Broker
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in co-ordinating information to arrange for payment of duties, taxes, storage and transportation of imported goods, and of bonds to cover duty goods
Interest in speaking with people to quote duty and tax rates on commodities
Interest in signing import/export documents on behalf of clients, using power of attorney
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Customs brokers use their knowledge of trade related laws and regulations to move shipments through Canada Customs as quickly and efficiently as possible. They also may act as freight forwarders, consultants or legal agents for organizations such as importers, wholesalers and manufacturers.
In general, customs brokers:
Customs brokers work in offices located in urban centres or at border crossing locations. They usually work a standard 40 hour week but may have to be on hand evenings or weekends to meet scheduled shipments. Those employed in frontier or border offices often work shifts to provide 24 hour service for clients.
Customs brokers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work, talking to people and making decisions.
There are no minimum education requirements in this occupation. However, customs brokers prefer to hire people who have post-secondary education related to economics, business or international trade, or a Certified Customs Specialist or Certified Trade Compliance Spcialist designation (see below).
Newly hired employees in customs brokerage firms may start out as data entry clerks until they have learned enough about the business to advance to other positions.
For information about achieving a designation as a Certified Customs Specialist or Certified Trade Compliance Specialist, see the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Customs brokers are employed by:
Advancement in this occupation usually takes the form of pay increases and increasingly complex responsibilities. Over time, customs brokers may advance into supervisory, management or consulting roles.
Customs brokers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1315: Customs, Ship and Other Brokers. In Alberta, most people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for customs brokers vary according to the complexity of their responsibilities and the amount of foreign trade they handle.
According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Customs, Ship and Other Brokers occupational group earned on average from $12.00 to $49.04 an hour. The overall average wage was $21.99 an hour. More recent data is not available.
Canadian Society of Customs Brokers website: www.cscb.ca
Careers in Transportation website: www.transpocity.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 20, 2014. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.