USPS Postal Service Exam Questions

What is USPS Postal Exam

The United States Postal Service (USPS) hiring process involves several steps to ensure the selection of qualified candidates for various positions within the organization.

Candidates are encouraged to read the job announcements carefully and follow the instructions provided by USPS throughout the application and selection process.

The USPS (United States Postal Service) hiring process typically involves several stages. First, candidates submit an online application through the USPS careers website.

Eligible applicants may then be invited to take the Postal Exam 473, which assesses basic aptitude and skills. Successful candidates move on to an interview, background check, and a medical assessment. After completing these steps, candidates may receive a conditional job offer.

Upon acceptance, they undergo orientation and training before starting their position with the USPS. It's important for applicants to check the USPS website for specific details and any updates to the hiring process.

USPS hiring process may vary based on the specific position, location, and other factors. While the exact process may vary depending on the specific job role, here is a general overview of the USPS hiring process:

1

Job Search and Application:

  • Candidates interested in USPS positions can search for job openings on the USPS website or other designated platforms.
  • Review the job descriptions, requirements, and application deadlines for positions of interest.
  • Submit an online application for the desired position, providing accurate and complete information.
2

Application Review

  • USPS Human Resources (HR) staff review submitted applications to determine if candidates meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
  • Applications that meet the initial criteria move forward in the process.
3

Assessment Test

  • Depending on the position, candidates may be required to take an assessment test to evaluate their skills, abilities, and knowledge relevant to the job.
  • The assessment may include components such as situational judgment, aptitude, and job-related skills.
4

Interview

  • Qualified candidates are invited to participate in an interview. The interview may be conducted in-person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.
  • The interview assesses the candidate's fit for the job, work experience, interpersonal skills, and relevant qualifications.
5

Background Check

  • Candidates who successfully pass the interview may undergo a comprehensive background check. This includes criminal history, employment history, and references.
6

Medical Assessment

  • Some positions may require candidates to undergo a medical assessment to ensure they meet the physical requirements of the job.
7

Drug Screening

  • Candidates may be required to undergo drug testing as part of the hiring process.

USPS Careers

Here are some of the most common careers at the United States Postal Service (USPS) along with brief job descriptions to help job candidates understand these roles:

  1. Mail Carrier: Mail carriers are responsible for delivering mail and packages to homes and businesses along assigned routes. They must ensure timely and accurate delivery while providing excellent customer service.
  2. Mail Processing Clerk: Mail processing clerks sort and process mail using automated machines and equipment. They help ensure that mail is correctly sorted, labeled, and prepared for delivery to various destinations.
  3. Postal Clerk: Postal clerks work at post office counters, assisting customers with services such as buying stamps, weighing packages, and providing information about postal regulations and services.
  4. Customer Service Representative: Customer service representatives assist customers in person, over the phone, and via email. They provide information, address inquiries, and help resolve issues related to USPS services and products.
  5. City Carrier Assistant: City carrier assistants assist mail carriers with delivering mail and packages. They may cover routes during regular carrier absences, helping to ensure consistent and timely mail delivery.
  6. Rural Carrier Associate:Rural carrier associates provide mail delivery services in rural and suburban areas. They use their own vehicles to deliver mail along designated routes.
  7. Truck Driver: Truck drivers operate USPS vehicles to transport mail and packages between postal facilities, distribution centers, and local post offices. They ensure safe and timely transportation of mail.
  8. Maintenance Mechanic:Ā  Maintenance mechanics perform repairs and maintenance on USPS facilities, equipment, and vehicles. They troubleshoot and fix mechanical issues to ensure operational efficiency.
  9. Postal Inspector: Postal inspectors investigate mail-related crimes, including theft, fraud, and illegal drug trafficking. They work to maintain the integrity of the mail system and uphold postal laws.
  10. Postal Police Officer: Postal police officers provide security for USPS facilities, employees, and customers. They enforce federal laws and regulations, respond to emergencies, and ensure a safe environment.
  11. Custodian: Custodians are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of USPS facilities. They clean and sanitize workspaces, restrooms, and common areas.
  12. IT Specialist:Ā  IT specialists support USPS information technology systems, networks, and applications. They troubleshoot technical issues, install software, and ensure system security.

What is USPS Postal Exam

The USPS Postal Exam serves as an online evaluation utilized by the USPS to evaluate candidates for various roles within the Post Office. In April 2019, the USPS introduced four new assessments called Virtual Entry Assessments, which replaced the outdated Postal Exam 473.

Some sections of the USPS exams feature unconventional and occasionally challenging question formats, designed to assess your suitability for Postal Office positions.

For individuals who completed the now-obsolete Postal Exam 473 prior to 2019, there may be a question about the validity of their scores. Regrettably, these scores are no longer considered valid. To apply for USPS positions, you will need to complete one or more of the new USPS exams, depending on the specific roles you are seeking.

Below is the comprehensive list of USPS (United States Postal Service) Pre-Employment hiring exams, used to test job candidates:

  1. Practice USPS Postal 642 Exam: This practice test is designed to prepare you for the USPS Postal Exam 642, which focuses on your ability to accurately compare addresses and identify coding errors. It is essential for jobs related to mail processing, clerks, and other roles involving address verification.
  2. Practice USPS Postal 474 Exam: Enhance your readiness for the USPS Postal Exam 474, which assesses your skills in recognizing address components and matching them to coded information. This exam is relevant for positions like mail carriers, mail handlers, and other roles related to sorting and delivering mail.
  3. Practice USPS Postal 475 Exam: Prepare for the USPS Postal Exam 475, which focuses on your ability to accurately compare and match coded information with addresses. This exam is essential for candidates applying for roles such as mail processing clerks and other positions involving address analysis and coding.
  4. Practice USPS Postal 476 Exam: Get ready for the USPS Postal Exam 476, designed to evaluate your skills in recognizing address components and matching them to coded information, including ZIP codes. This exam is particularly relevant for mail processing clerks and similar roles.
  5. Practice UPSP Postal 477 Exam: This practice resource is tailored for the UPSP Postal Exam 477, which focuses on your ability to recognize and compare address elements and their corresponding codes. It's crucial for candidates aiming for mail handling positions and other roles related to accurate mail sorting.
  6. Practice USPS Postal 955 Exam: Prepare for the USPS Postal Exam 955, which assesses your skills in identifying coding errors, recognizing address components, and accurately matching them to coded information. This exam is essential for candidates interested in mail processing and related roles.

USPS Postal Service Hiring Exam

What Is a Good Score on the USPS Assessment Test?

The passing threshold for any of the Postal Exams is set at 70, and any score exceeding this mark is deemed satisfactory. If you encounter an "ineligible" status instead of a score, it signifies that you haven't attained the minimum score of 70. In such a scenario, you'll be eligible for a retest only after one year.

It's crucial to be well-prepared for this test, which is why we highly recommend our USPS Postal Exam preparation package.

What Happens After You Pass the Postal Exam?

The USPS ranks candidates who have successfully passed the Postal exams based on their test scores, following the initial sorting of submissions by exam submission time. Consequently, candidates with higher scores receive interview invitations more promptly than those who achieved lower scores.

If you've attained a score of 70 or higher but aspire to enhance your score, it is indeed achievable. However, it's important to note that there's a significant waiting period of two years before you can make another attempt. Therefore, striving to attain the highest possible score should be your primary objective.

The USPS Postal Exam 642

The USPS Postal Exam 642, designed for supervisors, is a 90-minute online exam that doesn't require proctoring. This test comprises two sections: situational judgment and personal characteristics.

The situational judgment section consists of 48 items and should be finished within 60 minutes. This part evaluates your decision-making in work-related scenarios. Each question presents a situation and asks what you would be most likely to do and least likely to do.

The personal characteristics section includes 63 items and should be completed in 30 minutes. This part assesses your traits, characteristics, and inclinations regarding effective work performance.

It's crucial to be well-prepared for this test, which is why we highly recommend our The USPS Postal Exam 642 preparation package.

The USPS Postal Exam 474

The USPS Postal Exam 474, also referred to as the Virtual Entry Assessment – MC (474), is utilized to assess applicants seeking positions as city and rural mail carriers. As of November 2021, three new sections were incorporated into the Postal Exam 474: "What Drives You," "Move the Mail," and "Verify Customer Information."

 

Generally speaking, there is 4 sections in that test:

Work Scenarios - In this section, you will encounter 18 scenarios that are common in the daily work of a mail carrier.

For each scenario, you will be presented with four options, and you should select two responses: one that reflects the action you are most likely to take and another that represents the action you are least likely to take.

Describe your Approach - This section consists of 139 items and is intended to assess your individual work style, teamwork or management tendencies, and professional approach.

Tell Us Your Story - This section comprises 37 questions and is aimed at forecasting your future job performance based on your prior experience.

What Drives You - This is a motivation test created to uncover what brings you fulfillment in your workplace. Each question is designed to evaluate your connection to two distinct sources of motivation. Consequently, you may encounter the same motivation sources in multiple questions.

It's crucial to be well-prepared for this test, which is why we highly recommend our The USPS Postal Exam 474 preparation package.

The USPS Postal Exam 475

The USPS Postal Exam 475 is a required examination for individuals aspiring to become a USPS Mail Handler or Mail Handler Assistant. This test is part of the four new assessments introduced by the USPS since April 2019, following the retirement of the previous 473 exam.

 

Here's a brief overview of the assessment and its associated practice materials:

Behavioral Section ("Work Scenarios"): This section assesses your ability to handle complex situations that you might encounter as a Mail Handler.

Personality Sections ("Describe Your Approach," "Tell Us Your Story," "What Drives You"): These sections evaluate your work motivation and personality traits to determine if you're a suitable match for the USPS.

Attention to Detail Sections ("Check for Errors," "Move the Mail"): These sections gauge your attention to fine details, such as customer names and addresses.

It's crucial to be well-prepared for this test, which is why we highly recommend our The USPS Postal Exam 475 preparation package.

The USPS Postal Exam 476

The USPS Postal Exam 476 (MP 476) is employed during the screening of candidates for numerous positions, encompassing roles like Mail Processing Clerk, PSE Mail Processing Clerk, Casual Mail Processing Clerk, Data Conversion Operator, PSE Data Conversion Operator, and Casual Data Conversion Operator.

 

Here's a brief overview of the preparation materials provided for Postal Exam 476:

Behavioral Section: This section includes two practice tests focused on "Work Scenarios." These tests help assess your capacity to handle complex situations frequently encountered by mail carriers.

Personality Section: The Personality Section comprises 12 practice tests, divided into three sections: "Describe Your Approach," "Tell Us Your Story," and "What Drives You." These segments aim to evaluate your work motivation and personality traits, with the goal of assessing your compatibility with the USPS.

Attention to Detail Sections: This section features 11 practice tests covering tasks such as "Move the Mail," "Verify Customer Information," and "Check for Errors." These tests evaluate your ability to pay close attention to small details, including customer names and addresses.

It's crucial to be well-prepared for this test, which is why we highly recommend our The USPS Postal Exam 476 preparation package.

The USPS Postal Exam 477

The USPS Postal ExamĀ (CS 477) serves as an evaluation tool for individuals seeking positions as Customer Service Clerks within the USPS. This examination typically requires around 75 minutes to finish, and you are permitted to utilize a calculator and scratch paper for certain questions.

The primary aim of Postal Exam 477 is to gain insights into various aspects of your qualifications, including your interpersonal skills, particularly in customer interactions, your approach to work, your prior work background, and your fundamental math abilities.

 

Here's a brief overview of the assessment and its corresponding practice materials:

Behavioral & Numerical Sections ("Work Situations," "Help Your Customers"): These sections assess your capacity to handle complex scenarios you may encounter as a Customer Service Clerk.

Personality Sections ("Describe Your Approach," "Tell Us Your Story," "What Drives You"): These segments evaluate your work motivation and personality traits to determine if you're a suitable fit for the USPS.

Math Calculation Section ("Work Your Register"): This section measures your ability to quickly and accurately make change, a skill you'll frequently use in the role.

Attention to Detail Section ("Verify Customer Information"): This section assesses your attention to small details like customer names and addresses.

It's crucial to be well-prepared for this test, which is why we highly recommend our The USPS Postal Exam 477 preparation package.

The USPS Postal Exam 955

The Postal Exam 955, also called the USPS Maintenance Test, screens candidates for different USPS maintenance roles, like Maintenance Mechanic, Electronic Technician, Building Equipment Mechanic, and others. The exam lasts for 75 minutes and includes questions on 8 content areas.

It's crucial to be well-prepared for this test, which is why we highly recommend our The USPS Postal Exam 955 preparation package.

How to Study for and Pass the Postal Exam?

The most effective way to prepare for and pass the Postal Service Exam is to understand how to respond to the same question types found on the actual test. Postal exams feature unique questions that assess various skills and aspects of your personality, so it's essential to know the most effective methods for addressing them.

 

This prep package will help you accomplish three key objectives:

  1. You'll acquire strategies for approaching every type of USPS question and learn the best techniques for answering them.
  2. You'll gain a sense of the real testing environment through full-length USPS practice tests.
  3. You'll receive reliable tips and tricks for responding to personality and behavioral questions.

Did you know?

To get hired for the job you need to pass an assessment test. Preparing for an employment assessment test can be a daunting task, but practicing beforehand can significantly improve your chances of success. We recommend using USPS Postal Exam practice materials from JobTestPrep.

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The USPS Postal Exam Sample Questions

The USPS Postal Work Scenarios

Pass The Test To Get Hired

Why Practice Before Taking the Test

Build Confidence

  • Simulate Actual Test
  • Identify Weaknesses
  • Focus Preparation Efforts

Time Yourself

  • Improve Your speed
  • Improve Your Accuracy
  • Optimize Your Study Time

Feedback and Analysis

  • Get Detailed Explanations of Answers
  • Get feedback on Your Performance
  • Identify Areas for Improvement

Next Step: Prepare for the Assessment Test

To get hired for theĀ  job you need to pass the assessment test. Preparing for an employment assessment test can be a daunting task, but practicing beforehand can significantly improve your chances of success. Below are the reasons why you might consider to get prepared by practicing using USPS Postal Exam from JobTestPrep.

  • JobTestPrep practice provides Realistic simulation: The JobTestPrep practice tests simulate the actual test format and difficulty level, providing you with an accurate representation of what to expect on test day. This can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your practice efforts accordingly.
  • You can time yourself by doing practice tests: Time management is crucial during the test, so practice completing questions within the time limit for each section. This will help you to improve your speed and accuracy during the actual test.
  • JobTestPrep tests provide feedback and analysis: The practice tests include detailed explanations and feedback on your performance, enabling you to identify areas for improvement and learn from your mistakes.
  • You get customized study plan: JobTestPrep offers customized study plans based on your performance on practice tests, helping you to optimize your study time and focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
  • JobTestPrep materials are accessible online: JobTestPrep practice materials are accessible online, allowing you to practice at your own pace and convenience from anywhere with an internet connection.

Below is the comprehensive list of USPS (United States Postal Service) Pre-Employment hiring exams, used to test job candidates:

  1. Practice USPS Postal 642 Exam: This practice test is designed to prepare you for the USPS Postal Exam 642, which focuses on your ability to accurately compare addresses and identify coding errors. It is essential for jobs related to mail processing, clerks, and other roles involving address verification.
  2. Practice USPS Postal 474 Exam: Enhance your readiness for the USPS Postal Exam 474, which assesses your skills in recognizing address components and matching them to coded information. This exam is relevant for positions like mail carriers, mail handlers, and other roles related to sorting and delivering mail.
  3. Practice USPS Postal 475 Exam: Prepare for the USPS Postal Exam 475, which focuses on your ability to accurately compare and match coded information with addresses. This exam is essential for candidates applying for roles such as mail processing clerks and other positions involving address analysis and coding.
  4. Practice USPS Postal 476 Exam: Get ready for the USPS Postal Exam 476, designed to evaluate your skills in recognizing address components and matching them to coded information, including ZIP codes. This exam is particularly relevant for mail processing clerks and similar roles.
  5. Practice UPSP Postal 477 Exam: This practice resource is tailored for the UPSP Postal Exam 477, which focuses on your ability to recognize and compare address elements and their corresponding codes. It's crucial for candidates aiming for mail handling positions and other roles related to accurate mail sorting.
  6. Practice USPS Postal 955 Exam: Prepare for the USPS Postal Exam 955, which assesses your skills in identifying coding errors, recognizing address components, and accurately matching them to coded information. This exam is essential for candidates interested in mail processing and related roles.

All the best on your job interview and assessment test! Good luck & I truly hope you will get hired soon!

Click Here to Practice Assessment Test Now!