams. These can be found on the CBP site along with an answer key. I also would write key words in questions I missed repeatedly in the sections in big bold letters and highlight after scoring the test.
- Cross reference and mark your books
I mentioned earlier that cross-referencing the regulatory cites with the informed compliance reinforces the material. There are many overlaps especially in CFR 19 Section 141, 181 and 191. Be on the lookout for key words repeated in those and additional sections. Mark and write heavily in your books. These are your study materials. I’d write the classification answer next to the appropriate HTS in the tariff even for obvious questions.
- Study with a variety of students
Group study can be effective and everyone can benefit from learning how others understand the same concepts. I took BART, carpooled or borrowed a car to study with 5 different classmates. Each person gave me an unique perspective on how to classify, conquer valuation questions and distill the complicated free trade agreement texts. I learned patterns and tricks in the multiple choice questions to solve classifications. Along the way I picked up time saving tricks that shaved a minute or two. If meeting at a central location is impossible there is Skype, three-way calling on cell phones (difficult to hear) or Screen Share programs. I recommend setting a schedule and calling classmates to study on the phone. This helps with regulatory questions. It’s doable with valuation but harder to see the breakdown of additions and deductions.
- Create flashcards
I created flashcards to memorize the Code of Federal Regulations and their corresponding cite in the Tariff Act of 1930 (Customs Law Handbook). I also used them to test my knowledge of key dates such as how many days to make entry or how many years merchandise can be stored in a warehouse. They’re also easy to carry when you’re on the bus, walking home or have extra time to spare while waiting for an appointment.
- Get regular exercise, eat healthy and getting at least 6 hours of sleep
Developing and keeping good habits such as regular exercise, avoiding sugar, chips and junk food helped me study effectively. Consuming too much sugar, chips and other junk food cause sudden spikes in your blood sugar which leaves the body feeling sleeping. Studying then becomes a need to sleep. It’s also important to eat well – lots of vegetables, omega 3 and protein keep the body rested and mind sharp. Regular cardiovascular exercise also keeps the brain sharp and a great anti-stress mechanism.
- Limit computer and Internet time
Surfing the Internet and checking email are huge time wasters. Give yourself 10-15 minutes during your break to catch up on email, work or read the news. When the times’ up, it’s back to reading.
- Make it a game, fun experience and create rewards
Studying for the exam can be a very isolating several months experience. It’s also stressful, intense and tear-your-hair out frustrating experience (in my case particularly). I treated this as a learning experience when I was frustrated. Instead of re-reading the section and taking more quizzes I’d take a short break and study a section I enjoyed such as country of origin. When I returned to my original source of anxiety, the concepts made more sense. Some people reward themselves for hard work by buying CDs or going out for a nice meal. I preferred hitting the coffee shops for a few hours and catching up with old friends. Those conversations gave me additional insight on studying for the exam. Find a healthy balance between work and play. All work and no play will eventually lead to study rebellion.
- Keep it simple, stupid
There is some amount of analyzing involved in answering the questions. But in general read the question for what they’re asking. On classifications don’t overanalyze or read too much. Follow the instructions. When it says “best possible answer,” choose the best one even if the logic doesn’t make sense.
- Don’t forget to incorporate fun into a study plan
Studying has to be fun otherwise you won’t succeed. You also have to be personally motivated to succeed and pass the test. Ask yourself why you’re studying and taking the test. It’s helpful to frame the test not as just a test but as the next step on the ladder. I look at the exam as a “gateway to the world.” Eventually I’d like to work abroad transferring my skills and assisting other countries with navigating complex import rules. Passing the customs’ exam and becoming licensed is part of conquering the ladder.
- It can take a few tries to pass
This isn’t a tip on how to study. I’m reminding people that it’s just a test. It will be given again. And life goes on. Give yourself credit and feel good about all the studying you’ve done even if it doesn’t work out. You tried your best and there’s no other way around. But aim and strive to study and take the test once. Too many times and you’re going to be wasting money and time.