in Protection, Security and Investigation - Customs Border Services
Program Information
Start Date
September 05, 2023
Program Availability:
Accepting Applications
View Curriculum
January 08, 2024
Program Availability:
Accepting Applications
Program Code:
CBS
Delivery:
In Person , TBD, Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School:
School of Justice and Community Development
Location:
Program Contacts
View Curriculum
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 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.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uses its front line law enforcement employees, Border Services Officers (BSOs), to fulfill its roles and responsibilities. The BSOs 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 Customs Border Services program provides experiential, hands-on learning with real life enforcement tools such as a baggage x-ray machine, travellers’ baggage and a practice automobile, to help prepare you for common enforcement-related activities in the field with the CBSA. This training is also beneficial for the non-enforcement jobs found in the brokerage, consulting, transportation and private (import/export) industries. Throughout this program you will:
- Learn the role and legislative jurisdiction of Customs, Immigration and Canadian Food Inspection (Border Services), including enforcement techniques and procedures.
- Review Customs legislation, procedures and documentation, and Immigration legislation
- Gain an appreciation for global diversity through additional study of the legislation and regulations relating to other government departments.
- Develop the computer, communications, dispute resolution and critical thinking skills that today's employers are demanding both in the private and public sectors of Border Services 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.
* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.
Are you a university graduate? You may be eligible for direct entry into second semester of this program and graduate in as little as 13 months. Contact the program co-ordinator for more information.
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, enforcement strategies and industry techniques that have made the administration of Customs in Canada a model for many emerging nations. With four semesters of training, Fleming's Customs Border Services program is thorough. You'll benefit from the program's comprehensive approach to your education, from our faculty expertise and from our strong partnerships with placement agencies. Businesses report that students from the Fleming College program are better prepared than those from shorter or similar programs elsewhere.
Students in our Law and Justice diploma programs take the same courses for the 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. The Law and Justice diploma programs sharing the Common First Semester include Community and Justice Services, Customs Border Services, Law Clerk, Paralegal, Police Foundations, and Protection Security and Investigations.
The Customs Border Services program’s field placement is five consecutive 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 is a wonderful opportunity to put all of your hard work and studies to use and it’s a great time to make contacts for future employment.
NOTE:Your field placement will extend beyond the traditional 15-week semester. You must successfully 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.
There are a few traits 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 ability
- excellent judgement
- experience working with the public is an asset.
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 government 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 Classification Analyst
- Customs Co-ordinator/Specialist
- Customs Research Analyst
Fleming College's graduate statistics salaries range from $31,000 - $36,000 for entry-level Customs Brokers, with a range of $35,000 - $41,000 for those working within private companies. Border Services Officers can currently make a salary in the $53,000 - $75,000 range. Most of these jobs are found in or near city centres in all provinces, but in Ontario they are found in cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, London and Windsor.
The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in the Customs Border Services program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. The student’s transcript will indicate the IPD designation. Upon graduation, students with an IPD will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, and a designation that will be marketable in the employment sector.
Plan on $800 per year for books and supplies.
Non Academic Requirements: Your program has mandatory requirements which may include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.
- Support an industry and workplace service culture by adopting a positive attitude and professional decorum, accommodating diverse and special needs, and contributing as a team member.
- Deliver customer service and solutions that anticipate, meet and/or exceed individual expectations, as well as organizational expectations, standards and objectives.
- Use marketing concepts, market research, social networks, sales strategies, relationship management skills and product knowledge to promote and sell tourism products, services and customer experiences.
- Apply business principles as well as basic accounting, budgeting, financial and administration skills to support the effective management and operation of a variety of organizations delivering tourism products and services.
- Comply with relevant organization and workplace systems, processes, policies, standards, legal obligations and regulations, and apply risk management principles, to support and maintain efficient, safe, secure, accessible and healthy tourism operations.
- Use appropriate technologies to enhance the quality and delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences, to measure the effectiveness of tourism operations and to participate in tourism development.
- Keep current with tourism trends and issues, and interdependent relationships in the broader tourism industry sectors to improve work performance and guide career development.
- Use leadership, teamwork, conflict and relationship management skills and tools, as well as knowledge of organizational behaviour, employment standards and human rights to contribute to a positive work environment.
- Respond to issues and dilemmas arising in the delivery of tourism products, services and customer experiences by using and promoting ethical behaviour and best practices of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Students applying to Protection, Security and Investigation - Customs Border Services must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English
PC / Windows
- Operating System:Windows 10
- Processor:Core i5 - 1.6Ghz minimum
- Memory:8GB minimum
- Hard Disk:160GB minimum
Apple / MacOS
- Operating System:MacOS 10.12 or newer
- Processor:Core i5 6th Gen or better
- Memory:8GB minimum
- Hard Disk:160GB minimum
Internet Connection: 2.5 Mbps Download and 3.0 Mbps Upload (minimum)
In The NewsProtection, Security and Investigation - Customs Border Services
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Criminal Justice (General)
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 64 out of a 192 credit degree.
To apply please see the Charles Sturt University's admissions website.
For more information
Visit the Charles Sturt University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Public Safety and Security (General)
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 64 out of a 192 credit degree.
To apply please see the Charles Sturt University's admissions website.
For more information
Visit the Charles Sturt University website for further articulation and program information.
Educational Support - Advanced Standing
To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.
For more information
Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Emergency Management
To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.
For more information
Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.
Global Business Management
To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.
For more information
Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.
Police Foundations - Advanced Standing
To apply please see the Fleming College - Internal Application website.
For more information
Visit the Fleming College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice (3Yr)
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
- The program is offered face-to-face (Mt Gravatt campus or Gold Coast campus) or online.
Transfer Credit
- 120 credit points out of a 240 credit point degree.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the Griffith University's admissions website.
For more information
Visit the Griffith University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies
Requirement
- Minimum B cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd-year studies of a 4-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the Royal Roads University's admissions website.
For more information
Visit the Royal Roads University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.