Licensed customs broker (LCB) vs. Certified Customs Specialist (CCS): Which one is right for you?
Introduction
In the world of trade compliance, there are two designations you often come across: licensed customs broker and certified customs specialist.
What significance are these two and, better yet, which one should you pursue?
What is a certified customs specialist (CCS)?
The Certified Customs Specialist designation is administered by the National Customs Broker and Freight Forwarding Association of America (NCBFAA), the association of international trade professionals, importers and exporters.
This Washington D.C.-based non-profit advocates for the trade professions, including customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics, through education and certification.
The CCS, of the many import and export certifications offered, is one of the most popular and desired certifications.
This six-month, self-paced study course is made up of twenty-five modules with summary quizzes, concluding with a proctored exam.
The course subjects include:
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Free trade agreements
Valuation
Classification
Marking
Duty
Duty drawback
Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD)
Free trade zones
Record keeping
The CCS certification is a great option for anyone interested in increasing his/her import knowledge and expertise, getting a foot into the industry, and moving up in the career ladder.
For more information: https://www.ncbfaa.org/
What is a licensed customs broker?
A licensed customs broker (LCB) is a federally recognized designation authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to help companies, importers, and individuals process their importation of goods.
An LCB is often well versed in processing import paperwork including 7501 forms and calculating payment and submitting them to CBP on behalf of their clients.
In order to operate a customs brokerage, a licensed customs broker needs to be on staff, applying for a permit.
To be a customs broker, one needs to pass a rigorous 80-question, 4.5 hour exam, which is offered nationally twice a year in April and October in a major US city or port.
You also need to be a US citizen, at least 21 years old, and not be a government employee.
While the customs broker exam covers the same content as the certified customs specialist, one needs a passing score of 75% or more to pass.
Moreover, the customs broker candidate will need to pass a security background check, undergo an interview with the port director at the nearest port they intend to work with, and wait six-to-twelve months for a CBP committee to process and to approve their application to becoming a customs broker.
Conclusion
While the certified customs specialist and the licensed customs broker cover similar, if not the same content, the latter is recognized as the trade compliance gold standard and is federally recognized.
As a licensed customs broker, there is more prestige and provisions, being licensed, allowing you to process and to submit customs documents to CBP on behalf of importers, legally.
Whereas the certified customs specialist certification is just that: a widely respected certification that hiring managers and trade compliance professionals will recognize you for having a certain level of trade knowledge.
So which one is right for you?
Go for the certified customs specialist certification if you wish to break into the trade compliance industry and are looking for more entry-level positions.
It’s a great way to convince hiring managers that you possess the knowledge, skills, and dedication to the field.
On the other hand, go for the more professional licensed customs broker designation if you see trade compliance as the career field for you in which you wish to climb the ranks and to contribute years and decades to come.
No matter what route you choose, getting your certification or license will generally open more career doors, possibly increase your pay, and, after obtaining some experience under your belt, position yourself for future leadership roles.
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