CBP Proposes Updates to Broker Exams

CBP will seek to update its bi-annual customs broker licensing exam, the agency said in a notice (here). As long discussed (see 1604220023), CBP plans to "modernize" the exam by allowing for automation, increasing the fee and adjusting the dates, it said. The automated exams will be held at private testing centers "equipped with computers programmed to accommodate the examination while blocking web access," and "administered by professional proctors," CBP said.

CBP proposes increasing the fee to $390 from $200, the cost since last adjusted in 2000, it said. The increase is due to inflation and expected new costs for proctors and reserve testing centers, CBP said. Also, "to allow more time between the start of the fiscal year and the October examination, CBP proposes to adjust the examination dates to the fourth Monday in April and October," it said. "While the current regulations set forth when the examination will be offered, CBP proposes to publish additional notice of each examination on its website to increase transparency and the availability of examination information. CBP has instituted an electronic registration process for the broker examination and proposes to amend the regulations to reflect this change in process." Comments are due Nov. 14.

(Federal Register 09/14/16)