A customs broker is licensed by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agency of Homeland Security. Training for customs brokers can be a career enhancer or a career change. Applicants must be US citizens, 21 years old and not work for the US government at the time of application. Exams are offered twice a year in April and October at CBP ports.

Training for US customs brokers is provided by schools and training institutes. Adult learners can take advantage of distance and online training.

1. Training for customs brokers is available online, by video, in classrooms and by correspondence.

2. The exam for US customs brokers is based on the following texts: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States; Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations; Specified Customs Directive; Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements document.

3. You must apply 30 days before the scheduled test and pay a fee. Scores 75% and above are passing.

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Get a career boost if you are an export broker

An import export broker can enhance their career with training. Companies or associations that do customs brokering need only one licensed customs broker in-house to be qualified as a customs brokerage.

I recommend: Export brokers can consider World Academy because it is a course in preparation for the exam, something that an export broker might need instead of full training for licensed customs broker. Grossmount College offers an exam preparation course.

Get a new career by becoming a custom broker

Training for customs brokers can be done through videotapes and correspondence courses. These modes of learning are good for self-starters and adult learners who have jobs.

I recommend: Customs Review is an example of video learning. It supplies taped lessons and booklets for practice. International Business Training is a correspondence course for training for the customs broker exam, although it is directed to export brokers or an import export broker -- people with experience -- who may want to get licensed.

Use distance learning to gain training for customs brokers

Distance learning is a good way to take a full course without physically attending a school.

I recommend: Custom Brokers Training is an online, distance course that can be attractive for people with no experience at all. The Electronic Business School International offers an in-depth program in preparation to sit for the exam.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Passing the customs broker license examination is only the first step in gaining your license. Next, you must submit a broker license application with appropriate fees to the CBP. There will be a background check performed on you. The CBP notifies its approval or disapproval approximately eight months after receiving the application.

A good import export custom broker can help you prevent delays in customs by making sure that all of your paperwork is 100% correct. In addition, if your shipments do get tied up somehow in the local customs house, a customs broker can use his or her contacts within the customs office to help expedite your shipment and get it back on its way. A quality export broker can also help guide you in how to save both you and your client customs fees whenever possible.

When looking into which customs house broker is best for your company, among the key points to consider are:

1. The ability of the custom broker to assist you with customs documentation.

2. The local connections offered by various export brokers.

3. The knowledge the licensed customs broker has in current law and regulations.

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Utilize one of the custom brokers with the ability to assist you with the myriad of customs document

There is no doubt that customs paperwork is tedious and confusing. There are so many codes to know and forms to fill out, it can seem like there's no way you'll get it right. But those experienced in customs brokering can help you get your documentation right the first time.

I recommend: Members of the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) are skilled in customs documentation and how your goods need to be classified to keep them moving smoothly.

Find a company with a network of US customs brokers to ensure you have help in a variety of ports

With transportation companies routing shipments through a variety of ports to save their own costs, it's important that the import export broker you choose has contacts through the country. This will ensure that your shipment will move smoothly, no matter through which port it moves.

I recommend: Nippon Express manages a network of licensed customs brokers in a variety of strategic ports, allowing for coverage of the majority of possible shipping alleys.

Ensure that your import broker is fully abreast on the latest regulations affecting your shipment

The rules for how shipments are allowed to move throughout international ports changes regularly, particularly in the post-9/11 world. Extra enforcement target different shipments based on various intelligence reports provided to customs officials. Good export brokers will know these highlighted areas and be able to advise you on how best to move your shipment quickly.

I recommend: Members of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) are routinely briefed on changes in regulations through industry newsletters and news bulletins.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When at all possible, consult with a customs broker early in your product development process. Often, a simple design change in the beginning that shifts the type of goods you use can save your company thousands of dollars in customs fees over time.

There are 11,000 customs brokers in the US, licensed by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. US customs brokers are individuals, companies and associations. Customs brokers on behalf of import export companies provide the government with all the documentations, applicable fees and taxes for goods entering or exiting the country. Customs brokers are paid by importers and exporters to perform this service.

An export broker can become a customs broker by passing the license exam and then applying for a license with the CBP.

1. All customs brokers are licensed by the CBP.

2. Customs brokers are necessary for importing and exporting and are experts in the documentation, taxes and fees required by US laws.

3. Customs brokers work on behalf of importers and exporters and are paid by them to perform services.

4. Customs brokers also help with the logistics of transporting imported or exported goods and are expected to have the goods quickly processed.

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Find out about customs brokers basics

You can find out more about customs brokers and a customs broker license by using regulatory and national associations websites, which have a wealth of material on this job.

I recommend: The Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees customs brokers and its websites give basic information on customs brokers' compliance, as well as updates to changes in laws. The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America's website provides a lot of information on import/export brokers.

Look at the various services provided by customs brokers

Customs brokers play a role in the logistics of exporting and importing. Having the appropriate documentation and making sure fees and taxes have been paid ensure that goods are released in a timely manner, but customs brokers also track the imports and exports for companies and keep companies informed on new regulations and changes made by US Customs.

I recommend: Stile Associates is a customs brokerage company; its website does a good job of explaining the breadth of services brokers provide. Cleared and Delivered will give you a quote by email on its services when you provide it with information on your shipment.

Find out about import export broker licensing

An import export broker must first pass a licensing exam and then apply to the CBP for a license. Background checks will be made during the application process.

I recommend: Information on becoming a licensed customs broker is provided by US Customs. The exams are open book and scheduled twice a year at border ports throughout the country. Samples of previous export brokers customs' exams are available for viewing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For more information on customs brokers basics, inquire with local export brokers to find out the costs of using a customs broker. You can also check with other importers and exporters for names of customs brokers that they use.

Customs brokers are the link between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and various importers and exporters. A customs broker helps individuals and companies fill out all of the necessary documents for importing and exporting. The broker also searches for applicable taxes and fees for any goods exiting or entering the United States, and informs the company what they need to pay. The customs broker can work independently or in-house for an import/export business.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency works through the Department of Homeland Security to regulate border security and trade. The CBP is the governing body that can license a customs broker.

I recommend: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency provides information and regulations on trade and cargo security for importers/exporters.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is a resource used by customs brokers to determine what tariff classifications goods fall into.

I recommend: The United States International Trade Commission provides an updated version of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule in electronic format.

Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations

Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations provides regulations on import/export through the CBP, International Trade Commission and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A customs broker must be knowledgeable on title 19 to be licensed.

I recommend: The Cornell University Law School provides links to the full text of Title 19 on its website.

International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA)

The International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations is a professional organization for customs brokers around the world. This organization provides educational and networking opportunities.

I recommend: IFCBA provides information on the benefits of membership and how a customs broker can become a member of the organization.

National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)

The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America is a professional organization for customs brokers working in the United States. Membership in this association provides many benefits for customs brokers.

I recommend: The NCBFAA is a resource for customs brokers to find educational opportunities, networking and advocacy of the industry.

Customs broker license

Anyone who wants to work as a customs broker must take and pass a licensing exam. The licensing exam covers all of the tariffs, rules and regulations in Title 19.

I recommend: Learn more about obtaining a customs broker license from the American Customs Association.