CBP Extends Time Allowed for October CHB Exam
CBP posted a notice announcing that the next customs broker license exam will be on Monday, Oct. 6. The notice says test-takers will have 4.5 hours, a half hour longer than the agency previously allowed, to complete the exam. "The time was raised from the former limit of 4 hours to allow sufficient time for completion," said an agency spokeswoman. CBP said last year it would allow for 4.5 hours for the 2013 October exam, but eventually said the notice was incorrect (see 13062019 and 13062803).
The four and a half hour exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, with a score of 75 percent required to pass. Exam topics usually include:Entry; Classification; Trade Agreements; Valuation; Broker Compliance; Power of Attorney; Marking; Drawback; Bonds; Foreign Trade Zones; Warehouse Entries; Intellectual Property Rights; and other subjects pertinent to a broker's duties.
Test takers should bring the below reference materials:
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. (HTS) (Either the 2013 or 2014 HTSUS may be used for this examination. All classification, free trade agreement, and other questions will be consistent across both tariff schedules)
- 19 CFR (Either the 2013 or 2014 CFR may be used for this examination, Parts 0 to End.)
- Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR): (Appendix B -- Valid Codes; Appendix D -- Metric Conversion; Appendix E -- Valid Entry Numbers; Appendix G -- Common Errors; Glossary of Terms)
- Instructions for Preparation of CBP Form 7501 (July 24, 2012)
- Right to Make Entry Directive 3530-002A
October Exam Application and Fee due by Sept. 4
CBP has automated the CBP Form 3124E, "Application for Customs Broker License Exam" and the process for payment and collection of $200 examination fee. Applicants must apply and pay the applicable $200 fee online (here) by 12:00 p.m. EDT, Sept. 4. Applications and fees that are submitted directly to the service port or CBP Headquarters will be returned to the applicant.
Any applicant who files an application and subsequently wishes to withdraw from the exam, must submit a written notice of withdrawal to the CBP service port noted on the application by close of business Oct. 2. (Applicants who need assistance in completing the form, or have questions concerning payment may send an email to cbp.cbppay.gov@dhs.gov or may contact the CBP Pay.gov Help Desk at (317) 614-4964.)