How to pass the licensed customs broker exam as an older adult with family, decades out of school

The biggest complaint I hear from those considering taking the licensed customs broker exam is that they graduated from college decades ago and haven’t been a student for many years.

Add to this a busy work schedule and family obligations, it’s easy to understand why passing the customs broker exam can be an uphill battle for most adults.

Here are some tips which I found helpful during my test-prep journey.   

Right study material

Purchase a customs broker exam study prep program and study materials.

There are about a half dozen programs that offer customs broker test-prep guidance and many claiming to be “the best” customs broker test-prep program. 

Many of these programs offer a wide-range of formats from in-person instructor-led classes, to online seminars, to self-study guidebooks.

19 Code of Federal Regulations: This the content you are tested on.

Most likely the program you choose will be dictated by if you are paying out-of-pocket yourself or having your company foot the bill.

Expect to budget about $1,000 to $3,000 for a reputable program, including the study materials.

It’s hard to say what is the best study course since everyone has a different learning style, but I would recommend asking your coworkers and customs brokers who have passed the exam before you. 

Since my company has experience with Logistics Training Systems (www.LogisticsTS.com), that’s what I have used and would recommend it.

19 Code of Federal Regulations.

Also, as a caveat, just because you may possess a number of years of trade and supply chain work experience, it doesn’t guarantee that you will perform well on the exam.

A lot of your on-the-job training won’t translate on the exam---they are two totally different apects.  

Planning to enroll in a study program is the first crucial step.

Proper study environment

If you have a family like me, studying at home is a non-starter.

Distractions by conversations, random pop-in requests, and sudden food and drink cravings can derail the most disciplined of us.

You really need to find a quiet, distraction-free study environment that works for you.

For me, it was our company conference room that was equipped with a large table, comfortable chairs, and when the door was shut, completely isolated from any noises or other distractions, especially during lunch and on weekends.

For you, it may mean going to the nearest library where you can frequent evenings and weekends.

Finding a quiet study environment is the second essential step. 

Establishing a study routine

At least 100 study hours are recommended to successfully pass the exam and, therefore, you are really going to need to find a consistent time in your schedule to log in the hours.

Initially, I found squeezing in .45 minutes to an hour of study bursts early before work, lunch time, and after five pm work for me.

Later, I adjusted my schedule and found taking 1.5 to 2 hour practice test exams early Saturdays and Sundays better accommodated my schedule.

I would repeat this study routine for 16 weekends straight, rarely without any major adjustments, up to the exam date (taking the last week off).

Realistically, you are going to need to devote 3-4 months of focused study time for a passing score.

As a busy professional with family, you are going to need to block out study times that work for you and that can mean waking up earlier than usual, studying before or after work, and putting in time on the weekends.

Avoiding highly disruptive projects and events such as going on vacation, home remodeling, changing jobs or moving to a new home or to a new state are recommended.

You will want to keep distractions and time sucks to a minimum, while remaining focused and putting in as many study hours as you possibly can.

Conclusion

There’s no easy way around it.

Preparing for the licensed customs broker exam takes a lot of effort, discipline, and is very time-consuming.

Juggling a full-time job, a family, and years removed from school make it even more challenging.

You really need to be fully committed and to put in the time and effort to pass.

Hopefully, these tips will help get you closer on your journey.