Exam Strategy Guide

Proven techniques from successful exam-takers to maximize your score on test day.

The Three-Pass System

The most effective time management strategy for the 4.5-hour exam

1

First Pass — Quick Wins (60-90 minutes)

Go through ALL 80 questions. Answer only those you can answer quickly and confidently (within 2 minutes). Skip anything that requires extensive research. Goal: answer 25-35 questions.

Build confidenceLock in easy pointsSurvey the exam
2

Second Pass — Research Questions (120-150 minutes)

Return to skipped questions. Now spend time looking up answers in your reference materials. Allocate 3-5 minutes per question. Use your tabbed and highlighted CFR, HTSUS, and other materials.

Use reference materials3-5 min per questionTarget 30-40 more questions
3

Third Pass — Educated Guesses (30-60 minutes)

For remaining questions, eliminate obviously wrong answers and make your best educated guess. There is NO penalty for guessing — never leave a question blank! Review flagged answers if time permits.

Eliminate wrong answersNEVER leave blankReview if time allows

Recommended Study Timeline

12+ wks
Begin studying. Read through 19 CFR Parts 111, 141, 152, 134. Start classification practice.
8 wks
Deep dive into valuation, entry procedures, and bonds. Tab your reference materials.
4 wks
Take full practice exams. Identify weak areas. Focus on speed and reference lookup.
1 wk
Light review only. Organize materials. Get rest. Prepare exam-day logistics.

Allowed Reference Materials

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS)
Title 19 Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR)
Customs Directives (RTME, ACE BRPD)
CBP Instructions & Informed Compliance Publications
Personal notes (handwritten or typed)
Highlighting, tabs, and annotations in materials

No electronic devices, phones, or internet access during the exam. All materials must be physical copies.

Time Management Tips

Average 3.4 minutes per question (270 min ÷ 80 questions)
Don't spend more than 5 minutes on any single question in Pass 2
Wear a watch — some testing centers don't have visible clocks
Mark questions you're unsure about for review
Classification questions often take longest — budget extra time
Answer EVERY question — no penalty for wrong answers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Spending too long on one question and running out of time
✕Not tabbing/indexing reference materials before exam day
✕Memorizing answers instead of learning where to find information
✕Ignoring classification — it's 25% of the exam
✕Not taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions
✕Starting to study less than 8 weeks before the exam

Pro Tips from Successful Candidates

Tab your HTSUS by chapter and your CFR by part number — speed is everything
Create a 'cheat sheet' index of the most-cited sections and tape it to the front of your binder
Practice with the actual HTSUS format — the exam uses the same layout
For classification questions, always start with GRI 1 and work through sequentially
Know the difference between 'calendar days' and 'working days' — it's a common trap
Read ALL answer choices before selecting — the exam loves 'all of the above' and 'both A and B'
When stuck between two answers, re-read the question for qualifier words like 'EXCEPT', 'NOT', 'MUST'
The exam tests your ability to use materials, not memorize them — practice looking things up quickly