Customs Broker Exam Preparation Course

Our virtual Customs Broker Exam Preparation course prepares attendees to take and pass the customs broker examination. Its extensive overview of the customs brokerage/import process makes it also a great option for those looking for training in this field.

The customs broker examination is given every April and October. Our course runs twice yearly, beginning two months before each exam date. The next course will start in January 2027 in preparation for the April 2027 Exam. 

Before You Register

• The most important factor in passing the exam is the amount of time spent on preparation!
• Total instructional time is roughly 40 hours over the length of the course with an additional 60+ hours of homework, including practice exams.
• Attendees must be able to commit to 100 hours of course-related work to succeed in passing the exam.

Fee

• The fee for the course is $1,500.

Course Content

• The course covers topics such as broker regulations, entry, classification, valuation, free trade agreements, antidumping/countervailing duty, fines, penalties and forfeitures, bonds, country of origin marking, liquidation, search and seizure, and intellectual property.
• Instruction also covers exam‑specific test‑taking mechanics, including highlighting and tabbing strategy, time management, and effective navigation of reference materials to maximize exam performance.

Course Structure

• The course is 100% virtual. You may attend from anywhere as long as you have a reliable internet connection and a modern computer (see Software Requirements section below). 
• The new course format is a combination of recorded lessons and live sessions to review the material and ask questions. A detailed schedule will be provided after registration.
• After release, all recordings will be available to view and replay at your leisure
• All attendees who have paid the full registration amount will have access to a Course Materials webpage with announcements, homework, practice exams, and class recordings. This page will be populated just before the course begins. 

Required Materials

• You must purchase the following two materials, available in a bundle from Boskage Publications / Thomson Reuters.*
  • ​2026 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
  • Section 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Customs Duties (2025 Annual Edition)   
• STR Customs Broker Exam registrants will receive a 10% discount from Boskage Publications / Thomson Reuters. After registration for the course, please  contact webinarorganizers@strtrade.com for the discount code.
• An alternate source for the materials is The Government Printing Office. 

*These should be brought to the first class and can take up to two weeks to ship.

Provided Materials

• The below materials will be provided as part of the course and are included in your registration fee.
  • ACE Entry Summary instructions Version 2.4a
  • Right to Make Entry (RTME) Directive 3530-002A
  • ACE Entry Summary Business Rules and Process Document (Trade-External) (ACE BRPD) (Version 12 – Chapter 1 through 23) December 2023
  • Copies of past examinations and additional hand-out materials will be provided throughout the course to help students in their studies. 

Required Software

The course is conducted virtually via the software GoTo Webinar. Please make sure that your device meets the necessary technical criteria for participation, as technical issues are not grounds for a refund. The vast majority of modern computers are able to use GoTo Webinar with no setup or issues.

About the Customs Broker Exam

• The exam will be given in an electronic format at testing locations throughout the country.
• All candidates must submit the test application documentation directly to Customs and pay the exam fee of $390.
• The exam is considered “open book.” Customs will allow attendees to bring the required materials and any other written materials to the exam, but no electronic devices are allowed.
• All exam applications are now processed electronically through the Customs website.

Requirements for Receiving a Customs Broker License

• Must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age
• Must attain at least a 75 percent grade on the exam
• Must be of good moral character (a background check is performed on all candidates who have met the other requirements prior to the license actually being issued)
• Cannot be an officer or employee of the U.S. government

Cancellations & Refunds

• Cancellations must be received a minimum of 5 business days prior to receiving access to the Course Materials page to receive a full refund. Otherwise, you will be provided with materials as a registrant, regardless of attendance.
• Once the course has started, no refunds will be issued for this course for any circumstances. However, it may be possible to defer your attendance to a later course. Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis.
• Deposits are also non-refundable.

Returning Students

Students who do not pass the Customs Broker Exam after completing this course may retake the course for half price.