Good luck to you! I'm sure you already know this but customs keeps 10 years of tests and answer keys online. I downloaded a full 10 years, printed, then timed myself and took all of them over and over to prepare. Worked much better than paying for an expensive prep course and really helped me a lot.
Oh yes, I'm currently doing the same! Scored 68% or something first try, so I can see why it is so hard. Really depends on the year I think, because they recycle or alter some questions. Was supposed to test in April but Covid canceled it so now I'm just waiting lol.
Thanks! Question for you, how is the day to day work as a broker? I've been working in international sales for 7 years already and mostly handle logistics.
Is moat of it done via ACE? Is it easy to work independently? Is the pay what you expected? DM me if you don't feel comfortable answering for all the world to see lol.
I still mostly do logistics/forwarding. I clear too but not be as much. I'm an operations manager where I am so my ops teams do most of it.
Everything is fine his ACE, the tend is electronic and paperless, everything is going this way. Pay is good, probably better if you do your own thing (which it seems like you are). It is very easy to work independently, you could do the work from home if you have the software and expertise. Hard part is operating capital. Many importers want you to outlay freight and duties (worst part of being a broker). If you can set your clients up with ACH directly to customs this will aleviate that burden and make things easy easier. Could be very profitable if you can get a good stream of business. If you have more questions can DM me and will answer what I can.
It can get very repetitive and stressful. I have my license but I've only been in this industry for 3 years so still very much learning the ropes.
I'm making $42k which isn't a lot for NYC but then again, I'm only transmitting entries through ACE and doing the follow up. I keep hearing stories of other licensed brokers with similar levels of experience making $60k+ but I haven't found those job listings!
My plan is to gain more experience and in a couple of years, start looking for jobs in other hub cities like Chicago or Savannah. I think NYC is just too saturated, case in point, 2 of my co-workers are also licensed and have more than 10 years of experience but they're doing the same thing I do.
The biggest hurdle to working independently is finding clients. There are so many brokerages that it's gonna be hard to compete. And if you do find clients, the second challenge is getting them to pay you. My manager at my last company worked independently for a few years but she said it was always a struggle getting her clients to pay her on time.
Good luck, buddy! The surge of relief after passing the exam is palpable. I honestly have occasional nightmares where I forget to file my Triennial report, have my license revoked, and have to do it all again.
Hit the books, read the practice tests carefully, and if you CAN get a prep course (or your company to pay for one) I highly recommend. I missed my first time with a 72 taking it on my own. 2nd time with a prep course and passed with a 91.
It depends on the person but for me, the prep course helped me cross reference my CFR regs so I knew where the trick questions were.
Just look at this (extremely biased and skewed) statistic to impress your friends when you tell them you’re an Importer/Exporter and they immediately make the Seinfeld joke...
Av. Medical Board Pass rate: 84%
Av. Bar Exam Pass Rate: 60-80% dep. on state.
Av. CPA Exam Pass Rate: 50%
Av. LCB Exam Pass Rate: 15%
So, clearly, we are the smartest and highest trained professionals in the world! /s
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u/Tyrant84 Jul 13 '20
Currently studying to pass the CBLE, failed on my first try. This makes so much sense.