Ace the CBP Entrance Exam with Comprehensive Practice & Proven Strategies (2024)

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career at the forefront of national security? 

The CBP Entrance Exam is the very first step after you submit your application to become eligible as a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO). The recruitment process is strict to ensure that chosen candidates can fulfill their expected responsibilities.

The Entrance Examination consists of 3 parts that you will have to take on a computer:

  • The Experience Record that lasts 60 minutes (Completed at Home)
  • Writing Skills Test that lasts 63 minutes (Completed at Home)
  • The Logical Reasoning Test that lasts 81 minutes (completed at a Test Center)

Note: The timing includes the permitted time to finish each section but most applicants finish the test in less time.

Visit our Free Practice Test for any Police Exam, with info on police officer exams in the US. 

 


-Scroll down for an in-depth overview of the sections and sample questions-

 

Shir, Civil Service Assessments Expert at JobTestPrep
Have a question? Contact me at:

What Is The CBP Officer Entrance Exam?

The CBP test is divided into three main areas, which also differ in their time allocations: Logical Reasoning (81 minutes), Experience Record (60 minutes), and Writing (63 minutes). 

The minimum passing score of the CBT exam is 70, and if you wish to retake it, you must wait for 6 months from the date of your first test.

You're allowed to use a calculator, scratch paper, and pencils during the exam, which you'll receive from your proctor (you can't bring your own items, though).

CBP Online Assessment - Experience Record (Taken at Home Before the Actual Exam)

This is an examination of job-related experiences and achievements. Be sure to give honest and straightforward answers and to check the job requirements beforehand in case you need to bring assistance or required documents.

Access accurate practice for your Police Officer Psychological Exam with our Police Psychological Test PrepPack or access our Police Psychological Test & Ability Test Bundle.


CBT Test Free Practice Questions

Logical Reasoning Sample Question

Each question contains a reading passage followed by a statement or question and five response choices.

Candidates are asked to either draw a valid conclusion from the passage or determine that the given statement cannot be validly concluded. This important part of the CBP exam requires careful reading and focus.

Read and decide if the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises or not.

Within the category of non-disposable appliances, you'd find all personal computers (PCs). Most PCs, and only them, are used to store information.

Only non-disposable appliances are personal computers.

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

If all PC’s are non-disposable appliances, then there cannot be a PC that is not a non-disposable appliance, so only non-disposable appliances are personal computers.

 

The CBP PrepPackage includes 8 logical reasoning practice tests and 2 study guides that explain the logical deduction foundations.

 

Arithmetic Reasoning Sample Questions

The questions consist of: (1) math word problems, (2) arithmetic calculations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems, and (3) calculation of decimals, averages, percentages, and rate-distance-time.

Which of the numbers below are closest to the correct answer?

1. How much are 140% of 630? 

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

According to the question, we are looking for an approximate number, not the exact value of 140% of 630.

The number we are looking for is greater than 100% (140% to be exact) of the original number, so we are looking for numbers that are bigger than the original. This allows us to automatically eliminate 74 as the answer.

In order to work out the answer we have to add 40% to 630. Working it out quickly, 40% is close to 50% or half of 630, or approximately 300. Adding 300 to 630 brings the total up to over 900.

Therefore the correct answer is 910.

Which of the numbers below are closest to the correct answer?

2. 194.6 / 6 = ?

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

194.6 can be rounded up to 200. 200 / 6 ~ 33. 32.4 is by far the closest number.

Therefore the correct answer is 32.4

 

The CBP PrepPackage includes 15 math & arithmetic reasoning practice tests and 3 study guides to brush up on your math skills.

Writing Skills Sample Question

As a CBP officer, it's crucial to have excellent writing skills. Border protection officers often need to write up reports and assessments that are both clear and concise as well as grammatically correct.

In this sentence, there may be a problem with English grammar.

If a problem does exist, select the letter that indicates the most effective change. If no problem exists, select choice D.

"Doctor appointments need to be made in the morning to assure that the rest of the day will be efficient."

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

Answer C is correct because assure means to be positive about something or a situation, ensure means to make something successful. In this sentence ensure should be used.

 

The CBP PrepPackage includes 11 writing practice tests to improve a variety of writing skills, such as grammar, syntax, restatement, paragraph organization, and more.

 


Create Your Own Assessment Prep Kit!

Finding a job can be a lengthy and challenging journey, often stretching over months and requiring multiple pre-employment tests and interviews. With our Premium Membership, you'll have the support you need every step of the way.

Mix & match 3 Preparation Packs at 50% discount for 1,3, or 6 months


The CBP Entrance Exam is Hard: Useful Tips 💡

The CBP Entrance Exam is intentionally designed to be hard, since it shortlists the most capable candidates who possess the required abilities to succeed both in the tough CBP academy training and in the demanding day-to-day job.

That being said, since you receive enough time to prepare before taking the exam, you can potentially improve the set of skills that are being measured and increase your chances of passing the exam. Follow some of the following tips to ace the test.

  • Read and understand each question before selecting an answer. Pay attention to details and avoid rushing.
  • Manage your time effectively by setting a specific time limit for each question.
  • Use educated guesses when unsure about an answer. Eliminate obvious incorrect options to increase your chances of choosing the correct one.
  • Maintain a positive mindset throughout the exam to enhance your focus and decision-making under pressure.

Practice for the CBP Test

Now that you have a better understanding of the different number and kinds of questions in the CBPO Entrance Exam and what you need to tackle them, don't waste any more time and keep practicing!

To ensure you get an excellent score in your assessment, we have designed the CBP Entrance Exam PrepPack™ that simulates the actual test and guarantees over 40+ full practice tests to improve your result. For $89, you can get our full package that will improve your test result and teach you how to answer difficult questions under pressure.

All our test simulations include detailed results and explanations like the following:

Interested in additional practice? Check out our dedicated Police Exam Practice Test. Get the most accurate practice for your Police Officer Psychological Exam with our Police Psychological Test PrepPack or access our Police Psychological Test & Ability Test Bundle, covering the main parts found in police assessments.