Having the aptitude for the Career
Seeing my lower % in the timed test, and then retaking it and seeing how slowing down and double-checking actually works, was pretty satisfying.
USPS Assessment Tests
USPS (United States Postal Service) is one of the US’s largest employers, with more than 630,000 members of staff, as well as one of the biggest computer systems globally. USPS has an impressive history, dating back to the late 1700s, and reaches 160 million residences, businesses, and Post Office Box addresses.
- Three hiring stages
- 10 practice tests in the USPS pack
- 100 questions, all solved
Who USPS is
- Employees
- 630,000+
- Head office
- Washington, DC, USA
- Careers site
- USPS careers
What are the USPS tests?
USPS tests are assessments designed to measure a variety of skills and aptitudes relevant to postal service roles. They typically include questions on speed, accuracy, memory, and spatial orientation to ensure candidates can handle job-specific requirements.
USPS application process
From application to final assessment. The process varies slightly by programme and office.
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Try a USPS-style question
A question in the style USPS sets. Pick an answer and the keyed option is shown.
Practise the real thing
One question tells you the style. A pack gives you the hour: blended, marked, with the working shown.
Unlock 10 USPS tests
£39 a year, or £29 a month. Cancel any time
- 10
- practice tests
- 100
- questions, all solved
Careers at USPS
Careers at USPS are numerous and varied, largely falling into two categories: Delivery & Operations and Corporate, with dedicated recruitment tracks for students, graduates, and transitioning military.
There are four programs offered for students and graduates, the duration of which is between ten weeks and two years:
- Professional Development Program
- Intern Program
- Operations Industrial Engineer
- Emerging Professionals Program
To apply for any of these roles, applicants must be 18 years old by the date of starting work, or at least 16 with a high school diploma, as well as a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (or other US territory).
Various roles require a driving licence, and candidates must also be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and medical assessment.
To apply for a USPS vacancy you will need to create a Candidate Profile on the USPS Online Job Application System. This will then allow you to search and apply for jobs across the entire system.
All applications start with the completion of an online application form, followed by taking the USPS Postal Exam, the exact version of which will be determined by the role to which you have applied. Successful candidates are then invited to attend interviews.
USPS online application
The online application form is submitted on the USPS website; it’s possible to apply for more than one vacancy at a time. No changes may be made to applications once submitted, although if the recruiting period is still open you may cancel and resubmit the application.
The online application form for USPS asks for a number of details in support of the application including your personal details, relevant work experience (and graded levels of roles where appropriate) as well as a text box in which you must give a summary of your accomplishments in roughly 6,000 characters.
Make sure to only use the Summary box as a concise summary, using the Work Experience section to go into further details. Ensure you use the STAR (or SMART) technique when describing accomplishments: e.g. situation, task, action, measurables, and outcomes, rather than just listing what you did.
USPS Postal Exams
Each role in USPS requires a pass of the online virtual entry assessment, or Postal Exams, which are identified by number.
There are new updates to these numbers, so make sure you are confident which exam you will be sitting when you are preparing (note that USPS Postal Exam 473 is obsolete and will not count to your application, even if you have taken it in the past).
These tests assess the skills and aptitude of candidates and you may need to take more than one, depending on the role. There is no time limit as such, but you will need to complete the exam(s) within 72 hours, with each one taking around 45 minutes to complete.
You must score at least 70%. If you miss this target you will have to wait one year before taking the exam again, although you will be eligible to apply for other roles that require different exams.
Virtual Entry Assessment MC 474
This is the Mail Carrier Exam 474 and is required for any role that involves the carrying of mail. This exam has three parts:
- Work Scenarios
- Tell Us Your Story
- Describe Your Approach
The Work Scenarios segment of USPS MC 474 is a situational judgment test, with nine questions in which you will be assessed on how you might approach workplace scenarios and how you might perform. It looks at behavior, leadership, and teamwork.
The ‘Tell Us Your Story’ test comprises twenty questions based around how you might have dealt with situations in previous employment, and extrapolates from that how you might behave in the future.
The ‘Describe Your Approach’ section is a personality test with 56 questions. You should answer honestly, while keeping in mind the requirements from the job criteria as to the kind of person USPS is looking for in the role.
Virtual Entry Assessment MH 475
This is the USPS Mail Handler Exam 475 and is required for any role in which you might have to handle or sort mail. It has four parts to the exam, similar to that of USPS MC 474, with an additional segment and more questions.
- Work Scenarios
- Check for Errors
- Tell Us Your Story
- Describe Your Approach
The Work Scenarios segment of USPS MC 475 is asituational judgment test with nine questions, in which you will be assessed on how you might approach workplace scenarios.
In the ‘Check For Errors’ section, you will be assessed on attention to detail, to ascertain how well and quickly you might be able to sort mail by zip code. You will be given several rows of data to sort (e.g. to select ‘match’ or ‘error’ when comparing two rows) and will be assessed on both speed and accuracy.
The ‘Tell Us Your Story’ test comprises 22 questions based on how you might have dealt with situations in previous employment.
The ‘Describe Your Approach’ section is a personality test with 79 questions. You should answer honestly, while keeping in mind the requirements from the job criteria as to the kind of person USPS is looking for in the role.
Virtual Entry Assessment MP 476
The USPS Mail Processing Exam 476 is similar in scope and length to Mail Handler Exam 475, and it forms part of the application process for roles such as Mail Processing Clerks. The format is the same as for Postal Exam 475, although the examples will be different.
- Work Scenarios
- Check for Errors
- Tell Us Your Story
- Describe Your Approach
The work scenarios will be ones appropriate for the mail processing role, and will include scenarios where you will need to select the most appropriate (or least appropriate) course of action.
Virtual Entry Assessment CS 477
The USPS Customer Service Clerk Exam 477 is for all customer-facing roles and has four sections:
- Work Scenarios
- Work your Register
- Tell Us Your Story
- Describe Your Approach
While the other sections will involve more customer-related scenarios, the format is very similar to the other exams above, with the Work Scenarios being a situational judgment test with ten questions, the ‘Tell Us Your Story’ section assessing your behavioral traits over 21 questions and the “Describe Your Approach” section a 56-question personality test.
The ‘Work Your Register’ section is new for Customer Service Clerk Exam 477 and assesses how quickly and accurately you can handle cash. The three questions assess your ability to make calculations and give change.
Group and individual interviews
Those that pass the required postal exam are then invited for a job interview, which candidates should prepare thoroughly for. You should expect to be asked questions such as the ones below, and should have an answer prepared for each, which demonstrates your research and interest in USPS as well as your skills.
- Why do you want to work for USPS?
- What skills do you think are essential for USPS?
- How would you deal with an upset customer?
You should also expect to take part in group exercises, where you will need to demonstrate leadership and teamwork.
Frequently asked questions
What candidates ask us most often
Are the USPS tests hard?
Difficulty is subjective, but USPS tests can be challenging. They aim to assess abilities crucial for mail handling and customer service in the postal sector. A solid preparation regime can make these tests less daunting.
How do I prepare for USPS tests?
Preparing for USPS tests largely involves practice. You can find a wide array of practice tests on Practice Aptitude Tests tailored to mimic the actual exam scenarios, providing a great platform to prepare and boost your confidence.
How long does the recruitment process take at USPS?
The recruitment process at USPS varies by position, but it generally includes an application review, exams, and interviews, spanning several weeks to a few months.
What are USPS's core values?
USPS’s core values center around providing efficient and reliable services, upholding integrity and respect in every action, and committing to innovation and sustainability in delivering for America.
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USPS is a trademark of its respective owner. Practice Aptitude Tests is not affiliated with USPS and our practice tests are not endorsed by them. Visit USPS careers.
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