CBP Looking Into Electronic CHB License Exam Issues, NCBFAA Says

CBP will look into reports of problems with the Oct. 25 electronic customs broker licensing exam, the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America said in a Nov. 6 email to members. The agency told the NCBFAA it plans to investigate in response to a slew of complaints about the test. That exam marked the first time the test was administered electronically (see 1709130030). "While we are confident that CBP will thoroughly investigate this matter and identify the root cause of the systems issue, the NCBFAA is working with CBP to identify and implement appropriate remedial actions on an expedited basis," the NCBFAA said.

A CBP representative told the NCBFAA that "you may be certain that we are investigating root causes and intend to provide fair and reasonable solutions to all involved," the association said. "Reaching the appropriate resolution is foremost to CBP and we are corralling all involved parties to ensure we have a full understanding of the situation at each exam location, their cause, actions required to resolve and methods of compensation."

Among the reported issues for test takers were "delays during the check-in process due to inadequate staffing, confusion about identification requirements and the assignment of login credentials" and slow system responsiveness, the NCBFAA said. Other problems included "frequent interruptions as proctors attempted to control the test environment by getting everyone to stop while they addressed the technical problems" and the "inability to check answers to previous questions due to the system freezing," the trade group said. CBP didn't comment.