USPS Postal Exam 474, 475, 476, 477 Guide: Expert Tips & Examples [2024]

Numerous positions at the USPS require candidates to undergo and pass diverse assessment tests.

Previously referred to as the 473 Postal exam, the USPS assessment underwent a complete overhaul in 2019. Since then, most of the entry-level positions at the Postal Service require you to successfully complete a Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) but the specific postal examination required depends on the nature of the desired position.

If you want to get a sense of the typical questions in all USPS tests, check out our USPS Sample Questions Free Page. You'll find tips, questions, updated info, and ample practice.

Now, let's go over each Postal Exam in detail:

The image that comes to mind for many people when they refer to a "mail man" is usually a city and rural carrier position. Their task is to deliver and collect mail either on foot or by vehicle.

The Postal Exam 474, also called the Virtual Entry Assessment – MC (474), is used for evaluating candidates applying for both city and rural mail carrier positions. 

Here’s an overview of the Virtual Entry Assessment – MC (474) structure:

Mail Handlers or Mail Processing clerks are responsible for arranging and transferring processed mail between different areas and their work entails operating automated mail processing equipment or manually sorting mail.

The Virtual Entry Assessment MH 475 is an exam that anyone who wishes to become a USPS Mail Handler or Mail Handler Assistant has to pass. 

The Postal Exam 475 consists of four sections. Here’s a breakdown of them:

A Mail Processing Clerk task is to use automated mail processing equipment or manually sorting mail. Mail processing clerks are responsible for arranging and transferring processed mail between different areas. These clerks are obligated to lift and move heavy containers as part of their duties.

The USPS Virtual Entry Assessment 476 (MP 476) is used in the screening process for many roles including those for Mail Processing Clerk, PSE Mail Processing Clerk, Casual Mail Processing Clerk, Data Conversion Operator, PSE Data Conversion Operator, and Casual Data Conversion Operator.

This online exam includes four sections:

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.

The purpose of the Postal Exam 477 is to learn more about you, how you interact with other people (especially customers), your working style, your previous work experience, and your basic math skills.

It includes four sections:

The Postal Exam 473 was an electronic test that the United States Postal Service (USPS) used to evaluate candidates for various job roles within the postal service.

In April 2019, the USPS introduced four new exams known as Virtual Entry Assessments, which have now replaced the former Postal Exam 473.

To register for the USPS Exam, you need to follow these easy steps:

1. Go to the USPS careers page and create an account.
2. Complete your Candidate Profile to highlight your skills and qualifications.
3. Visit the USPS Search and Apply page to find job opportunities that match your interests.
4. Submit your application and wait for USPS to review it.
5. If you meet the requirements, you'll receive an email with the next steps, like taking an assessment or scheduling an interview.

There are three essential things to know about what is considered a good score in the USPS exams:

• You must pass it with a score of 70 and above. Failing to meet the minimal score will result in an ineligible status and you'll be allowed to retest only after 12 months.
• The higher your score above 70, the higher your chances are to get hired fast. That’s because candidates who score the highest are usually placed first in line for employment.
• If your score is 70 or above and you want to improve it, you can retake the test. But keep in mind, you'll need to wait two years for another chance. Hence, it's essential to aim for the best score possible initially.

The best way to prepare for and pass the Postal Service Exam is by learning how to answer the exact same question types that appear on the real test. As the postal exams include unusual questions that evaluate different skills and parts of your personality, it's crucial to know what is the best way to answer them.

JobTestPrep's experts have created a tailored practice pack that covers each of the actual exam's sections, which is exclusive to this site.

The prep pack will help you achieve 3 things:

1. You'll learn how to approach every USPS question type and what are the best techniques to answer them.
2. You'll get a feel for the real testing experience with full-length USPS practice tests.
3. You'll receive foolproof tips and hacks for answering personality and behavioral questions. 

Are you applying for other jobs at the USPS? Learn more about their Postal Exams here:

• USPS Exams Practice Questions
• All-Inclusive USPS 474-477 Preparation Pack
• 955 Assessment Prep for USPS Maintenance Workers
• Postal Test 474 Free Questions
• CritiCall Practice Exam

If you are looking for other exams, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, check out our Civil Service Practice Test Questions or contact us, and we'll do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming exam.