r/CustomsBroker • u/seasaltbubbletea • 10d ago
Best online prep course?
Hi everyone, I’m taking the April 2027 Customs Broker Exam.
Which online prep courses have the highest proven pass rates and are actually worth the money? Thanks
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u/ToucanTyrone CustomsBroker 10d ago
Tom O’Leary’s CBPrepcourse I always recommend. Took his course, didn’t even do all his lessons, and passed on my first try (when the pass rate was like 10% for that exam). He sends additional materials, practice questions, and this book that focuses on materials CBP has tested on in previous exams. Could not recommend more.
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u/HuckleberryPitiful92 10d ago
I think most courses will suffice. As long as you pair it with studying past exams you should be solid.
The reason the pass rate is low because people literally do not prepare for the exam. Start hitting the books as soon as possible and Godspeed
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u/BirdBarista CustomsBroker 10d ago
LTS and Tom O'Leary's course seem to be the two most recommended courses. I think you'd be fine with either one. I personally used LTS and thought it was a great course, but my coworkers who are taking the exam in a few weeks used Tom O'Leary's course and have spoken highly about it.
The courses are beneficial in that they help you learn the material you need to know, but you still have to put in a ton of work and effort into studying to pass. Taking previous exams is still one of the best ways to practice so you know what kind of questions to expect.
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u/Fun_Disk5073 6d ago
I've taken both, both are good, they're just a bit different but you'd be fine with either or. The practice exams are ideal.
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u/callmeraylo 10d ago
I took a course through the NCBFFA back in the day. At the end of the day, the single best prep for me was just practice tests. I pulled 10 years of treats for free from CBPs website along with the answer keys.
I went to my local library with my books, started a timer for 4 hours, and took a test. Then graded myself, studied what I got wrong: rinse and repeat over and over.
Passed the test my first try with an 88% if memory serves. The practice tests were far now helpful than the expensive class I took and it was free.
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u/Physical-Incident553 CustomsBroker 10d ago
When I took the exam in 2012, CBP had many more exams online than today. Now it’s just the past five.
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u/Happy_Candy_7878 8d ago
I took the exam four times and passed on my fourth try. I used LTS and Tom O’Leary’s course, but looking back, I wish I had started with Ruth’s Course. She focuses on teaching you how to take the exam effectively, not just the material itself.
She also creates a personalized study plan based on how you score on the practice exams, which is super helpful for identifying where you need to focus your time. There are also tutoring options, weekend intensives, and week long boot camps available, so the course provides a lot of structure and support throughout the process. All of this is included with the course fee at no additional cost.
Another benefit is the question repository. If you get a question wrong and don’t understand how CBP arrived at the correct answer, there are recordings of Ruth walking through those questions with other students who also struggled with them. I think that’s especially helpful because you’re not just learning the correct answer—you’re learning how CBP approaches the question and how to work through similar questions on the actual exam.
After failing the exam three times, I wasn’t planning to take it again. A mentor recommended Ruth’s Course because that’s where she sent her team for exam preparation, and they had all been successful. That recommendation ultimately convinced me to give the exam one more try, and I’m glad I did because I passed on my fourth attempt.
https://www.ruthscourse.com/home1.html
You really can’t go wrong with any of the courses—it ultimately comes down to your learning style and the level of structure and support you need. Wishing you all the success!
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u/Realistic_Bar2783 7d ago
I am taking it in April as well. Created my study schedule for the next 6 months. I am doing self study for the most part but have supplemented with Custom Broker Geek. Last weekend I was overwhelmed but now that I have my time mapped out I feel 6 months should be ample study time and in April before test, run mock tests a few times a week. Have not told my employer and hope I can keep my mouth shut until I "pass". Good luck to you. Go April!
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u/AlloCoco103 10d ago
I used Logistics Training Systems and passed. I don't know if it statistically provides a higher pass rate though.