Master Customs Specialist (MCS) FAQs
Q: How much time is allotted for course completion after registration?
A: Learners have one year to complete the course after the NEI Staff sends the enrollment email. Individual deadlines are found on the learner's LogisticsEI homepage. You may work at your own pace, but you must earn at least 80% on each module quiz before moving on to the next module.
Q: When is enrollment open?
A: You may register for the course at any time. NEI Staff performs course enrollments for the MCS Course on Wednesday mornings. Once we receive your MCS application and registration fee, you will be added to the enrollment roster for the following week.
Q: Does this course grant me continuing education credits?
A: No. You do not earn credits by completing the course, but you gain your Master Customs Specialist designation upon completion of the course, exam, and essay.
Q: Are there pre-approved topics for the scholarly essay?
A: No. We feel that learners will have a better idea of what topic(s) may interest them after completing the course. We ask that you send your topic, and preferably an idea of your thesis/argument to NEI Staff for approval before writing your essay.
Q: What are the specific requirements for the essay?
A: Essays must be a minimum of 1500 words and follow APA Guidelines for formatting, as well as in-text and end-of-essay citations. You must create a clear thesis or argument surrounding your topic, and support it with relevant facts and research.
Q: If I fail my exam or essay, can I try again?
A: Yes. You can retry the exam as many times as needed to receive a passing score. If you receive a failing grade on your essay, you may edit and resubmit it to our reviewers based on feedback you received. There is no limit to the number of attempts you have on the exam or essay.
Q: Do I need a proctor for the final exam?
A: No.
Q: Does the MCS designation replace my CCS designation?
A: Yes and no. Please click here to review our policy regarding CCS designees who subsequently earn their MCS designation. The continuing education requirements and fee ($95) of the MCS replace those of the CCS, but you may continue using the CCS designation as long as the MCS is kept active.
Q: Is this course fully online or are there additional, physical resources required?
A: This course, and all materials needed to complete it, are fully online and included in the registration fee.
Q: Do I need to be a licensed broker or have my CCS in order to take this course?
A: No, neither. There are no required prerequisites for this course; however, please review suggested prerequisites on the MCS info page to see if this course is right for you.
Q: Upon earning my certification, what do I need to do to maintain it?
A: You must earn 15 CCS/MCS continuing education credits each year and pay a $95 renewal fee (all CCS credits count towards MCS requirements). MCS credit requirements and renewal fees replace those of the CCS. Please click here to review our policy regarding CCS designees who subsequently earn their MCS designation.
Q: Can licensed customs brokers grandfather into the MCS program?
A: No. Unfortunately, while LCBs may grandfather into the CCS program, we do not offer grandfathering options for the master-level courses.
Q: Is there bulk discount pricing available for the course?
A: Unfortunately not, but we are running an early-bird promotion from now through June 30th, 2020 at 20% off both member and non-member rates! Contact the NEI Staff with your application and request an invoice to receive this special rate.