Passed my CBP exam last week — here's what actually helped

So I've been in customs brokerage for about two years as an import specialist, and my manager basically told me I needed to get licensed by Q3 or I'd be stuck in the same role indefinitely. Finally sat for the CBP exam last Thursday and passed with a 78 — not a perfect score, but I'll take it. Wanted to share what worked for me since I spent weeks searching for decent advice and most of it was vague.

The thing that made the biggest difference was drilling with a CBP practice test repeatedly rather than just reading the regs. I'd do a timed 80-question set, then go back and look up every single wrong answer in the HTSUS or 19 CFR. Painful but it works. The actual exam hit me hard on classification and entry procedures — way more than I expected on informal entries and time limits.

My total study time was probably 120 hours over three months. I used the official study guide, the CBP broker exam prep materials on this site, and a customs regulations outline I found through my local CHB association. Happy to answer questions if anyone is prepping right now.