Congratulations once again to all who passed the October 2025 Customs Broker License Exam.

It may come as a surprise that it can take up to a year before your license is issued. In addition to a passing grade on the CBLE, eligibility to become a customs broker requires applicants to be a US citizen at least 21 years of age, not be a current Federal Government employee, and possess good moral character.

Character is determined by an extensive background investigation. From the CBP website:

“Each Broker license applicant must undergo a background investigation that includes a fingerprint analysis and review of character references, credit reports, and arrest records.  Arrests and convictions do not necessarily preclude the issuance of a license.  In partnership, association, or corporation applications, individuals identified as principals with controlling interest, officers, partners, or members will also undergo a background investigation.”

Licensed Customs Brokers, via their entry filings, are responsible for the assessment of revenue for the United States in the form of duties and taxes. They must also ensure that they, and their clients, comply with the laws and regulations in all transactions. So the background check is more than a mere formality. Be patient applicants!

The October 2025 CBLE (Customs Broker License Exam) resulted in a 12% pass rate prior to appeal decisions. Previous pass rate information is listed below. The exam and answer key are posted on the CBP website.

Congratulations to all who passed! You are now eligible to go through the application process, background check, and fingerprinting to obtain your license. The process can be lengthy, so be patient.

Many brokers have needed more than one try, so don’t be discouraged if you came up short. If you want to challenge any of the questions here is the link explaining how to appeal. Let me suggest, however, that a better strategy may be to take the exam again in the Spring.

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/how-appeal

Previous Pass Rate Information:

The April 23, 2025 CBLE resulted in a 30% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.

The October 23, 2024 CBLE resulted in a 24% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.

The May 1, 2024 CBLE resulted in a 13% pass rate prior to appeal decisions.

The Customs Broker National Permit user for 2026 is $185.38. Notice will be published in the Federal register.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3f1acfe

To all who sat for the October 22nd CBLE (Customs Broker License Exam) you may now have your weekends back. I know from personal experience that you are feeling both relief that the exam is over and anxiety about your results. Here is some info from the CBP website about what happens next:

CBLE Score Notification Letters and Appeal Due Dates

The bi-annual Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) is administered on the fourth Wednesday of April and October.  Exam Results Letters are emailed to examinees within two to three weeks from the date of the exam. First Appeals are due no later than 60 days from the date the Exam Results Letters were sent. Second Appeals are due no later than 60 days from the date the First Appeal Results Letters were sent.

I would be interested in hearing from examinees about their test experience and overall impressions. Drop me a line in comments!

Useful tool for training or coaching:

https://learning.usitc.gov/hts-guide/index.html#

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7381826942070829057-R6PF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAGVD3UBu7RY4T4x68-aqSLyiBDvybv-4A0

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Much has been written about the shortage of Licensed Customs Brokers, while demand for such compliance professionals has never been greater. An obvious cause of the shortage is the degree of difficulty of the CBLE (Customs Broker License Exam), for which a 15% pass rate is not unusual. Consider also the low salaries for LCBs as shown on the attached recruiter info. The laws of supply and demand don’t seem to be working for LCBs.

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Licensed-Customs-Broker-Salary-in-Los-Angeles,CA

If you are scheduled to sit for the CBLE (Customs Broker License Exam) on October 22nd your preparations have most likely included practice exams as well as a deep dive into the HTS tariff and customs regulations. Not to mention blood, sweat, and tears.

Let me suggest also reviewing the notifications on the CBP website so that you don’t have an unexpected complication on exam day. The notifications include details about Covid restrictions, reference materials allowed, and ID/Proof of Citizenship requirements. There are separate sections for remote and in-person test takers.

You will find the info under this link:

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/customs-brokers/license-examination-notice-examination/cble-registration-information

Look for the heading It’s Exam Day !

Best of luck on October 22nd.

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