The October 2025 licensed customs broker exam was announced on November 14, 2025.
The 12% nation-wide pass rate was a bit more difficult than subsequent exams which historically average around 20-30%.
This year’s pass rate doesn’t include post-exam protests, where examinees are allowed to argue question answers by providing substantiating evidence to why their choice could also be correct.
By doing so successfully, one might be able to tip the exam result in his/her favor.
What is the LCBE?
Administered twice-a-year by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), April and October, the national exam consists of 80-questions, is 4.5 hours in length, and requires a 75% passing score.
The licensed customs broker exam covers such topics as: Free trade zones, valuation, HTS classification, free trade agreements, a practical exercise, broker compliance, and entry, among other subjects.
The exam is considered one of the most difficult nationally administered exams, even more difficult than the bar exam (law) and certified public account exam and requires 4-6 months of dedication and over 100 study hours.
One can register online at CBP.gov where the exam is offered at most US ports and large cities.
Examinees are required to be:
- US citizens
- 18 years of age (21 to become licensed)
- Cannot be a federal employee
Here’s an exam sample question I thought was quite tricky:
To get an idea of what the exam is like, you can download this past year’s exam at: https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/october_2025_cble_exam_0.pdf
What does it mean to be a licensed customs broker (LCB)?
If you are lucky enough to pass the exam, you are on your way to joining an elite community of about 14,000 US licensed customs brokers.
Once you pass, you need to schedule an interview with your nearest port where a short interview with the port director will be conducted as well as finger prints taken.
If everything checks out, your application will be reviewed by CBP where a review board will do a background check and send your official license in the mail, taking about 6-12 months.
Upon becoming licensed by the federal government, you are authorized to assist importers, companies, and individuals import their goods into the US, essentially helping them “clear customs.”
A licensed customs broker is often employed at a customs brokerage, logistics company, a freight forwarder and the like.
Congratulations to everyone who passed last fall’s exam, including Dr. Anna Oauttara and Zach Helms!
For more information about becoming a licensed customs broker, see: www.CustomsBrokerSecrets.com
Watch video: https://youtu.be/Rt-27o7ehMA
Listen to podcast: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-an7by-25a8be
www.InternationalVinh.com
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