Customs Broker Exam Cheat Sheet: CBLE Format, Reference Tabs, and Key Rules
The CBLE is open-book — so your real cheat sheet is how well you’ve organized your references. Here’s how to do it.
Exam snapshot: The Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) has 80 multiple-choice questions over 4.5 hours, and you need 75% (60 correct) to pass. It’s open-book, but only for the specific reference editions CBP designates for each exam. The exam is offered twice a year, typically in April and October. Always confirm the current reference list in CBP’s exam notice.
Unlike most exams, the CBLE lets you bring approved references. That means a customs broker exam cheat sheet isn’t a page of notes — it’s a system for finding answers fast in the HTSUS and 19 CFR. Speed of lookup is what separates passers from everyone else.
Allowed References
CBP lists the approved editions for each exam. They typically include:
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) — a specified edition.
- Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR) — a specified edition.
- ACE Entry Summary Instructions and ACE Business Rules — specified versions.
- Right to Make Entry Directive.
Customs Broker Exam Cheat Sheet: How to Tab Your References
HTSUS
Tab the General Notes, General Rules of Interpretation, each section, and frequently tested chapters. Add tabs for Chapter 98 and 99 provisions.
19 CFR
Tab each high-frequency part (see the table below). Many candidates color-code tabs by topic: entry, valuation, penalties, drawback.
Your Own Index
Where allowed by the exam rules, an index of where topics appear saves minutes per question. Check CBP’s rules on what may be written in or attached to references.
Classification: The General Rules of Interpretation
| GRI | In plain words |
|---|---|
| GRI 1 | Classify by the terms of the headings and section/chapter notes. Most items stop here. |
| GRI 2(a) | Incomplete or unassembled goods are classified as the finished article if they have its essential character. |
| GRI 2(b) | Mixtures and combinations of materials — leads to GRI 3 when more than one heading applies. |
| GRI 3(a) | The most specific description wins. |
| GRI 3(b) | Mixtures, composite goods, and sets: classify by essential character. |
| GRI 3(c) | If still tied, the heading that occurs last in numerical order. |
| GRI 4 | Goods not covered elsewhere: most similar (akin) goods. |
| GRI 5 | Cases and packing materials. |
| GRI 6 | Apply the same rules at the subheading level. |
19 CFR Parts to Know
| Part | Topic |
|---|---|
| Part 24 | Customs financial and accounting procedures |
| Part 102 | Rules of origin |
| Part 111 | Customs brokers |
| Part 134 | Country of origin marking |
| Part 141–143 | Entry of merchandise |
| Part 152 | Classification and appraisement (valuation) |
| Part 159 | Liquidation of duties |
| Part 162 | Inspection, search, seizure |
| Part 171 | Fines, penalties, and forfeitures |
| Part 174 | Protests |
| Part 190 | Modernized drawback |
Valuation reminder: Transaction value (price actually paid or payable, plus certain additions) is the primary method. If it can’t be used, the alternatives follow in order: identical merchandise, similar merchandise, deductive value, computed value, and a fallback method.
Exam Strategy
- Budget about 3 minutes per question: 80 questions in 270 minutes.
- Answer quick lookups first: Skip long classification and math questions, then return.
- Answer everything: There’s no penalty for guessing.
- Practice with past exams: CBP publishes past exams and answer keys — use them with your tabbed references.
Key Takeaways
- The CBLE has 80 questions, 4.5 hours, and a 75% passing score.
- It’s open-book, but only for the editions CBP specifies.
- Tabbing the HTSUS and 19 CFR is your most valuable prep.
- Know the GRIs cold — especially GRI 1 and GRI 3.
- Practice past exams under time pressure using your own references.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the customs broker exam open book?
Yes, but only for the reference editions CBP designates for each exam, such as specific editions of the HTSUS and 19 CFR, along with listed ACE documents. Check CBP’s notice for your exam date.
How many questions are on the CBLE?
The Customs Broker License Exam has 80 multiple-choice questions, a 4.5-hour time limit, and a passing score of 75%, or 60 correct answers.
What are the General Rules of Interpretation?
The GRIs are the legal rules for classifying goods in the HTSUS. GRI 1 classifies goods by the terms of the headings and notes, and later GRIs handle incomplete goods, mixtures, sets, and ties.
How often is the customs broker exam given?
CBP typically offers the exam twice a year, in April and October.
The Bottom Line
For the CBLE, your customs broker exam cheat sheet is your tabbing system and your speed. Organize your references well, master the GRIs, and practice past exams until lookups feel automatic.
Preparing for the Customs Broker Exam?
MyFastEdu offers CBLE practice, clear explanations, and expert guidance to help you work faster through your references and pass.
Explore Our Exam Prep Solutions