To get a job at your local post office, you’ll need to pass a postal exam. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a couple of different postal exams. One of the best ways to pass exams is to take postal exam practice tests.
Studying with actual postal exam questions and answers will let you know how well you are prepared for the actual postal exam.
Check out our list of free postal exam practice tests along with our other recommended resources. Please note that the USPS has discontinued the 473 Postal Exam. We have provided resources for the 474, 475, 476, 477, and 955 Postal Exams.
free postal exam practice tests
many of the different postal exams share similar question types. You’ll also find that some of the postal exam questions are subjective and don’t technically have a right or wrong answer. Below we have listed some postal practice exams with common questions you may be asked when taking a postal exam.
You can see what’s in each specific postal exam below.
recommended postal exam preparation courses
If you’re looking for more help with your postal exam, check out our recommended preparation resources below.
how to study for postal exams
preparing for the postal exam requires you to study smart, not hard! To pass your postal exams, you need to:
- understand what is on the postal exam
- focus on material you don’t know
- be able to think critically
Taking practice tests by mail helps you get used to what will be on the real test. You’ll feel more comfortable with the exam material by previewing the postal practice questions.
To get a job at your local post office, you must first apply for a job at the US Post Office.
usps jobs that require postal exams
Many USPS jobs require candidates to take and pass postal exams. The type of postal exam you take will depend on the type of job you are applying for. Below are some common jobs that require a postal exam.
Applicants won’t know if they need to take a postal exam until they apply for a position; if they are selected to take a postal exam, they will be notified by email. Applicants will be emailed a link to complete the postal exam and will have 72 hours to complete the exam, with the exception of the 955 postal exam.
- urban postman: this is what the public thinks when they say “postman”. the urban carrier delivers (and picks up) the mail on foot or by vehicle. The city carrier is assigned an assigned area and must deliver in all types of weather. the city carrier may be required to carry a 35-pound mail bag over the shoulder. Additionally, carriers are expected to handle mail containers weighing up to 70 pounds. carriers spend long periods of time on their feet, walking and reaching. applicants must have a valid driver’s license, including a safe driving record and two or more years of driving experience.
- mail processing clerk: mail processing involves operating automated mail processing equipment or manually sorting mail. Mail processing clerks organize and move processed mail from one area to another. these clearks are needed to lift and transport heavy containers.
- mail handler: mail handlers move mail containers and equipment through postal facilities. mail handlers also open and empty mail containers. Mail handlers are required to handle containers weighing up to 70 pounds.
- Sales, Service, and Distribution Associate: These retail associates work at local post offices and provide service to the customer to usps customers.
what’s in the postal test?
There are 5 main postal exams offered by the USPS. Each postal exam is taken by candidates applying for different positions within the USPS. postal exam content varies, but postal exams 474, 475, 476 and 477 contain the same 3 sections:
- work scenarios: These questions will give you different scenarios and see how you react to each different scenario.
- tell us your story: These questions will look at your background and work experience.
- Describe your approach: These questions will uncover how you approach everyday tasks.
Some of these sections contain additional test sections and the postal exam 955 is completely different from these other 4 exams. while there is no time limit, they encourage you to work quickly, which may or may not improve your test scores. Read below for a breakdown of each postal exam.
postal exam 474
Please note that this exam is also known as the MC 474 Virtual Entrance Assessment.
postal exam 475
Please note that this exam is also known as the MH 475 Virtual Entrance Assessment.
postal exam 476
Please note that this exam is also known as the MP 476 Virtual Entrance Assessment.
postal exam 477
Please note that this exam is also known as the CS 477 Virtual Entrance Assessment.
postal exam 955
Please note that this exam has replaced postal exams 931, 932 and 933.
The Personal Characteristics and Experience Inventory portion of the exam is self-administered and is taken before the Spatial Reasoning and Multi-Trade portions of the Postal 955 Exam. The Spatial Reasoning and Multi-Trade are online electronic tests, but must taken on a test site the spatial reasoning portion of the exam has several questions about visualization problems.
postal exam 473
Please note that the USPS has discontinued the 473 postal exam and replaced it with the 474, 475, 476, and 477 postal exams.
postal exam scores
The passing score for all postal exams is 70. Candidates who score less than 70 will not be eligible for the USPS position. candidates will not be able to take the exam for 12 months, so it is important to pass the exam the first time.
postal exams are unique in that candidates are ranked based on their exam scores. someone who scored 80 will be higher on the list compared to someone who scored 70. the candidate who scored 80 might get an interview right away, while the candidate who scored 70 might have to wait a little longer.
postal exam dates
postal exams are not scheduled on specific exam dates. applicants schedule their own exams.
After submitting a job application to the post office, you will receive an evaluation invitation email. Some jobs have a predetermined maximum number of applicants. If the job limit has been reached, you will not be invited to take the USPS exam. During the online application process, you will be notified on-screen if you will receive an invitation to take the postal exam. You will have 72 hours to complete the exam.
For mechanic and technician positions that require the 955 postal exam, applicants must take and pass two exams. The first USPS exam is an online assessment that will take a maximum of 75 minutes.
If you pass the online postal exam, you will need to take an exam at an approved location. this on-site examination will be proctored (i.e. monitored) by trained personnel.
postal exam frequently asked questions
last updated: 5/1/2022