Paper vs Electronic References on the Customs Broker Exam: What Actually Works

In the world of today, why would anyone opt for paper reference materials over electronic for the Customs Broker Exam?

I am asked every exam cycle whether it is better to use paper references or electronic references during the Customs Broker Exam.

The exam is open book — but that doesn’t mean the choice is obvious, or that one option is automatically better than the other.

The truth is, both paper and electronic references can work well. The key is understanding how each option affects speed, navigation, and how you study leading up to the exam.

📌 If you haven’t already, watch the short video below where I walk through this decision in detail.

Is the Customs Broker Exam Open Book?

Yes — the Customs Broker Exam is an open-book exam. You’re allowed to bring reference materials into the testing room.

What surprises many first-time test takers is that time, not access to information, is the real constraint. The questions are long, detailed, and often include irrelevant facts. Knowing where to look — and getting there quickly — matters far more than having more material.

That’s why your reference setup plays such an important role.

Paper References: Pros and Cons

Pros of Paper References

Paper references can be extremely effective, especially for test takers who:

• Take the time to tab and highlight

• Spend time practicing before the exam

With paper materials, many people develop a strong “mental map” of the regulations. They remember that something is “on the left page, halfway down,” which can speed things up significantly under pressure.

Cons of Paper References

Paper references also have downsides:

• They require upfront setup (printing, binding, tabbing)

• They’re bulky and can be overwhelming if poorly organized

• Last-minute changes or additions are harder to manage

Paper works best when it’s organized intentionally, not when you try to bring everything.

Electronic References: Pros and Cons

Pros of Electronic References

Electronic references appeal to people who:

• Are comfortable searching text quickly

• Prefer not to manage physical binders

• Study primarily on a computer or tablet

When used well, search functionality can save time — but only if you already know what you’re searching for.  If you search for broad terms, you will be cycling through hundreds of results and may never find what you are looking for.

Cons of Electronic References

Electronic references can become a problem when:

• You rely too heavily on keyword searching

• You don’t know which section you actually need

• You lose time scrolling through long documents

Many people assume electronic means “faster,” but without a solid understanding of the structure of the regulations, it’s easy to burn time jumping between search results.

The Real Question Isn’t Paper vs Electronic

The real question is this:

Which setup supports how you plan to study and navigate the material?

Your reference choice should match:

• How you’ll practice finding answers

• How you’ll build familiarity with the regulations

• How you’ll manage time under exam conditions

There’s no advantage to choosing electronic references if you plan to study with paper — or vice versa. Consistency matters more than the format itself.

What Most Successful Test Takers Have in Common

Regardless of reference format, successful test takers tend to:

• Start early enough to practice navigation

• Focus on heavily tested sections first

• Learn how questions are structured, not just the content

• Avoid trying to “memorize everything”

This is why starting in January is not late for the April exam. Starting now allows you to move at a steady pace — usually 1–2 hours a day — while building familiarity instead of rushing later.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

If you’re unsure which option to choose, ask yourself:

• Do I retain information better by physically handling it?

• Am I already comfortable navigating large PDFs quickly?

• Will I practice the same way I plan to test?

If you want more guidance, I walk through this decision — along with how to start studying correctly — in the free kickoff call, which is available inside Section 1 of the course free preview.

Final Thought

Paper vs electronic references isn’t about which option is “best.” It’s about choosing a setup that helps you find answers efficiently under time pressure.

The earlier you make that decision, the more confident and consistent your studying becomes.