What is a Customs Broker?

A Customs Broker acts as an agent for an importer in conducting Customs business on their behalf. A Customs Broker can either be a private individual or a company. In order to be a Customs Broker you must be licensed by US Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.

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What does a Customs Broker do?

A Customs Broker prepares and files the necessary Customs entries, arranges for the payment of any duties found due, and takes steps to affect the release of the goods in Customs custody on behalf of a client. Additionally, a Customs Broker will assist the client with advice on transportation options, types of carriers, and shipping routes. The Broker will also assist the client with exchange rates, appraisals, and proper classifications and duties. In dealing with Customs, the broker must be aware of any potential problem involving every entry item represented, including cargo handling. This includes all factors affecting appraisement, exchange rates and the many regulations concerning calculation of duties. To do this a Customs Broker must have an excellent understanding of trade requirements, procedures, US Customs and tariff regulations, be fully aware of the vast number of commodities subject to quotas, be well-versed in determining proper classifications, and keep abreast of all amendments made through the constant changes in the law and administrative regulations.

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Do I need previous experience?

It is not necessary to have any import or customs broker experience for any of our classes. We start all our students at the same level. This allows us to correct any misunderstandings or inaccurate information the student may have absorbed from another venue and to properly train the student with no expertise. Our textbook has two sections called History and Background and Prelude to Entry, specifically written for the student, with little or limited background in the business. These chapters give the new student both a history of Customs, and  "the big picture" of the entire importation process. thereby orienting the new student before they start studying.  

You can be assured that with Logistics Training Systems, you will always be studying with the most complete, innovative and current materials possible in US Customs Broker License Training.

Check student comments on the Basic Study at Home, the Distance Learning Program, the Miami Evening Classes and Distance Learning + 5-days of classroom & Independent Study + 5-days classroom Programs.

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What are the requirements to take the US Customs Brokers Exam?

Anyone can take the course and sit for the exam. However to apply for your Customs Broker license, you must score a minimum of 75% on the exam, be at least 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States. You cannot be an officer or employee of the United States Government - this includes the US military and the United States Post Office, however, military reserves can hold a license. You will have three years after you take and pass the test to apply for the license.

For example: You are 20 years old and not a citizen of the United States, but you know that you will be getting your citizenship within three years, so you sit for the test. After you pass the test, you will not be able to apply for your license until you become 21 years old and a citizen of the United States.

Once you have your license, it is valid in all 50 States and Puerto Rico.

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What is the exam like?

The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions. It is an open book test, four hours in duration. The exam tests the applicants knowledge and understanding of US Customs law and regulations as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, CATAIR, C-TPAT and several Directives. The 19CFR, HTS, and our textbooks, are permitted reference material during the examination - the CATAIR, C-TPAT and the required Directives are included with our Textbooks. Students will need to purchase their own copy of the 19CFR and the Harmonized Tariff Schedules of the US. They can be ordered at a discount here.

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When is the exam given and how much does it cost?
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The Test is given twice a year, on the first Monday of April and October, unless the regularly scheduled examination date conflicts with a national holiday, religious observance, or other foreseeable event and the agency publishes in the Federal Register an appropriate notice of a change in the examination date. The test is given at the same time all across the country, and in Puerto Rico, at most service ports. You must file the application to take the exam, along with a $200 registration fee, at the service port where you intend to take the test, 30 days before the posted exam date.  We include the application and instructions online in your class Students Corner. After you pass the test, CBP will send you a packet, which you are to fill out (credit report, fingerprints, references, etc.) and return to them, along with another $200.00 check. CBP will then do a background investigation on you. When that investigation is finished, a special agent will contact you for an interview. After that interview you will be sent your license.

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What are the HTS and 19CFR? Are they included in the cost of the course?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) provides duty rates for virtually every item that exists. The HTS is a reference manual that is larger than an unabridged dictionary. It weights about 20 pounds and is best used when placed on a catalog rack. It is released by the government for publication in January of each year. We print the HTS on a heavy paper,  and because it is unbound we strongly suggest the use of a catalog rack for this publication. The HTS is a very awkward publication of about 3000 pages and a metal catalog rack will hold it upright at an angle, making it both easier to see and use.

The Code of Federal Regulations (19CFR) is the law that governs Customs Brokers. It is released by the government for publication in April of each year. However, it usually has a delayed release date and sometimes is not available until August or later of each year.

HTS and the 19CFR are NOT included in the cost of any of our courses, and must be ordered separately. The US Customs Broker Exam is based, along with other publications that are included with our programs, on these two reference materials.

Because of issues that our students have had over the years with the government publication of the 19CFR, such as the spines breaking, pages falling out, and the very thin pages, that the GPO uses, ripping, we now print these books, specifically for this exam, in a unique spiral binding, on much heavier paper. The spiral binding makes the books easier to handle when studying. It also makes them easier to handle while taking the exam. Instead of fumbling while trying to hold the 19CFR's open and trying to write, these books will lay flat!

We also have this same publication in a large print 8 1/2 x 11 inch format, which is designed to be used on a catalog rack with the HTS. To do this you will need a 12 inch catalog rack. Additionally, the heavier paper on both of these publications is perfect for adding notes, highlighting and underlining. But the best part is...we sell them at a discount!

We provide a suggested tabbing system for both the 19CFR and the HTS.

You can purchase both of these reference materials here:

http://www.logisticsts.com/curriculum/CFR-19-HTS.htm

Which course should I take?

This question often comes up, because we offer such a variety of courses. You should make this decision by first determining your individual learning style. Do you know how you learn? Can you study on your own or do you need a teacher? What study materials do you feel are important to you? Are you audio or visually oriented?

All of our programs are complete study courses. If you are a dedicated student (example: recent college grad) and can follow instructions independently, than the Basic Study at Home, is a complete course and may be all you need. If you require more visual instructions and visual memory ticklers then consider the Enhanced Online. If you only do well under the guidance of an instructor, who can answer your questions as they arise, then the Distance Learning Program might be best for you. The only difference between the Enhanced Online and the Distance Learning Program is that the Distance Learning Program provides you with an online instructor, who will correct your quizzes and answer any course related question. But if you need the classroom experience, then seriously consider either the Five Days of Classroom with Independent Study Preparation or the Five Days of Classroom with Distance Learning Preparation. If you are lucky enough to live in Miami, then the evening program would be an excellent choice for you.

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What are the instructors like?

We have very rigid requirements for our instructors. They must be currently licensed Customs Brokers and well respected professionals. All of our teachers have either a law, CCS (Certified Customs Specialist), corporate training, or teaching background. As members of ICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association) they are currently working as Customs Brokers and/or Customs Consultants. Our instructors teach with the authority that can only be gained by working in the field! We only hire people who have the experience in this business needed to impart to our students, what they will be facing, in the "real world" as a Customs Broker. Good oral presentation skills and classroom dynamics are very important to us. At the end of each course students are asked to evaluate the course, the textbooks, and the instructor to ensure that we are meeting the students’ needs.

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How much study time will be required of me?

There are 32 chapters in the textbook. Each chapter will take approximately 3 hours to complete. Three chapters, Classification, Valuation and Special Programs may take 3-6 hours. This includes completing the reading in the textbook, the corresponding reading in either the HTS or the 19CFR, as well as the After Chapter Review Questions. Our recommended start date for all the programs is: As Soon As Possible. The sooner you start -- the more time you will have to study!

The Five Day Classroom Programs start at 9AM and continue until 4PM with an hour off for lunch.

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How do I enroll?

Our online credit card processing is done through SSL secure connections with Authorize.net. LTS accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. If you are paying by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, you can now register online by using the Register Here Button you will find on each of the program pages or by going to the navigation bar at the top of any page and clicking on REGISTRATION and  click on the program of your choice. You can also print out the FAX/MAIL Order Form on this website and fax it to us toll free: 1-877-684-7916. If you are sending a check/money order mail it to: PO Box 175, Fleetwood, NC 28626. If you intend to send your check or money order overnight, please contact our office for a physical address. Our toll free number is : 1-877-818-5834. Checks are to be made payable to Logistics Training Systems, Inc. Please remember to sign the bottom of the form. Once you have registered you will be sent an e-mail confirming your acceptance into the program.

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What if I need extra help?

Our students who are enrolled in either the Distance Learning or the Distance Learning with Five Days of Classroom receive unlimited access to an instructor via e-mail for any course related questions. All e-mails are answered on or before 48 hours. For the Evening Classroom Programs a teacher is always available for the student either before or after class, or by e-mail.

If you register for a program and later feel that you need a more advanced program, you can upgrade to any of the other programs by just calling the office. We will give you complete credit for your current program toward the more expensive program. However, this offer is ONLY good for the semester for which you are registered.

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What happens if I fail the exam?

You can take the US Customs Broker Exam as many times as you wish and we have several Extended Study Programs for Previous Students that are designed to help you through the next exam process. All of these programs will give you any necessary updates to your study materials that you may need for the next test. Once you register for one of the Extended Study Programs you will be assigned a new password and username, which will be good until the day of the next exam. The Extended Study Programs do not include new textbooks or audio. However, if you wish, you can order new textbooks and audio with any of the Extended Study Programs for a small additional charge.

Click here for the complete details

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How are the curriculum tools shipped?

You will have your choice of shipping when you register for your class. Charges are shown on both the online and the fax registration pages. All orders are subject to inventory availability. All orders of available products are usually shipped within two business days. This is an Estimated Processing Time, which is the amount of time it takes from the moment you submit your order until we pack it for shipment. Estimated Processing Time varies, based on the Shipping Method you select when you order and the order volume at our warehouse. Orders placed Friday after 12 noon through Sunday will ship on the second business day. No deliveries will be made on weekends or holidays. Ground Service is available ONLY in the 48 contiguous states. If you require your shipment to be sent someplace other than to the Continental United States you must choose between overnight or second day air. Failure to do so may result in your order being delayed. Ground Service is not available to P.O. Boxes, so please supply a physical address for delivery. Some rural addresses may require an additional day for delivery.

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