Courses & Programs

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The CSCB offers several courses to both CSCB members and non-members. In order to be able to reach students in all geographical areas, courses are provided by correspondence or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the CSCB Introduction to Customs Course before I can enrol in the CSCB CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course?

How do I become a licensed Customs Broker?

Are there any prerequisites to writing the Customs Brokers Professional Examination?

How do I apply to write the Customs Brokers Professional Examination?

How do I prepare to write the Customs Brokers Professional Examination?

How do I become a CCS (Certified Customs Specialist)?

1. Do I have to take the CSCB Introduction to Customs Course before I can enrol in the CSCB CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course?

No. The six-month CSCB Introduction to Customs Course is not a prerequisite for enrolment in the CSCB CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course. However, those who are new to the field may wish to take the CSCB Introduction to Customs Course first.

2. How do I become a licensed Customs Broker?

An individual, corporation, or partnership must complete an application, form L53, in order to become a licensed customs broker. In order to do so, the individual, one of the directors, or one of the partners must have passed the Customs Brokers Professional Examination. Canada Border Services Agency also asks that other criteria, such as citizenship and proof of financial stability, be met.

3. Are there any prerequisites to writing the Customs Brokers Professional Examination?

No, there are no prerequisites to writing the Customs Brokers Professional Examination. As well, there is no associated time limit that an individual must work for a customs broker or in a related field before writing this examination.

4. How do I apply to write the Customs Brokers Professional Examination?

Interested individuals register to write this examination directly with Canada Border Services Agency. Application is made on form L55, and the completed application and payment must be mailed to:

Licensing

Canada Border Services Agency

150 Isabella, 10th floor

Ottawa, ON  K1A 0L8

at least 30 days prior to the examination date. Canada Border Services Agency in Ottawa will contact each individual by mail with the time and place of the examination.

5. How do I prepare to write the Customs Brokers Professional Examination?

Applicants for the Professional Examination are tested on their knowledge of the policies and procedures relating to the importation and exportation of goods, including:

(a) provisions of the Customs Act, the Customs Tariff, the Excise Act, the Excise Tax Act, and the Special Import Measures Act;

(b) CBSA regulations, policies and procedures relating to the reporting and release of goods and the accounting and payment of duties;

(c) legislation administered by the CBSA on behalf of other government departments as it relates to the importation and exportation of goods;

(d) CBSA regulations governing the establishment and operation of customs brokerage offices and their relationship with the CBSA; and

(e) general business accounting practices.

Although the courses offered by the CSCB are not designed to prepare an individual to write the Customs Brokers Professional Examination, successful completion of the CSCB CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course and the CSCB Professional Development Modules would be useful in assisting candidates for the Professional Examination.

6. How do I become a CCS (Certified Customs Specialist)?

In order to become a CCS (Certified Customs Specialist), an individual may enrol in, and pass, the CSCB CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course.

or

Individuals who work for CSCB corporate members and have at least two years’ work experience in the industry can achieve the designation by applying to challenge (that is, writing the examination without enrolling in the CCS course). The examination will take place on the last Saturday in September, and there is a fee charged to write this exam. There is no specific educational program or study material for those who elect to challenge the examination.

Certified Customs Specialists must renew their designations on an annual basis which ensures that they are up-to-date on new customs policies, administrative programs, and fast-changing international trade agreements.

Challenging the CCS exam.

The CCS renewal program has annual reporting and payment requirements.

The CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) Course runs from October through September each year.