Postal Exam 955 Study Guide and Practice Questions (2024)
Last Updated: October 2024
The USPS Postal Exam 955 evaluates applicants applying for various maintenance positions. This page contains a study guide with accurate USPS practice questions taken from the preparation.
The practice tests and simulations in the prep cover the same exam topics that appear on the USPS 955 Exam:
- Mechanics:
Lubrication and Bearings, Gear Ratios, Hydraulics, and Pneumatics. - Electronics:
Transformers And Switches, Electrical Troubleshooting, Ladder Logic, Digital Electronics, Power Supplies, Computers, PLC and Test Instruments, Basic AC & DC Theory, Power Distribution, Electrical Maintenance. - Workshop and General Maintenance:
Rigging, Welding, and Piping, Motors, Control Circuits, Schematics & Print Reading. - Spatial Reasoning:
Assembly and Rotation.
-Scroll down for more valuable info, expert tips, and free USPS 955 practice test questions-
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USPS Exam 955
Comprehensive Practice Tests with Solutions & Tips
- Mechanics: 5 tests
- Electronics: 9 tests
- Workshop & Maintenance: 7 tests
- Spatial Reasoning (3D shapes, parts matching): 7 tests
- Plus, 9 in-depth study guides for Mechanical & Electrical Comprehension
Did You Know?
During the past 5 years, JobTestPrep prepared more than 4,500 candidates for their USPS Exams! We constantly update our PrepPacks to provide the most accurate prep.
What Is the Postal Exam 955?
The Postal Exam 955, also known as the USPS Maintenance Test, is used to screen candidates applying to various USPS maintenance positions, such as Maintenance Mechanic, Electronic Technician, Building Equipment Mechanic, and more. The Exam is 75 minutes long and covers 8 content areas.
The test is based on the content and structure of the Ramsay Test known as the MultiCraft test.
What Is the Passing Score for the 955 Exam?
The minimum passing score for each of the Postal Exam 955 content areas is 70. If you fail to reach this score, you’ll receive an “Ineligible” status. A retest is usually possible only 6 months after your initial test date.
What Are the Sections of the USPS 955 Exam?
There are five basic parts to the 955 Exam:
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Maintenance Mechanic MPE
- Electronics Technician
- Building Equipment
- Spatial Reasoning
The first three parts correlate directly to scores for the jobs of the same title.
Building Equipment correlates to both Building Equipment Mechanic (BEM9) and Area Maintenance Technician (AMT9) jobs.
The spatial reasoning portion of the test is a general topic that’s likely to apply to all test scores.
The five basic parts are divided into 8 content areas:
- AC/DC Theory, Power Distribution, and Electrical Maintenance
- Motors, Control Circuits, Schematics, and Print Reading
- Digital Electronics, Power Supplies, Computers, PLC, and Test Instruments
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Pumps, Piping, and Combustion
- Power Transmission, Lubrication, Mechanical Maintenance, and Shop Machines.
- Welding and Rigging
- Spatial Relations and Spatial Reasoning - Matching Figures and Visualization.
How Hard Is the USPS 955 Exam?
The USPS 955 is a hard exam, as it requires solid theoretical and practical knowledge. The exam covers a wide range of mechanical and electrical topics. Candidates with no experience in these fields will find the test harder. That being said, prior prep can help increase your chances of scoring high.
Let’s try some free USPS 955 exam questions to check your overall level of readiness.
USPS Maintenance Mechanic Practice Test Questions (Taken From the Complete PrepPack)
AC/DC Theory Sample Question
This is a predominantly theoretical section that revolves around the fundamentals of electricity. While simple for many candidates, those who have not dealt with electrical theory recently will often find this section problematic and will need a focused recap to ace it.
Question #1
In a 110V electrical system, there are three appliances: appliance A (550W) appliance B (770W), and appliance C (330W). Given that all appliances operate simultaneously, what is the minimum required fuse rating?
Click the correct answer:
Tip:
When calculating fuse ratings, remember that the total current of devices in parallel is the sum of each device's current. Ensure your fuse rating is slightly above this total to handle typical operating conditions safely.
Motors Sample Question
This is a relatively practical section, but theoretical knowledge of motor types and functionality is required as well.
Question #2
In induction motors, the difference between the synchronous and asynchronous speed of the rotor is referred to as:
Click the correct answer:
Tip:
Understanding the difference between synchronous and asynchronous speed is key. Remember, "slip" is the gap between these two speeds, which allows induction motors to function effectively.
Electric Circuits - Parallel Circuits Sample Question
With the advancement of technology, this section becomes increasingly important in the 955 test. It covers all levels of control circuits, from fundamental concepts to the advanced analysis of ladder diagrams.
Question #3
Base your answer to the following question on the figure below:
The total resistance of the circuit is:
Tip:
PLC Sample Question
Question #4
What is the equivalent Boolean expression for the PLC program below?
Click the correct answer:
The correct answer is A.
Below are the steps of analysis:
Tip:
Pay attention to how the ladder logic groups elements—this can guide you in identifying the correct Boolean expression quickly.
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Test Instruments Sample Question
This section deals with electrical test instruments such as ammeters, meggers, and multimeters. While most candidates are familiar with the basic operation of these tools, the Postal Exam 955 test questions tend to be a bit more in-depth.
Question #5
In electrical circuits, the voltmeter is always connected in ____________ and the ammeter is always connected in ____________.
Click the correct answer:
The correct answer is D.
In electrical circuits, voltmeters are always used in parallel to the nodes where the potential is required to be determined. However, ammeters are always connected in series to measure the desired current in the branches. These connections are shown in the figure below.
Tip:
Remember, place the voltmeter in parallel to measure voltage and the ammeter in series to measure current. Using them in the wrong positions can cause inaccurate readings or damage to the meter.
Hydraulics and Pneumatics Sample Question
Hydraulics and pneumatics are two of the most prevalent topics in this test aimed at strictly mechanical positions. Apart from being familiar with practical methods and concepts, this section also deals a lot with theoretical knowledge. This makes this section a pain point for experienced candidates in particular.
Question #6
Which type of valve should be used when a precise, low flow is required?
Click the correct answer:
Tip:
In hydraulic systems, remember that each valve type serves a unique function. Choose a needle valve when fine-tuning flow is essential, especially in systems sensitive to pressure changes.
Piping Sample Question
Question #7
Which type of pipe would be most recommended to install deep beneath the ground?
Click the correct answer:
Tip:
For underground piping, durability is key—pipes with higher schedule numbers offer the strength needed to endure the weight and pressure from surrounding soil.
Power Transmission Sample Question
This is another very prevalent mechanical topic. Although covering around 14 sub-topics (e.g., couplings, bearings, shafts, etc.), several sub-topics often constitute the majority of questions in this section, so they are more worthy of your attention.
Question #8
What is the aim of flexible couplings?
Click the correct answer:
Tip:
When connecting shafts, consider flexible couplings to help accommodate slight misalignments, which can reduce wear and tear on machinery over time.
3D Objects Sample Question
Question #9
Select from the drawings of objects labelled A, B, C and D the one that would have the given TOP, FRONT, and RIGHT views.
TOP
FRONT
RIGHT
Click the correct answer:
Tip:
Break down each view individually, focusing on standout details. Comparing these unique characteristics across views can make it easier to match the correct 3D object.
Free USPS 955 Exam Answers
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| C | B | B | A | D |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| B | D | B | C |
Postal Exam 955 Study Guide PDFs
This section provides a comprehensive breakdown of the various USPS Maintenance test study guides included in the JobTestPrep preparation.
These guides include a thorough analysis of relevant concepts, detailed explanations, and helpful tips built to create solid theoretical and practical foundations in a wide range of mechanical and electrical topics.
Mechanical and Electrical Comprehension 955 Exam Study Guide
This guide provides the theory behind Mechanical and Electrical concepts along with a detailed analysis of common questions and tips that can help you solve them with ease.
Spatial Reasoning USPS 955 Exam Study Guide
The aim of Spatial Reasoning questions is to examine your orientation skills in a two-dimensional space. This short guide will provide helpful tips on how to solve common spatial questions.
Welding 955 Exam Study Guide
This guide breaks down common welding tools and concepts. Inside, you’ll find detailed explanations of Arc Welding, Air Carbon-Arc Cutting, Gas Welding, and much more.
Hydraulics Postal Exam 955 Study Guide
Inside the hydraulics guide, you will find information on Hydraulics tools and concepts, including Basic hydraulics, Pumps (like the Piston and Vane Pump), Valves (Like Selector Valves and Relief Valves), etc.
Rigging USPS 955 Study Guide
The rigging study guide dives deep into Rigging tools and concepts. You will find a wealth of information and a full breakdown of Basic Scaffolds and Ladders, Cranes and Hoists, Crane Types, Block and Tackle as well as much more.
Power Transmission Postal 955 Study Guide
This guide will help you learn more about power transmission tools and concepts like Bearings, Gears, Belt Drives, and much more.
FAQs
The USPS 933, along with the 931 and the 932 versions, were previously used to screen candidates applying for maintenance positions. These exams were replaced by the 955, which became the official USPS exam for maintenance applicants.
This exam is commonly used by the USPS to assess the computer skills of candidates applying for clerk, secretary, and assistant positions.
To get hired, you must pass a 5-panel urine drug test. The USPS is strict about this issue and will turn down many qualified applicants because of the drug test, making it their biggest hurdle in finding employees.
Helpful Links
Are you applying for other jobs at the USPS? Learn more about their postal service exams here:
- Postal Exam 474 for Mail Carriers
- Postal Exam 475 for Mail Handlers
- Postal Exam 476 for Mail Processors
- Postal Exam 477 for Customer Service Clerks
- Free USPS Exam Practice
- Free Mechanical Aptitude Test
- Spatial Reasoning Test
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