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Customs Border Services

Available as a two-year program

Customs compliance and border security have emerged as areas of national focus in public safety and global trade. Train for a career in this dynamic segment of the Canadian economy. Learn with leaders in virtual learning environments – Loyalist College’s border simulations have been used by the Canada Border Services Agency to train new recruits.
  • Credential
    • Two-year Ontario College Diploma

  • Start Date

    September and January entry

  • Location
    • Belleville campus

Find your career

Graduates of this innovative program are extremely well regarded by employers and business is booming. In just two years, you can train for a lucrative career within the government or the private sector:

• Employers include private businesses, customs brokerages importing and exporting and freight forwarders that ship goods throughout the world.
• Graduates are permitted to enrol in the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) course without having to meet the one-year work requirement. 

Graduates are also qualified for front-line positions with the Canada Border Services Agency:

  • Oversee border services for millions of people travelling by air, car, rail and boat.
  • Welcome more than 200,000 immigrants and refugees to Canada each year.
  • Administer import and export requirements for animals and plants.
  • Use the latest training and technology to keep illicit drugs, firearms and harmful pests and diseases from entering the country.
  • Can progress to careers in intelligence, auditing and investigations, with field experience.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Border Services Officer, Canada Border Services Agency
  • Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, City of Mississauga
  • Enforcement Officer, Canada Border Services Agency
  • Customs Release Analyst, Livingston International
  • Border Services Officer, Pearson International Airport
  • Program and Client Services Coordinator, Immigrant Services

Is it for you?

People enter justice studies from all different backgrounds.  Those who thrive in Customs Border Services are the ones who have:

  • Good judgment
  • A keen eye for detail
  • Self-discipline
  • An appreciation of Canada’s rich cultural diversity

What employers say

“Our placement students have been enthusiastic, technically strong and open to experiencing the challenges of the work environment.  It is evident that Loyalist has prepared them for the ‘real’ working world.”
Elizabeth Lorincz, Director, Consulting Eastern Region
Livingston International

Experiential learning

We believe in preparing by doing, with hands-on experience and cutting-edge technology:

  • Through experiential learning, develop essential skills in listening, observing, critical thinking, conflict management and decision making.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of global diversity through the development of your awareness and understanding of legislation and regulations.
  • Experience the role of a border services officer in a virtual learning environment, completing the inspection procedure and questioning unknown travellers as you would in real life.
  • Practise searching for and identifying contraband during forensic vehicle searches.
  • Develop your proficiency in computer applications used in public and private customs-related industry.

Loyalist is a pioneer in virtual learning:

  • The introduction of Canadian border simulations in the Loyalist College curriculum resulted in dramatically higher test results, particularly in the areas of bilingual greeting, mandatory questions, assessing resident status and overall professionalism.

Outstanding faculty make the difference

  • Learning takes place in smaller classes with dedicated and experienced instructors.
  • The program coordinator has 32 years of experience as a border service officer as well as a distinguished career in education with expertise in Canadian border simulation technology, earning an Educational Technology Award and the Peace Officer Exemplary Award.
  • Teaching stays up-to-date on industry trends and technology with feedback from professionals working in the field.

Multiply your options in justice studies

During a common first year with other justice programs, you will gain insights into human behaviour and Canada’s social and political structures that provide a solid foundation for related careers. The program offers the flexibility to transfer directly into Year Two of:

  • Community and Justice Services
  • Police Foundations
  • Protection, Security and Investigation

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