Law & Security Administration - Customs Border Services
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Peterborough
Accepting applications
CBS
Ontario College Diploma
January 12, 2009
$1,513.00 per semester *
* Tuition and fees subject to change.
- Program Information
- Program Curriculum
- Course Descriptions
Program Highlights
New technologies and responsibilities are at the forefront of current customs and border services activities and procedures. The scope of border operations continues to expand as our economy becomes increasingly tied to the global marketplace. As cross border trade exceeds well over one billion dollars a day, our "smart border" needs to efficiently manage the flow of legitimate trade and travellers as we move boldly toward an environment in which the exchange and use of electronic data between countries, and within Canada, becomes a permanent reality. The result is the continued growth of challenging new career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
To reflect changes in the role and responsibilities, the newly named Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) now calls its front line law enforcement employees Border Services Officers, rather than Customs Officers. They are trained to function as both a Customs and an Immigration official, depending upon the needs of the port of entry where they are employed. As Canada’s first line of defence, they are also trained and equipped to protect themselves and to ensure our overall safety and well-being.
The Law & Security Administration - Customs ensures you are well prepared for the demands of being on the front line of global trade and law enforcement. Experiential, hands-on learning with real life enforcement tools such as an x-ray machine, travellers’ baggage and a practice automobile help prepare you for common enforcement-related activities in the field with the CBSA.
You will learn the role and legislative jurisdiction of Customs, Immigration and Canadian Food Inspection (Border Services), including enforcement techniques and procedures. Throughout the program, you will also review Customs legislation, procedures and documentation, and Immigration legislation. You will gain an appreciation for global diversity through additional study of the legislation and regulations relating to other government departments. You will also develop the computer, communications, dispute resolution and critical thinking skills that today's employers are demanding both in the private and public sectors of Customs in Canada.
At the conclusion of your regular courses and curriculum within the program, you will participate in a mandatory field placement (co-op) in a private industry/business, customs brokerage or public agency to gain valuable work experience that often results in an offer of employment if you meet their standards.
Why Choose Fleming?
Fleming College's Customs program has the most customs specific curriculum offered in Canada. Our graduates are known for their in-depth knowledge of customs laws and regulations, enforcement, and interviewing techniques. They have been trained in the latest technologies and enforcement strategies - techniques that have made the Canadian customs administration a model for many emerging nations. With four semesters of training, Fleming's Customs Administration program is thorough. You'll benefit from the broad-based approach to your education - faculty, placement agencies and business report that students from the Fleming College program are better prepared that those from shorter programs elsewhere.
Common First Semester
Students within the School of Law and Justice diploma programs take the same courses for their first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills. It also enables you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. You can enter that program in semester two, provided that you have achieved academic success in first semester, and subject to enrolment capacity.
Work Experience
Your field placement is usually four weeks in length -- enough time to really get into the work you'll experience in your career. Set at the end of your program, this will be a wonderful opportunity to put all of your hard work and studies to use -- and is a great time to make contacts for future employment.
NOTE: Your field practice will extend beyond the traditional 15-week semester. You must sucessfully complete all courses before you can go out on placement. Field placement may also be dependent upon a security clearance. Therefore, having a criminal record may prevent you from finishing your entire diploma.
What it Takes to Succeed
There are a few personal qualities and skills that will help you succeed in this program, and in your eventual career in customs:
- excellent oral and written communication skills
- ability to work independently, self-disciplined
- sensitivity to different cultures, lifestyles
- empathy and tact
- problem-solving
- excellent judgement
- experience working with the public is an asset.
Career Opportunities
High graduate employment rates in this program mean your chances of finding a job to fit your lifestyle and career goals are excellent. While many think of a customs career as working in enforcement with the federal government, there are also many other federal governement employment opportunities and numerous satisfying opportunities exist within private companies/industries and even within organizations such as customs brokerage firms. Your job titles could include:
- Border Services Officer
- Policy Officer (Junior and Senior)
- Trade Compliance Specialist
- Import analyst
- Release Cassification Analyst
- Customs Co-ordinator/Specialist
- Customs Research Analyst
Fleming College's graduate statistics salaries range from $28,000 - $35,000 for customs brokers, with a range of $30,000 - $40,000 for those working within private companies. Border Services Officer can currently make a salary in the $51,000 - $68,000 range. Most of these jobs are found in or near city centres such as Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, London and Windsor.
Minimum Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:
- 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.
*Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.
Selection Process
Related Programs
If you haven't yet decided what kind of law enforcement or justice career you'd like to pursue, check out the Security and Risk Management, Law Clerk, or Police Foundations programs.
Additional Costs
Plan on $740 per year for books and supplies.
University Transfer Agreements
Semester 1
Aboriginal Justice
Course Number: LAWS085
In this course students will identify and examine issues related to Aboriginal Justice in Canada. Specifically, students will focus on the relationship between the Canadian Justice system and Aboriginal Peoples. Historical and contemporary events will be examined to increase understanding of Aboriginal issues. Students will explore alternative justice, and other possible strategies to address the identified problems. Cultural practices and beliefs will also be discussed.
Units: 14.00
Hours: 14.00
Career Awareness
Course Number: SOCI122
This introductory course develops a set of generic skills, that support studies at a post-secondary level and provide a foundation for the student's career success.
Units: 14.00
Hours: 14.00
Careers in Customs
Course Number: SOCI137
This course is designed to introduce students to the roles and responsibilities integral to the practice of customs administration. Particular emphasis will be placed on professional conduct, competencies and strategies for success in the field.
Units: 7.00
Hours: 7.00
Communications for Law and Justice
Course Number: COMM080
This course focuses on improving reading, writing, and oral communication skills through a number of assignments related to the law and justice professions. This course stresses the development of communiction skills that will allow students to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, in other subjects, and for eventual career employment. Students will demonstrate skills in summary and report writing, oral presentations, standard usage of English, as well as in research techniques, including appropriate citation and documentation of sources. The principles of style, structure, content, and mechanics constitute the overall framework of the course.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Intro to Political Science & Public Administration
Course Number: LAWS043
This course provides an introduction to the democratic system of governance in Canada. It includes a description of the organization, structure, interaction, and administration of the three (3) levels of government. The course will introduce and identify the daily problems and issues faced by Canadians in a political context, including public opinion and special interest groups. Major themes explored include a brief introduction to political beliefs and values, an examination of cleavages within the Canadian population, the Canadian constitution, nationalism, and political culture and spectrum. These concepts will be examined in the current forum of the daily politics that unfold during the course. Students will begin to develop research writing skills and group discussion skills. This course is a hybrid course comprised of webct and seminar components.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Introduction to Canadian Justice System
Course Number: LAWS044
This course provides an introductory overview of the Canadian Justice System, with special emphasis on the criminal justice system and the responsibilities of enforcement personnel. Contemporary issues affecting the system will be analyzed and discussed.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Introduction to Psychology
Course Number: SOCI036
This course offers a systematic approach to exploring human behaviour. The concepts and empirical findings are examined using a variety of theoretical approaches. Major topics include perception, motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, and personality.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Introductory Computing
Course Number: COMP345
Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Sociology for Law and Justice
Course Number: SOCI123
Through this course, learn the special meanings that Sociology, as a language, assigns to words and how they are organized into concepts and theories. We use these words, concepts and theories to see and make sense of our social world and to talk with others about it, develop the ability to understand our social interactions, the society we create and recreate and how it affects us. Your success will depend very much on your ability in English, ability to send and receive e-mail, use a web browser, engage in discussions in bulletin boards, and other standard operations using a computer.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 2
Communicating at Work
Course Number: COMM002
This course will enable you to continue to improve your general communication skills to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, as well as the expectations of other subjects and eventual career employment. This course emphasizes concepts of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply to processes fundamental to effective communication. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, reading, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Customs Procedures I
Course Number: LAWS021
The focus of this course is on Customs and there daily responsibilities. This includes identifying residents, visitors, and Immigrants entering Canada, verifying and completing documentation for their entry into Canada.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Customs Procedures II
Course Number: LAWS022
This course introduces the basics of commercial customs operations. Students are introduced to the documentation requirements to import goods to Canada.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Customs Valuation
Course Number: LAWS024
This course introduces students to the customs valuation process. Students will learn invoice requirements and other fundamental valuation principles used by Canada and other member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Issues in Diversity
Course Number: SOCI038
In this course students will critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students will focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students will develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Managing Conflicts in Customs
Course Number: LAWS128
This course will introduce students to the various types of conflicts they may encounter in the customs field and provide them with strategies to effectively handle them. General problem solving skills will also be covered.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Mathematics for Customs
Course Number: MATH039
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Tariff Classification
Course Number: LAWS076
Using the Harmonized System of Tariff Classification fundamental skills are developed that help identify correct duty rates for goods imported into Canada.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Semester 3
Computer Applications in Customs
Course Number: COMP016
Pre-requisites
This course is a practical hands-on approach to using computers in a business environment. Emphasis is placed on Customs applications in a database environment.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Customs Assessment
Course Number: LAWS127
Pre-requisites
The focus of this course is the customs accounting process. This involves the calculation and assessment of duties and taxes using a variety of service options available to Canadian importers.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Customs Report Writing
Course Number: COMM057
Pre-requisites
This is a half-credit communications course that students must complete as part of the Customs Administration Program. In this course, students will learn how to plan, organize, illustrate, edit, and present written material in both an informational and an analytical style to businesses, service and technological industries, and government. They will also learn how to log reports in the same fashion as the Customs Inspector.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Customs Techniques I
Course Number: LAWS023
Pre-requisites
This course is designed as a study of the movement of commercial goods into Canada.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Interviewing and Enforcement
Course Number: LAWS041
Pre-requisites
The focus of this course is on the interviewing techniques used by Customs officers to determine whether or not a traveller is complying with Customs regulations. Penalties that will result from non-compliance are also studied and applied.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Tariff Treatments/Origin
Course Number: LAWS077
Pre-requisites
Students study various trade agreements and are to ensure that they understand 'country of origin' requirements. Rules of origin are used to help identify correct duty rates.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Transportation
Course Number: LAWS088
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 4
Adjustments/Duty Relief
Course Number: LAWS001
Pre-requisites
This course covers refund, drawback, and other duty relief provisions which may be available to Canadian importers, manufacturers, and exporters. Regulatory and compliance requirements are emphasized.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Career Search Skills
Course Number: COMM001
Pre-requisites
This course provides employment-centred training for students preparing to enter the modern workplace. Specific skills in self-assessment, career mapping, and job-market research are emphasized. Students will practice interviewing techniques and produce resumes using different formats.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Field Integration
Course Number: FLPL010
This course is designed to prepare fourth semester Customs students for field placement and the job market. Limited to Customs students only.
Units: 14.00
Hours: 14.00
Field Placement
Course Number: FLPL021
Field placement is a four-week period (140 hours minimum or 160 hours maximum: according to the field placement agency's regularly scheduled work-hours) at the end of the fourth semester that will present students with the opportunity to put into practice the skills and theory learned in the classroom.
Units: 140.00
Hours: 140.00
Immigration
Course Number: LAWS037
This course will profile Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Canada's immigration service since its inception. It will provide an in-depth study of the department and how it plays its part in the Canada Border Services Agency by emphasizing border control, documentation processing, and enforcement functions. The student will be presented with a broad-base of information as it relates to both inland and land-border immigration procedures.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Permits/Other Government Departments (OGD's)
Course Number: LAWS061
Pre-requisites
This course introduces students to the Canadian regulatory and procedural import/export requirements of selected other government departments or agencies ( known as OGD's / OGA's ).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Trends in Customs
Course Number: LAWS080
Through a review of current and emerging trends in the customs field, students will understand, apply and anticipate the implications/impact on customs procedures and policy.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00
Understanding Organizational Structures
Course Number: MGMT019
This is an introductory business course for customs students. Emphasis is placed on the relevant internal structures of importers as they relate to customs audits.
Units: 21.00
Hours: 21.00