CBP readies new U.S. customs broker exam

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing for the release of its new electronic customs broker exam at more than 48 test locations nationwide on Oct. 25.    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is preparing for the release of its new electronic customs broker exam at more than 48 test locations nationwide on Oct. 25.
   Acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan told attendees of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) Government Affairs Conference in Washington on Monday that the customs broker test has been modified to “reflect” the ongoing dialogue that the agency has with the industry.
   CBP first announced its modernized customs broker exam on June 30. The agency now allows individuals to register for the exam through an online automated CBP broker examination registration system, replacing Form 3124E, “Application for Customs Broker License Exam.” Registrants must also pay $390 at the time of registration. The deadline to register for the Oct. 25 exam is noon U.S. Eastern time on Sept. 22. 
   The customs broker license exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and lasts 4.5 hours. A score of 75 percent is required to pass.
   McAleenan expects the electronically delivered exam to allow for faster processing times and earlier pass/fail notifications to those individuals who take the test. Early on, test results are expected to be processed within three to four weeks, but the agency hopes to reduce that time in the new electronic environment to one week or less, he said.
   To obtain a license, customs brokers must have expertise in the entry procedures, admissibility requirements, classification, valuation, and the rates of duty and applicable taxes and fees for imported merchandise.
   According to CBP, there are about 11,000 active licensed customs brokers in the United States.