Using the Training Package

Customs officers who wish to go through the systems-based post-clearance audit (PCA) training course should contact their senior officers so that the training package can be made available to them.

Customs officers who have been newly assigned as post-clearance auditors must go through this PCA training. Ideally, they must remain in their post for at least 12 months after completing the course. This minimum retention period is necessary for the officers to build on this initial training and fully develop their auditing skills. Managers or key personnel from other departments and/or functions, particularly those with such closely related responsibilities as risk management or compliance management, as well as authorized economic operators or other trusted traders, should also take this training to enhance their knowledge. These managers and other key personnel can act as mentors during the training, and the others will benefit from their knowledge and expertise.

Ideally, trainees should finish going through the videos and the training booklet in 2 weeks. This will ensure the lessons from previous sessions are fresh in the trainees’ minds. Support from senior management is critical and it is recommended that they monitor the progress of the customs officers taking the training.

Before playing the videos, the Systems-Based Post-Clearance Audit: Training Booklet must be on-hand. Trainees should first read the “Introduction,” “Training Objectives,” and “Getting Started” portions of the booklet. The flash drive attached to this booklet must be plugged in to the USB port of the trainees’ computers.

System Requirements

The sessions are to be played one after the other in the order they appear in the flash drive menu. Trainees may skip sessions, if they feel they are at a proficient level for that particular session. However, the trainees must complete all tests. The comprehension tests are designed to gauge how well the trainees have understood the session’s topic and to assess if the objectives of the session were met. The trainee is encouraged to play back the video or go through the various references available in this training package for answers.

The trainees’ senior officers may require completed tests to be submitted. The comprehensions tests for relevant sessions are found in the training booklet. The pages are perforated so that they can be submitted. The tests and may also be taken online.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are displayed at the end of the relevant sessions in the training videos and they are also compiled in the training booklet. Please note that some questions are actually frequently expressed opinions rather than questions. For additional questions and clarifications, the trainees may consult with their mentors and other senior staff.

Using the Training Package for Live Training

Although the training package is designed primarily for individual training, it can also be used during a live training where senior management may be invited to deliver opening remarks during the first session and a facilitator can briefly introduce each session before the training video is played. In other words, the training documents with the videos can supplement live training, if this can be conveniently arranged. References are also available in the training package to guide instructors during a live training.

Completion of the Training, Online Tests, and Certification

Customs officers who have completed the training on Systems-Based Post-Clearance Audits now have the confidence, knowledge, and skills to carry out PCAs. The comprehension tests are in the Training Booklet and are also administered on the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) website. Tests done on the website will be scored automatically. When the trainee returns a passing score, a password is automatically generated and will appear next to the score. The password may be used to open a file containing a certificate, which can be issued to the customs officers.

To take the test online, the trainees may go to: https://www.sasec.asia/index.php?page=pca-tests-certificate