Why It's A Good Idea To Take The U.S. Customs Broker's Exam

Dear Import/Export Compliance Manager,

I have been in the import compliance field for a number of years and am currently working as an analyst for a multinational company.  I have not attempted to pass the Customs Broker’s Exam administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  To be honest, I’m scared of failing it.  Do you think the lack of an “LCB” after my name on my business card and e-mail signature is preventing me from advancing in my career?

Wary in Worcester

Dear Wary,

The Import/Export Compliance Manager remains astounded that someone who is new to import compliance or has absolutely no experience in import compliance can, nevertheless, take and pass an exam and thus gain the highest (and only) level of import certification provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for individuals.  Thus, a noob, such as the then-25-year-old Import/Export Compliance Manager, could have a certification that many people, who had more years of import compliance experience than years the Import/Export Compliance Manager had been alive, did not. 

Granted, the Customs Broker’s Exam, as you’re aware, is rather difficult to pass.  Sure, that means that there are few people who pass the exam and even fewer passing it on the first try.  What is also means, however, is that, when you attempt the exam and fail, you are NORMAL.  It is a trial by fire, a badge of honor, a shared experience that can help you relate to a large number of people in the import compliance field.

In the opinion of the Import/Export Compliance Manager, there are two main benefits that come out of attempting but failing the Customs Broker’s Exam.  The first is that, through the process of studying for the exam, you learn quite a lot about Title 19 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.  It will take you outside of your comfort zone as you have to be prepared for a question about any subject covered by the test.  Since you are currently in an import compliance role, it is likely that you have gotten fairly good with the import compliance topics your company deals with.  But do you use reconciliation?  Are you aware of the rules governing foreign trade zones?  How good are you at classifying textiles?  The act of studying for the exam itself makes you a more valuable employee at your company or, if you’re not yet in the trade, a more valuable potential hire.  Simply the act of studying provides you this knowledge; just because you got a 73 and someone else got a 77 doesn’t mean that they are a better import compliance professional than you or that they know more.  In fact, the way the test is administered ensures that it is not the most knowledgeable test-takers who are most likely to pass; it is the people who are best at taking tests and are most prepared to do so. 

Secondly, the act of taking the exam of your own volition, not because you’re required to do so, shows something that a great many managers want to see: ambition.  Since attempting the Customs Broker’s Exam requires a large commitment of time and resources, managers may see it as a clear sign that you are trying to better yourself, that you take import compliance seriously and that you want to be the best import compliance professional that you can be.

For those not yet in import compliance, taking the exam is a mark of serious intent which separates you from all of the other applicants with no experience.  On the negative side, it may appear that, if you’ve been in the import compliance field for more than a few years yet have not attempted the exam, that perhaps you don’t want to better yourself.  For some people, that’s ok (Heroes In Every Role).  But the fact that you are asking your question shows that you don’t want to be that person.

Of course, if you do pass, you get to hang the little ‘LCB’ (or CHB [Customshouse Broker]) after your name.  And instantly, regardless of how little experience you have, you gain some instant credibility in your work.

So simply put, there is no downside, career-wise, to taking the Customs Broker’s Exam.  If you prepare yourself properly, you just might pass.  And even if you fail, the fact that you tried is worth the time, effort and money (hopefully paid for by your company).  Plus, it gives you a wonderful story to tell others who have been through the same experience.  It’s not just you.  What are you waiting for?