Postal Exam 473 Practice Test : Free USPS Exam Questions & Study Guide
Passing the USPS exam is the first step toward a stable career with the United States Postal Service. While the traditional Postal Exam 473 has largely been replaced by newer assessments like the 474, 475, 476, and 477, understanding the core concepts of the United Postal Service exam remains essential for candidates. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from the legacy Postal Exam 473 material to the modern USPS assessment test formats used today.
Whether you are applying for a mail carrier, clerk, or handler position, our United Postal Service test resources are designed to help you succeed. Use our free United States Post Office exam practice questions to familiarize yourself with the question types, improve your speed, and boost your confidence before taking the official US Post Office assessment test.
Note: The classic Postal Exam 473 was retired in 2019 and replaced by the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) series (474, 475, 476, 477). However, many candidates still use Postal Exam 473 practice materials to sharpen their general aptitude, address checking, and coding skills which are still relevant for the modern US Post Office exam.
Free Postal Exam 473 Practice Tests
Prepare for your USPS assessment exam with our specialized practice modules. Each postal service practice test below targets specific skills found on the USPS test exam and legacy 473 exams.
Postal Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the USPS assessment test
United Postal Service Test Study Guide
Our United Postal Service test study guide breaks down the essential information you need. Whether you're taking the Postal Exam 473 or the new VEA, these tabs cover the basics, format, and registration details.
| What is the Postal Exam? | The Postal Exam is a series of pre-employment assessments used by the USPS to screen candidates for various positions. The most common current exams are the 474, 475, 476, and 477. |
| Is the Postal Exam 473 still used? | No, the Postal Exam 473 was retired in 2019. However, many of its core skills like address checking are still tested in different formats within the new USPS assessment test. |
| Who needs to take the Postal Exam? | Anyone applying for entry-level positions such as mail carrier, mail handler, or processing clerk must pass the relevant united postal service exam. |
| Is the Postal Exam hard? | The modern USPS assessment exam focuses on personality and situational judgment, making it less academic but tricky if you don't understand the desired worker profile. |
| How many questions are on the Postal Exam? | The Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) typically consists of 3-4 sections with varying question counts, usually taking about 45 minutes to complete the US Post Office exam. |
| Is the Postal Exam timed? | Yes, sections of the USPS test exam are timed, although the personality assessment portions usually do not have a strict timer, speed is a factor. |
| What format is the exam? | The US postal assessment test is now entirely online and can be taken from home on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. |
| What are the main sections? | Common sections include Work Scenarios, Tell Us Your Story (Background), and Describe Your Approach (Personality), replacing the old memory sections of the Postal Exam 473. |
| How do I register for the Postal Exam? | You register for the united states post office exam by applying for a specific job opening on the USPS careers website. You will be emailed a link to the test. |
| What is the Postal Exam cost? | The Postal Exam cost is $0. The USPS does not charge a fee for the exam. Beware of scam sites asking for payment. |
| When can I take the exam? | You have 72 hours (3 days) to complete the USPS assessment test once you receive the invitation link via email after applying. |
| Do I need to go to a testing center? | No, unlike the old Postal Exam 473, the new assessments are unproctored and taken online from your own device. |
| What is a passing score? | A passing score for the Postal Exam is 70. However, to be competitive for hiring, you typically need a score in the high 80s or 90s. |
| When do I get my results? | You typically receive your united states postal service assessment test score immediately after completing the online exam. |
| How long is my score valid? | A passing score on the USPS assessment exam is valid for 2 years, allowing you to apply for other jobs without retaking it. |
| What if I fail? | If you fail the postal service practice test or real exam, you must wait 1 year before you can retake that specific assessment. |
| What is the starting salary? | Entry-level salaries vary, but City Carrier Assistants (CCA) typically start around $19/hour. Career employees enjoy regular raises. |
| Are there benefits? | Yes, the USPS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave for passing the united postal service test and getting hired. |
| Does the score affect salary? | Your Postal Exam score determines your ranking on the hiring list, which affects how quickly you get hired, but it does not directly dictate your starting pay rate. |
| Can I get a raise? | Yes, postal workers receive regular step increases and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) as per union contracts. |
USPS Assessment Exam Format
The USPS assessment exam landscape has shifted from the single Postal Exam 473 to role-specific Virtual Entry Assessments (VEA). Understanding which USPS virtual entry assessment applies to you is critical.
For City Carrier Assistant (CCA) and Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) roles. Focuses on customer service and work scenarios.
- Topics: Work Situations, Background, Personality
- Questions: ~135 Questions
For Mail Handler Assistant (MHA) positions. Emphasizes safety, reliability, and checking for errors.
- Topics: Error Checking, Work Ethic
- Questions: ~120 Questions
For Mail Processing Clerk (PSE) roles. Tests attention to detail and ability to spot data errors quickly.
- Topics: Data Verification, Scenarios
- Questions: ~130 Questions
For Customer Service Clerk positions. Heavily weighted towards customer interaction scenarios and cash handling concepts.
- Topics: Service Scenarios, Work Style
- Questions: ~140 Questions
For maintenance and mechanic roles. A rigorous test covering mechanical, electrical, and spatial concepts.
- Topics: AC/DC, Hydraulics, Motors
- Questions: ~130 Technical Qs
The retired exam standard. Still useful for practicing address checking, coding, and memory skills.
- Topics: Address Checking, Memory
- Questions: Legacy Format
To ace the USPS assessment test, focus on consistency in your personality answers. The test looks for reliability and safety-consciousness. Unlike the old Postal Exam 473, there is no "memorization" section in the new VEA exams, so prioritize situational judgment practice.
United States Post Office Exam Score Calculator
Estimate your USPS assessment exam score based on correct answers
Postal Service Salary and Benefits
Postal workers enjoy competitive wages, regular raises, and federal benefits. Passing the USPS test exam is your gateway to these earnings.
| Position | Hourly Rate | Annual Estimate | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Carrier Asst | $19.33 | $40,200 | Exam 474 |
| Mail Handler Asst | $18.22 | $37,900 | Exam 475 |
| PSE Clerk | $19.62 | $40,800 | Exam 476 |
| Tractor Trailer | $27.00+ | $56,000+ | CDL + Exam |
| Maint. Mechanic | $25.00+ | $52,000+ | Exam 955 |
Working for the USPS offers federal job security. Once you pass the united states post office exam and convert to career status, you gain access to a pension, TSP (401k equivalent), and no-layoff clauses in many contracts.
How to Pass the US Post Office Assessment Test
The path to a postal career involves a specific series of steps. From the initial application to the USPS assessment test, here is the timeline.
- Search & Apply - Find job openings on the USPS Careers site. Most usps exam online applications start here.
- Receive Invitation - If eligible, you'll receive an email with a link to the USPS virtual entry assessment.
- Take the Assessment - You have 72 hours to complete the USPS assessment exam from home.
- Receive Score - Your score is calculated immediately. A passing score (70+) makes you eligible for the interview.
- Interview & Background - High scorers are invited for an interview and must pass a drug screen and background check.
- Job Offer - Receive a conditional job offer and start orientation.
- Orientation - Complete paid training and start your career.
US Postal Service Assessment Test Costs
One of the most common questions is about the cost of the exam. The United States Post Office exam has a very straightforward fee structure.
The postal exam cost is always free. If a website asks you to pay to schedule a Postal Exam 473 or any USPS assessment test, it is a scam. Only apply through the official USPS website.
USPS Career Opportunities
Passing the USPS test exam opens doors to various specialized roles within the postal service.
Postal Exam Testing Contacts
For official information regarding the united postal service test and application status.
To find a post office exam near me or a job opening, use the "Search Jobs" function on the USPS Careers website. Filter by your state to see local openings that require the USPS assessment test.
Postal Exam Test Day Checklist
Start Your Postal Career Today
Join thousands of candidates who have passed their USPS assessment test using our free resources. Don't let the exam stand between you and a secure federal job.
START FREE PRACTICE TESTRetaking the Postal Exam
Understanding the policies for retaking the USPS test exam is crucial if you don't get the score you want on your first attempt.
If you pass the united postal service test but want a higher score to improve your hiring ranking, you must still wait 2 years for your current score to expire, or apply for a different job that requires a different assessment (e.g., switch from Carrier to Clerk).
Postal Exam Questions and Answers
You don't need to find a center near you. The modern USPS assessment test is unproctored and taken online from your home computer or smartphone.
The Postal Exam cost is $0. The USPS does not charge an application or testing fee. Avoid any website asking for payment.
No, the Postal Exam 473 was retired in 2019. It has been replaced by the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) 474, 475, 476, and 477.
While 70 is passing, a "good" score on the united states post office exam is typically considered to be 90 or above to ensure you are contacted for an interview.
Most candidates complete the USPS assessment exam in about 45 minutes, although you have a window of time to finish it.
Yes, but there is a waiting period. If you fail the postal service practice test or real exam, you must wait 1 year to retake it. If you pass, you must wait 2 years.
The 955 exam is a technical assessment for maintenance positions, covering mechanical and electrical topics. It is different from the general entry assessments.
Yes, eligible veterans can receive 5 or 10 extra points added to their passing US Postal Service assessment test score.
The initial USPS test exam (474, 475, 476, 477) is taken online. Technical exams like the 955 may require an in-person component.
You cannot simply "sign up" for the exam. You must apply for a specific job listing on the USPS Careers site, which triggers the united postal service test invitation.
Disclaimer: This practice test is for educational and preparatory purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or any official postal employment testing authority. For official USPS employment exams, application requirements, and registration information, please visit the official USPS careers website at usps.com/careers.