Postal exams – Apply to work for the USPS (2024)

FAQs

Can you take the postal exam before applying for a job? ›

You may only take the assessment as part of submitting an application for a job requiring that assessment. I got an "Ineligible" score on the test.

Most entry-level Postal Service jobs require you to pass the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA). These exams include: VIRTUAL ENTRY ASSESSMENT – MC (474) for Mail Carrier jobs. VIRTUAL ENTRY ASSESSMENT – MH (475) for Mail Handler jobs.

USPS never charges a fee for employment information or exams. What about websites that charge a fee, are they legitimate? No. They are likely not legitimate.

With a failure rate between 80% and 90%, you'll want to study as much as you possibly can for the postal exam. Create a studying schedule well in advance and stick to it all the way until the day before your exam.

A non-proctored assessment is one that you can take on your own, at any location of your choosing (for example, using a computer at home or at the library). A proctored assessment is one that you must take at a specified test center.

You must score at least 70% to pass the VEA. If you do not pass the VEA, then you cannot be considered for the position (or any other positions in that job group) and you will not be able to retake that version of the VEA for one year.

What Is a Good Score on the USPS 474 Exam? A good score on the USPS 474 Exam is anything from 70 and above.

It usually takes two to four weeks to get hired at USPS, but in some cases, the process can take even longer if there are issues with the background checks or a low number of available positions. If you are really interested in a position with USPS, it is important to be patient and persevering.

Application and exam cost (free)

Both the application and any exams are free – if you see any websites that are charging a fee they are not legitimate and should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

The 1st part of the 473 exam is fairly easy but is timed so you need to work quick and be accurate. The memory part is generally considered the hardest for most people unless you have a photographic memory.

What happens if you pass the USPS exam? ›

Candidates must achieve a passing score to be considered for employment. Role-Specific Requirements: Candidates who pass the Postal Exam 474 may be eligible for positions such as Mail Carrier or City Carrier Assistant.

Age at appointment: 18 years of age or 16 years of age with a high school diploma. Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien. Language: Basic competency in English. Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.

An applicant found ineligible in any one factor — age, Selective Service System registration, driving record, qualifying test, driver's license review, drug screening, or English competence — is notified in writing that he or she is ineligible.

USPS positions are not traditional federal jobs since the USPS is not a federal agency (it is considered a quasi-government agency). There are more than 30,000 USPS facilitate across the country, 500,000+ employees, and good benefits such as health insurance, good pay, and a pension plan.

The Postal Exams is a general name given to four assessments used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to screen potential candidates - USPS 474 Test, USPS 475 Test, USPS 476 Test, and USPS 477 Test.

USPS Postal Exam 477. The Virtual Entry Assessment CS 477 is for those candidates applying for customer, service, sales, and distribution positions. There are four sections on the CS 477: work situations, work your register, tell us your story, and describe your approach.

Take this free practice test to see how prepared you are for the United States Postal Service Virtual Entry Assessment for the Postal Exams 474, 475, 476 and 477 for mail carriers, mail handlers, mail processors and customer service postal clerks.

Only 10-20% of applicants pass the exam's passing grade of 70% and go on to receive a job offer. Failing the Postal Exam isn't just a matter of not getting that one job and being able to apply for other USPS positions.

The Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) 477 is used to evaluate candidates applying to Customer Service Clerk jobs in the USPS. The exam takes approximately 75 minutes to complete and you can use a calculator and scratch paper while answering some of the questions.

Once you have completed the VEA you may check your results by logging in to your eCareer Candidate Profile. Open the Roadmap and go to the Assessments page (7). This score will be used if you apply to jobs that require the same VEA version.

How fast can you get hired at USPS? ›

The hiring process usually takes two to four weeks at USPS, but in some cases, the process can take even longer if there are issues with the background checks or a low number of available positions. If you are really interested in a position with USPS, it is important to be patient and persevering.

Postal Service Exam. These study guides cover Postal Service Exams 474, 475, 476, and 477, which are the tests used for Post Office job applications.

There was an ad on the internet for Postal Jobs – the ad provided a guarantee of postal employment for applicants who respond to the advertised service (i.e., follow the steps described), but they charge a fee. Is this legitimate? The US Postal Service® does not charge for employment information.

To pass it, you must reach a minimum score of 70. The higher you score above 70, the higher your chances of getting hired fast.

Summary. The USPS Postal Service Job Interview and Hiring Exam is a critical step in the hiring process for positions at the United States Postal Service, designed to assess a candidate's suitability for the physically demanding and detail-oriented nature of postal jobs.

Both the application and any exams are free – if you see any websites that are charging a fee they are not legitimate and should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service.