So you’ve decided to aim for a postal job and the only thing left to do is pass the USPS testing. As many people say, failing to plan is to plan to fail. So we’ve got a one-stop guide to how you can ace your USPS test and land a great career in the post office.
Read on for some tips on how you can plan for a seamless USPS testing experience.
Know The Format of Your Test
There are different types of USPS tests depending on the specific job you are applying to. It’s best to know the different subsections of each test, especially if you are applying for more than one position. The following are the types of tests for their corresponding purpose:
- Test 474 – For rural to city mail carriers
- Test 475 – For casual to assistant mail handlers
- Test 476 – For mail processing clerks
- Test 477 – For customer service positions
An alternative name for the tests may be Virtual Entry Assessment MC, MH, MP, or CS followed by the test number. The validity of test results varies between 2-6 years.
All four exams have 3 of the same subsections, namely: (1) Work Scenarios, which gives specific work situations and asks for your reaction, (2) Describe Your Approach, which assesses your personality, and (3) Tell Us Your Story, which focuses on previous work experience.
Additional sections are tailored for each position. The special subtests for each test are summarized as follows:
- Test 474 – What Drives You, Move the Mail, and Verify Customer Information
- Test 475 – Check for Errors, Move The Mail, and What Drives You
- Test 476 – Check for Errors, Verify Customer Information, Move The Mail, and What Drives You
- Test 477 – Work Your Register, Help Your Customer, Verify Customer Information, and What Drives You
Acquire The Best Exam Preparation Materials
Many test preparation materials are available online and offline. Answering practice tests will simulate your experience and lessen any surprises on the day itself.
Materials like this have highly similar questions to the real test, so getting used to answering them gives you a higher chance of passing. Remember not to skip through any practice subsection!
If you feel like you’ve clocked in enough time to answer practice tests, send in your application and wait for an email from USPS.
Here are some resources from WikiJob to get you prepared for the tests 474, 475, 476 and 477.
Learn About The Requirements To Pass
Soon after you finish applying, an email will be sent to you containing the test. Make sure to answer this within 72 hours or 3 days for your responses to be valid.
You will only be allowed to apply again for another USPS test in a year if the deadline and a minimum score of 70 are not met. Note that submitting your test promptly, as well as your total score, will tell how high you will be in the line of employment.
The earlier you submit the test and the higher your score is, the better.
Rest Well Before An Exam
Most test advisors tell their students to stop studying the day before an exam.
The only thing you should be worried about within 24 hours of your test is getting enough sleep, food, and relaxation. Speeding through practice tests right until the very last minute might tire you out and affect your results.
Final Words
If you’ve followed all the steps above to the best of your abilities, you have done your part to maximise the chances of getting a good USPS test result and eventually getting a post office job.
Whatever the outcome, remember that you can always retake the test after a year. And until
then, the learning doesn’t stop.
We wish you all the best in your USPS journey!
