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

How to apply

Here’s what you need to know and how to get started.

Some jobs require an exam. If an exam is required, it will be listed on the job posting under “Examination Requirements.”

Postal exams

Types of exams
Taking your Postal exam
What happens after the exam?

More to read

  • Exam tips
  • Frequently asked questions
  • List of exams

Types of exams

Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA)

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
  • VIRTUAL ENTRY ASSESSMENT – MP (476) for Mail Processing jobs
  • VIRTUAL ENTRY ASSESSMENT – CS (477) for Customer Service Clerk jobs

Timeframe:

You have 3 days (72 hours) to complete the VEA. It will take about 30-45 minutes to complete. Please start the exam as soon as possible. If you do not complete the exam by the deadline, then you will no longer be considered for the job you applied to. However, you can apply to other jobs in the future.

Download VEA guide

Some postal jobs require other exams. You may receive an email with instructions to take the exam. If you have not tested before, you will need to create an account. Your ID number and the website will be in the email.

For information on each exam, please review the exam information package available when you log into your testing account.

Timeframe:

The email will give the deadline to complete the exam.

See exams by job type

Taking your Postal exam

After applying for a job that requires an exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to take the exam from the testing vendor. Check all email folders so you don’t miss any USPS emails, including “spam” and “junk” folders. Add the following email domain addresses to your contact list - @usps.gov; @psionline.com; @geninfo.com; @uspis.gov.

Nonproctored exams

A nonproctored exam is one that you can take online on your own, at any place of your choosing (for example, using a computer at home or at the library).

You can take the exam on a smartphone, tablet, or computer at a time and place of your choosing. There is no special preparation required. To do your best work, take the exam in a quiet location, free of noise and distractions.

Proctored exams

A proctored exam is one that you complete at an approved exam center. Follow the instructions provided in the email you receive from your testing vendor.

What happens after the exam?

Watch your email for updates on the status of your application.

How to see your exam results

VEA exams

  • Your results will be on your eCareer profile, on the “Roadmap” and “Assessments” page.
  • See VEA exam details

After taking the exam, an email from the testing vendor will notify you that your result is available. Log into your exam testing vendor account to see your results on the Notice of Result. You can also log into eCareer to see your results.

Understanding your results

The result of your exam will be either “eligible” or “ineligible” or it may be a score number.

  • If your result score is “eligible” you received a passing score.
  • If your result score is “ineligible” you did not receive a passing score.
  • Some exams give a score as a number.

If you did not receive a passing score, you will not be considered for the specific posting you applied to. However, you may apply to other postings requiring the same exam or a different exam. You may also apply to other jobs that require a different exam.

Exam tips

The U.S. Postal Service® does not charge for employment information, submitting an application, or taking exams. See FAQ on How to report fraud for more information.

The U.S. Postal Service® is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified examinees with disabilities who require an accommodation for the examination in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Accessibility information for each exam can be found in the exam invitation and may address your accommodation needs.

For questions related to reasonable accommodations in testing, please contact Examadmin@usps.gov.

Technical support contacts are provided at the beginning of the exam or in the email invitation.

FAQs

For proctored exams, you may cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. To cancel or reschedule, log onto your online testing account and click “Appointment Date/Time” link.

Not everyone who applies will be invited to take the exam.

If you are not invited to take the exam, you may be able to take it in the future or through other job applications.

The USPS does not charge for employment information or for taking a postal exam. If you are concerned about a company’s ad for USPS employment, contact:

  • Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or on the Internet at http://www.ftc.gov. From the FTC website select “Consumer Complaint” and then “Complaint Assistant”. The website will gather the needed information and FTC will analyze the complaint for any similarity and needed further action.
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Local office listed in the blue (Government) pages of the local telephone directory.

Your state attorney general or local Better Business Bureau.

If you do not complete the exam by the deadline, then you will receive an ineligible score and will not be considered for the position you applied to. You may apply again to other positions requiring the same exam, as well as to other jobs that require a different exam.

You may retest on or after your Retest Eligibility Date.

After taking the exam, log into eCareer to see your Retest Eligibility Date. Open the Roadmap in “My Profile” and go to the Assessments tab (7).

List of exams

VEA exams

Exam Exam name Jobs
474 Virtual Entry Assessment – MC City Carrier, Rural Carrier, City Carrier Assistant, Rural Carrier Associate
475 Virtual Entry Assessment – MH Mail Handler, Mail Handler Assistant
476 Virtual Entry Assessment – MP Mail Processing Clerk, PSE Mail Processing Clerk
477 Virtual Entry Assessment – CS Sales and Services Associate, PSE Sales and Services Distribution Associate

Other exams

Exam Exam name Description Jobs
220/230/240 Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO) / Motor Vehicle Operator (MVO) / Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO) Exam to provide your driving history with large vehicles Postal Vehicle Operator (PVO), Motor Vehicle Operator (MVO), Tractor Trailer Operator (TTO)
251 Automotive Body and Fender Repair and Painting Exam to answer questions about your experience with automotive fender repair or painting Automotive Painter, Body and Fender Specialist
630 Postal Police Officer Exam to measure your personality, experience, reading and math skills Postal Police Officer
710/720/725/730 Clerical Abilities Exam to measure your clerical abilities, such as sequencing, comparisons, spelling, math, following directions, grammar, and reading ability Clerk, Secretary and Assistant
712/713 Typing Exam Exam to measure how fast and accurately you type on a computer Clerk, Secretary and Assistant
714 & 715 Data Entry Exam to measure how fast and accurately you enter a string of numbers and letters on a computer Personnel Processor, Data Conversion Operator, Markup Clerk
718 Computer Skills Exam to measure how well you use computer software Clerk, Secretary and Assistant
741/744 Accounting Exam to measure your accounting and math skills Accountants
916 Custodial Exam to measure your knowledge on laborer custodial skills and practices Laborer Custodial
943/944/945 Automotive knowledge Exam to measure your knowledge of automotive maintenance Automotive Technician, Automotive Mechanic, Garageman
955 Maintenance Exam to measure your knowledge of mechanical maintenance Maintenance Mechanic, Building Maintenance, Electronic Technician
Top jobs USPS is hiring for many positions. Explore detailed information about some of our top jobs below and find the best fit for you. Explore top jobs

Ready to apply?

Apply now

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

FAQs

How hard is it to pass the post office exam? ›

The Postal Exam became an extremely difficult hurdle for USPS applicants when it was updated in 2023. 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.

What is the passing score for the USPS assessment test? ›

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 happens if you fail the USPS assessment test? ›

Candidates who do not receive a passing score are considered ineligible on a particular assessment. You may still apply to other jobs that require a different assessment. Candidates who do not complete the assessment within the time allowed are also listed as ineligible.

Why do you have to pay $89 to apply for USPS? ›

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.

How many people fail the postal exam? ›

The USPS assessment is challenging, with an estimated 80% to 90% of candidates failing. Proper preparation using paid or free USPS practice test 475 questions and understanding the exam structure are crucial for success​​.

How do I know if I passed my USPS assessment? ›

VEA exams. Your results will be on your eCareer profile, on the “Roadmap” and “Assessments” page.

Can you still get hired if you fail an assessment test? ›

Hiring managers have to take into account the results of failed pre-employment assessment tests, especially if they feel these candidates are a great fit and should still be considered. While it's possible to lower cutoff scores, one must apply this new standard to all applicants.

Does USPS hire based on test scores? ›

Under the Postal Service’s newly instituted Fast Track hiring process, to get a job, you must have the absolute highest score among all applicants for that particular job. The highest scoring applicant automatically receives a job offer conditional upon meeting the appropriate employment requirements.

Can you take the USPS exam online? ›

At that test site, a proctor will sign you in, verify your identity, and provide you with instructions to take the assessment. Most of our un-proctored assessments are given online, using the computer. The proctored assessment may be given using a computer, or may be given using paper booklets and answer sheets.

How long is the USPS exam? ›

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.

How do I prepare for USPS test? ›

Although all exams are slightly different, these speaking tips will help you to score highly in the speaking portion of any exam.
  1. Research the structure of the test. ...
  2. Make sure you answer the questions. ...
  3. Prepare well but don't memorise answers. ...
  4. Learn some specialised vocabulary related to your life and interests.

What is the USPS exam like? ›

This is a 45 minutes long self-administered test given to those who are applying for city and rural mail carrier positions. After you submit your application for an open position, if you are deemed a good fit you will be sent an email inviting you to take a Virtual Entry Assessment - MC 474.

Do you have to pay for USPS uniforms? ›

Certain employees must wear prescribed uniforms in performing their duties. These employees are entitled to the following: A uniform allowance to purchase authorized uniform items; or. To be provided uniforms that meet Postal Service specifications.

What score do you need to pass the USPS assessment? ›

The minimum passing score for any of these postal exams is 70. However, the postal exams are competitive, meaning that you're competing against other test-takers to earn an available position. You should aim to score at least an 85 to have the best chance of getting hired.

Is 77 a good score on postal exam? ›

The highest possible score on these exams is 100, and 70 is passing. Putting this altogether, you need a score as close to 100 as you can possibly manage. And USPS Practice Tests with Actual Postal Exam Questions & Proven Best Answers is the key to making that score.

Can you study for the postal exam? ›

One of the best ways to prepare for the postal exam is by taking practice tests. Practice tests will help you get a gauge of where you are at and a feel for the material that will be on the test. Postal exam prep courses are also a great option to help you prepare.

How long does the postal exam take? ›

The proctored assessment will take approximately 90 minutes and must be completed at an approved location by trained personnel. I am applying for a job (e.g., City Carrier, Rural Carrier) that requires Exam 473.

Is an 82 a good score on the USPS exam 474? ›

A good score on the USPS 474 Exam is anything from 70 and above. However, some job openings are more competitive or look for a very small number of candidates. In these cases, the cut-off scores are high and applicants who get the highest scores will be the first ones invited for an interview.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 5700

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.