CERTIFIED CUSTOMS SPECIALIST (ccs)

CIFFA has partnered with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) to make it's Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) program available to Canadian professionals who provide customs or logistics services involving the United States.

This partnership allows CIFFA members to access member pricing for this essential U.S.-based customs credential — ideal for Canadian brokers, freight forwarders, and compliance professionals seeking to expand their expertise and recognition in the U.S. import environment.

WHAT IS THE CCS?

The NCBFAA Educational Institute’s Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Certification Program is designed to assist trade professionals involved in the import industry to become experts in the current import regulations. Whether you have a broker’s license or you have just a year or two of related experience, this course will provide you with a solid foundation for you to increase your industry knowledge.

CERTIFIED CUSTOMS SPECIALIST (CCS)

NCBFAA’s CCS course will review fundamental points relevant to the importation process while delving into practical, relevant subject matter not generally tested on the formal Customs licensing exam. Each topic will help you grow and develop as an import professional. Participating in it’s CCS program will provide you with numerous venues for honing your professional skills while continuing to stay up with the rapidly changing marketplace within the import industry.

The CCS Course is a six-month, self-paced, online training that consists of 25 modules (each ending with a summary quiz), 4 checkpoint quizzes, and a cumulative, proctored final exam.

KEY TOPICS

The principal acts involved in the importation of goods, Customs Brokers licensing requirements and agency agreements, the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Classification System, tariff treatments and trade agreements, valuation and classification, informed compliance, assessment of duties, marking of imported goods, drawback and refunds, special requirements, antidumping and countervailing duties, foreign trade zones, and recordkeeping.

Pricing

MEMBER PRICE:
$1200.00 CDN

NON-MEMBER PRICE:
$1500.00 CDN

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RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
AND LEARNING READINESS

  • At least one year of practical experience in the United States conducting business with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and/or in Canada working with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes.
  • Have basic familiarity with customs documentation and procedures.
  • Possess an interest in advancing their knowledge of import and export regulations.

Who is This For?

Individuals working in the import industry, interested in expanding their base knowledge.

What You'll Learn

  • The principal acts involved in the importation of goods
  • Customs Brokers licensing requirements and agency agreements
  • U.S. Harmonized Tariff Classification System
  • Tariff treatments and trade agreements
  • Valuation and classification
  • Informed compliance
  • Assessment of duties
  • Marking of imported goods
  • Drawback and refunds
  • Special requirements
  • Antidumping and countervailing duties
  • Foreign trade zones
  • Recordkeeping

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the credential expire?

CCS certification is an annually renewing designation that expires February 1st unless renewed. Designees will need to accrue 15 accredited continuing education credits each year by January 31st to qualify for renewal.

What can I expect on the final exam?

Passing grade is 75%.  The final exam is a cumulative, open-book exam, consisting of a mix of multiple choice and true or false questions, just as provided throughout the course quizzes. Students may use hard copies of the materials that have been provided throughout the course. No electronic versions of the materials (PDFs) or outside materials are allowed. No electronic resources (such as Google, etc.) and no electronic devices (such as cell phones) are allowed during the exam.

How is the course evaluated?

At the end of each of the 25 modules there is a quiz, as well as 4 checkpoint quizzes, and a cumulative proctored final exam. Students are required to provide their own proctor. Virtual proctoring is not available for the CCS exam.  A proctor of your choosing is required, and students must submit their proctor’s information to NCBFAA staff no less than 3 business days prior to desired exam date.

How long is the course?

Students are given 6 months to complete the course.

Where can I find the full course outline?

The full course outline can be found here and consists of 25 modules.

After I have registered with CIFFA, who should I contact for all course details?

Please contact NCBFAA at [email protected]

How and when will I receive course access?

NCBFAA will email you with course access details (login) and instructions on course completion within one full business day.  If you do not receive access in that time you can email CIFFA at [email protected], or NCBFAA at [email protected]

I understand CIFFA does not own or provide this course, so who does?

The CCS course is provided by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, which is solely responsible for provisioning its CCS course and all related content and materials. All trademarks and copyright in its CCS course, its content, and materials are owned by NCBFAA. CIFFA acts a reseller of the CCS course as a benefit to its Members, and has no control on the content, thoroughness, or quality of any information provided in the CCS course.

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