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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why am I not eligible for USPS? ›

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.

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.

If you fail, you must wait one year. The four new tests are exams 474, 475, 476 & 477. To retake an exam, you must apply for an open job posting just like you did the first time.

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.

There are five steps in the USPS hiring process. The first step is to visit the USPS website and set up an account. Through the website, you can browse available jobs by type or location. Make sure to pay attention to the requirements listed in the job description.

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.