USPS Postal Exam
The United States Postal Service or USPS for short administers exams that test the knowledge and qualifications of an applicant for a post office job. The USPS is an independent agency of the government which means that a position in the post office is a federal job.
Applying for this federal job requires a strict process. There are various exams that are specific to the kind of job that you want to apply for. The competition is quite high. Often, there are more job applicants than job titles.
The postal exam 473 is the one you should take when you want entry-level positions such as processing, delivery, and retail in the postal service.
Free Postal Service Practice Test Online
Postal Service Career Opportunities
What are US postal service jobs under the USPS postal battery exam or 473?
- City Carriers – They are the ones who collect and deliver mail either on foot or by vehicle in a certain location. They may also be required to carry mails that weigh up to 35 pounds in their shoulder satchels and load and unload mail that weighs up to 70 pounds.
There are three categories for this position: City Carrier Assistant 1, City Carrier Assistant 2, and Casual City Carrier.
- Mail Processing Clerks – They are the ones who work in Postal facilities by processing mail (incoming or outgoing) either manually or through automated mail processing equipment. They are also the ones who collect or transfer mail that weighs up to 70 pounds.
There are two other categories for this position: PSE Mail Processing Clerk (PSE MPC), Casual Mail Processing Clerk.
- Mail handler – They are the ones who load and unload containers, open and empty sacks or lift and transport mail in postal facilities. They carry mails that weigh up to 70 pounds, and they push rolling containers that weigh up to 1, 500 pounds.
There are two other categories for this position: Mail Handler Assistant and Casual Mail Handler.
- Sales, Services (Svcs), and Distribution Associate – They are the ones who work in retail. They offer customer service related functions at the Post Office in the front counter.
There are two other categories for this position: Postal Support Employee (PSE) Sales/Svcs/Distribution Associate, and Casual Sales/Svcs/Distribution Associate.
- Rural Carrier – They are the ones who deliver mail in a fixed route. They may be required to manage containers of mail that weigh up to 70 pounds.
There are two other categories for this position: Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) and Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC).
| What is a USPS exam? | The USPS exam (United States Postal Service exam) is a standardized assessment required for employment with USPS, evaluating skills in areas like work situations, personal characteristics, and position-specific competencies for various postal positions. |
| What types of USPS exams are available? | USPS offers several exams including Virtual Entry Assessment MC (474), Rural Carrier (460), City Carrier (473/473-E), Mail Processing (955), and position-specific tests for roles like Mail Handler, PSE, and supervisory positions. |
| Who needs to take the USPS exam? | Anyone applying for career or non-career USPS positions must take the exam. This includes Mail Carriers, Mail Handlers, PSEs, Clerks, Rural Carriers, and other operational positions within the postal service. |
| How much does the USPS exam cost? | The USPS exam is free to take. There are no fees for registration, testing, or score reporting as it's part of the standard USPS hiring process for all applicants. |
| What is the USPS exam format? | Most USPS exams are computer-based assessments delivered online, consisting of multiple-choice questions that evaluate work scenarios, personality characteristics, job-related skills, and situational judgment relevant to the specific postal position. |
| How long is the USPS exam? | The USPS exam duration varies by position. The Virtual Entry Assessment (474) takes about 30-45 minutes, while the Rural Carrier exam (460) takes approximately 60-90 minutes to complete. |
| How many questions are on the USPS exam? | The number of questions varies by exam. The Virtual Entry Assessment (474) has approximately 100-150 questions across multiple sections, while other exams like the 955 and 460 have different question counts. |
| What sections are on the USPS exam? | USPS exam sections typically include Work Scenarios, Tell Us Your Story (personality assessment), Describe Your Approach, and position-specific modules. Each section evaluates different competencies relevant to postal service work. |
| How do you register for the USPS exam? | Register by applying for USPS jobs at usps.com/careers, creating a profile, and submitting applications for positions of interest. If selected, you'll receive an email invitation with exam instructions and a testing link. |
| What are the USPS exam requirements? | Requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, minimum age of 18 (or 16 with high school diploma), valid email address, and passing a drug screening and background check after receiving a conditional job offer. |
| Where do you take the USPS exam? | The USPS exam is taken online from home or any location with reliable internet. You'll receive a unique testing link via email after applying for a position and being invited to test. |
| Can you take the USPS exam multiple times? | Yes, but there's a waiting period. After taking Exam 474, you must wait two years before retaking it. For position-specific exams, wait periods vary based on the exam type and your previous score. |
| What is a passing score for the USPS exam? | USPS uses a ranking system rather than pass/fail. Scores range from 1-100, with higher scores increasing hiring chances. Scores above 70 are generally competitive, while scores above 85 significantly improve your selection odds. |
| How is the USPS exam scored? | The exam generates a numerical score (1-100) based on your responses. Veterans receive additional points (5-10 points) added to their score. Higher scores place you higher on the candidate eligibility list. |
| When do you get USPS exam results? | USPS exam results are typically available immediately after completing the assessment. You'll see your score on-screen and receive an email confirmation with your results and eligibility status within 24-48 hours. |
| How long are USPS exam scores valid? | USPS exam scores remain valid for approximately two years from the test date. During this period, your score stays in the system for consideration across multiple job opportunities matching your exam type. |
| How do you prepare for the USPS exam? | Prepare by reviewing the exam format, practicing situational judgment questions, understanding USPS core values (safety, service, respect), taking USPS practice tests, and familiarizing yourself with typical workplace scenarios encountered in postal operations. |
| Are there official USPS exam study guides? | USPS provides sample questions and exam overviews on their careers website. While there are no official comprehensive study guides, the website offers practice questions that reflect the actual exam format and content. |
| How difficult is the USPS exam? | The USPS exam difficulty is moderate. It doesn't test academic knowledge but evaluates work experience, judgment, and personality fit. Most candidates find it manageable with proper preparation and honest, consistent responses. |
| What topics are covered on the USPS exam? | Topics include workplace scenarios, customer service situations, safety protocols, time management, teamwork, handling pressure, problem-solving, and job-specific skills like mail sorting, delivery procedures, or processing operations. |
Postal Exam 473
The test type would be multiple choice. It is divided into four sections, and one of the sections is further divided into two. You can take the “Personal Inventory” section on your own online while the other sections have to be taken at testing facilities.
What is on the USPS Postal Exam 473?
| Exam Sections | Subjects | Time Allowed | No. of Multiple-Choice Questions |
Part A Address Checking | You need to figure out if there are identical addresses, different zip codes, and addresses. | 11 minutes | 60 |
Part B Forms Completion | You need to get the right information and identification when completing forms. | 15 minutes | 30 |
Part C (Section 1) Coding | You’ll be shown a “coding guide” in which you will use the right code that you will assign to addresses. | 6 minutes | 36 |
Part C (Section 2) Memory | You need to memorize from the coding guide the assigned codes for addresses. | 7 minutes | 36 |
Part D Personal Characteristics and Experience Inventory | You will be asked about your personal characteristics and experience in relating to being a great Postal Service Employee. | 90 minutes | 236 |
What is a Passing Score for 473 Postal Exam?
The USPS exam 473 average scores are those that are 70 and up. But since it is an exam that is highly competitive, the best score would be the ones that will get you in the top three such as scores from 85 and above.
What is the USPS scoring?
Part A: For this part, the partial score is based on how many items you have answered correctly, minus one-third of the number of wrong items. The key is to answer many items as accurately as possible in the limited time that you have.
Part B: The scoring is almost similar to Part A. The number of correct answers is your score. The thing about this part is that it’s alright to guess. There will be no penalty for wrong answers. It’s best to answer every question if possible.
Part C: Your scoring for this part is the same as Part A. It is based on all your correct answers and minus one-third of your wrong answers. You need to code as many items as possible accurately.
Part D: This part is different from the others, and it makes up the bulk of the exam. You need to answer honestly based on your own experiences. The scoring is based on your responses so it’s best to answer honestly rather than giving the “correct” answer. Your answers will also remain confidential. The point is to figure out whether you have the right personality, characteristics, and experiences for the job.
Updated USPS Postal Exam
On April 1, 2019, the USPS Exam 473 was replaced with the USPS Virtual Entry Assessment Program, also known as VEA. The new exam focuses on four assessments: USPS Exam 474, USPS Exam 475, USPS Exam 476, and USPS Exam 477. These assessments are for the prescribed positions that the U.S. Postal Service offers.
Postal Exam 474
Virtual Entry Assessment Mail Carrier (MC)
The Postal Exam 474 is the exam for people who want to apply for these US post office careers: City Carrier, City Carrier Assistant 1, City Carrier Assistant 2, Casual City Carrier, Rural Carrier, Rural Carrier Associate, and Assistant Rural Carrier.
What is on the USPS Postal Exam 474?
The USPS exam is divided into four sections:
Exam Sections | Subjects |
Introduction | This contains the history of the Postal Service and information about the positions covered in the test. It also has the instructions and sample questions for the sections that are in the exam. |
Work Scenarios | This contains 8 questions that describe scenarios that you may experience on the job. The best thing to do is to pick the best two answers out of the four choices. |
Tell Us Your Story | This contains 20 questions wherein you state your employment history and experience. You should only mention those you have mentioned in the resume and application that you submitted. |
Describe Your Approach | This contains 56 questions. It is about determining the various aspects of your personality. |
Postal Exam 475
Virtual Entry Assessment Mail Handler (MH)
The Postal Exam 475 is the exam for people who want to apply for these US postal careers: Mail Handler, Mail Handler Assistant, and Casual Mail Handler.
What is on the USPS Postal Exam 475?
the USPS Exam 475 is almost the same as 474. The difference is that it a fifth section.
Exam Sections | Subjects |
Introduction | This contains the history of the Postal Service and information about the positions covered in the test. It also has the instructions and sample questions for the sections that are in the exam. |
Work Scenarios | This contains 9 questions that describe scenarios that you may experience on the job. The best thing to do is to pick the best two answers out of the four choices. |
Tell Us Your Story | This contains 22 questions wherein you state your employment history and experience. You should only mention those you have mentioned in the resume and application that you submitted. |
Describe Your Approach | This contains 79 questions. It is about determining the various aspects of your personality. |
Check for Errors | This contains 12 questions. Each of the questions has a pair of eight-digit numbers, and if the pairs are similar, you choose “Match” as your answer. If they are not, then you choose “Error.” |
Postal Exam 476
Virtual Entry Assessment Mail Processor (MP)
The Virtual Entry Assessment MP 476 is the exam for people who want to apply for these postal careers: Mail Processing Clerk, PSE Mail Processing Clerk, Casual Mail Processing Clerk, Data Conversion Operator, PSE Data Conversion Operator, and Casual Data Conversion Operator.
What is on the USPS Postal Exam 476?
The USPS Exam 476 is similar to 475.
Exam Sections | Subjects |
Introduction | This contains the history of the Postal Service and information about the positions covered in the test. It also has the instructions and sample questions for the sections that are in the exam. |
Work Scenarios | This contains 9 questions that describe scenarios that you may experience on the job. The best thing to do is to pick the best two answers out of the four choices. |
Tell Us Your Story | This contains 22 questions wherein you state your employment history and experience. You should only mention those you have mentioned in the resume and application that you submitted. |
Describe Your Approach | This contains 79 questions. It is about determining the various aspects of your personality. |
Check for Errors | This contains 12 questions. Each of the questions has a pair of eight-digit numbers, and if the pairs are similar, you choose “Match” as your answer. If they are not, then you choose “Error.” |
Postal Exam 477
Virtual Entry Assessment Customer Service (CS)
The Postal Exam 477 is the exam for people who want to apply for these positions: Sales/Svcs/Distribution Associate, PSE Sales/Svcs/Distribution Associate, and Casual Sales/Svcs/Distribution Associate.
What is on the USPS Postal Exam 477?
The USPS exam is divided into five sections. The fifth one is different from the other exams.
Exam Sections | Subjects |
Introduction | This contains the history of the Postal Service and information about the positions covered in the test. It also has the instructions and sample questions for the sections that are in the exam. |
Work Scenarios | This contains 10 questions that describe scenarios that you may experience on the job. The best thing to do is to pick the best two answers out of the four choices. |
Tell Us Your Story | This contains 21 questions wherein you state your employment history and experience. You should only mention those you have mentioned in the resume and application that you submitted. |
Describe Your Approach | This contains 56 questions. It is about determining the various aspects of your personality. |
Work Your Register | This contains 13 questions. Each question depicts a transaction that has been done. It also has the amount paid and the change to be given based on the purchase. You have to answer it as accurately as you can since you have to pick the lesser amount of change to give to customers. |
Postal Jobs Guide
How to apply for USPS postal exams?
Step 1: The first thing you should do is the USPS exam registration. You need to register an account on the USPS website and set up your career profile.
Step 2: Search for job postings on the official website using your USPS careers login. You can see the announcements for US postal jobs now hiring. (www.usps.com/employment)
Step 3: The USPS will contact you, so you’ll have to wait for them. They will inform you of the test date, time, and location. They often tell you about it a week before the USPS exam.
Step 4: You can take the exam based on the information given to you.
Step 5: After taking the USPS exam, you’ll have to wait for the results. The National Test Center Administration will be the one to score the test.
Step 6: Depending on whether you will pass, the USPS will get in touch with you for the interview date and time.
Step 7: If you do get hired, you’ll have to undergo a suitability assessment such as criminal conviction and employment history.
Postal Jobs Qualification
- You must be 18 years old at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma.
- You must be a permanent resident of the U.S. or a citizen of any U.S. territory.
- You must submit your recent employment history.
- You must pass documents such as criminal background checks, drug screenings, and medical assessments.
- You must pass your driving records. This depends on the position you’re applying for.
- You must also be registered with Selective Serve (if applicable).
Postal Exam Study Guide
- You should know more about the format of the exam.
The post office exam caters to different job positions. The tests are different, and they depend on the kind of job that you would want to apply for. That is why being familiar with the format will help you a lot. You would know the topics that you should focus on and more importantly, you’ll be able to know the test type.
- You should schedule your study time.
The post office tests require your focus and time. Because of this, it is vital that you plan the topics and how you will be able to maximize your schedule. Each section of the exam is different. It is said that the majority of the applicants for the U.S. Postal Service fail because they do not know how to answer the questions for lack of preparation.
- You should make use of study guides, practice exams, and practice tests.
Preparation is needed for you to pass the exam. There is a lot of competition, so you have to get the highest scores. Only the top three scorers can be interviewed, and there won’t even be an assurance that you will get hired. What makes the exam particularly tricky is that it makes use of hypothetical questions. Thus, you should make use of USPS practice postal exams, study guides, and postal office practice tests.
Postal Exam 476 Practice Test PDF
One of the four new Virtual Entry Assessment tests just launched to replace retiring exam 473 is postal exam 476, commonly known as the Mail Processor VEA exam and the Processing Clerk VEA exam. We have prepared a USPS Postal Service Exam PDF to assist you in passing the exam.
USPS Questions and Answers
The Virtual Entry Assessment (Exam 474) is the most common USPS hiring exam, used for entry-level positions like City Carrier Associate, Mail Handler, and PSE. It's an online test evaluating work scenarios, personality traits, and job fit, taking about 30-45 minutes to complete and scored on a scale of 1-100.
Most operational USPS positions require an exam, including City Carrier Associates, Rural Carriers, Mail Handlers, Mail Processing Clerks, PSEs (Postal Support Employees), and various clerk positions. Management and some specialized technical roles may have different assessment requirements beyond the standard exams.
USPS salaries vary by position and experience. Entry-level positions like Mail Handlers start around $18-19/hour ($37,000-40,000 annually), City Carriers begin at approximately $19-20/hour, while career positions reach $50,000-70,000 annually with benefits. Rural Carriers earn based on route evaluations, typically $40,000-60,000 annually.
Career USPS employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (Federal Employees Health Benefits), retirement plans (FERS and TSP), paid vacation and sick leave, life insurance, and opportunities for career advancement. Non-career employees receive limited benefits with the potential to convert to career positions after specific service requirements.
Most USPS positions require on-site work due to the nature of mail processing and delivery. However, some corporate and administrative roles offer remote or hybrid work options. Entry-level operational positions like carriers, clerks, and mail handlers must work at postal facilities or on delivery routes.
The USPS hiring process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to final offer. After submitting your application and taking the exam, you'll undergo background checks, drug screening, and medical evaluation. Timeline varies based on position demand, location, and how quickly you complete required steps.
Exam 955 is the Mechanic and Machinist assessment for maintenance positions. It evaluates mechanical comprehension, troubleshooting skills, and technical knowledge related to equipment maintenance and repair. This exam is specifically for Building Equipment Mechanic, Electronic Technician, and similar maintenance roles within USPS facilities.
Yes, career USPS employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which provides a pension based on years of service and highest salary average. Employees also contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401(k)-style retirement account, and receive Social Security benefits, creating a three-part retirement system.
Career positions offer full federal benefits, retirement, job security, and regular schedules. Non-career positions (PSE, CCA, RCA, MHA) are temporary with limited benefits, fewer protections, and variable hours. Non-career employees can convert to career status after meeting service requirements, typically 2-3 years depending on position and location needs.
Exam 460 is the Rural Carrier Exam specifically for Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) and Rural Carrier positions. It assesses memory skills, address checking, forms completion, and following instructions. This exam differs from the Virtual Entry Assessment and is required only for rural carrier positions serving less densely populated delivery routes.