USPS Post Office Exam 474, 475, 476, 477 Guide: Expert Tips & Examples [2025]

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

Previously known as the Postal Exam 473, the USPS assessment system was completely redesigned in 2019, replacing the single test with multiple job-specific Virtual Entry Assessments (VEAs). Each test corresponds to a different USPS job category, meaning the specific postal exam you take depends on the position you’re applying for.

• Mail Carriers take Postal Exam 474 (Virtual Entry Assessment – MC 474).
• Mail Handlers take Postal Exam 475 (Virtual Entry Assessment – MH 475).
• Mail Processors take Postal Exam 476 (Virtual Entry Assessment – MP 476).
• Customer Service Clerks take Postal Exam 477 (Virtual Entry Assessment – CS 477).
• Mechanics & Technicians take Postal Exam 955 (for USPS technical positions).

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.

Note: on this page, you'll discover comprehensive resources for each USPS Postal Exam, featuring exclusive practice questions, expert tips, and strategic guidance to help you confidently prepare and excel in your postal exam.

Each Postal Exam Virtual Entry Assessment consists of different question types, designed to evaluate job-specific skills, cognitive abilities, and behavioral traits. While the exact sections may vary depending on the test, most USPS exams include the following:

1. Work Scenarios

• Measures how you handle real-life workplace situations at USPS.
• You must select the best and worst response to different scenarios.

2. Describe Your Approach (Personality Test)

• Evaluates your work style and behavioral tendencies in a postal job setting.
• Questions focus on how you react in different workplace situations.

3. Tell Us Your Story (Work Experience Questionnaire)

• Assesses your past work experience, skills, and professional background.
• Answers should be consistent and aligned with USPS job expectations

4. Check for Errors (Address Matching & Accuracy Test – Only in 475 & 476)*

• Tests your ability to spot errors in addresses and ZIP codes.
• Requires you to compare two versions of an address and find discrepancies.

5. Work Your Register (Cash Handling Test – Only in 477 & Some 474 roles)*

• Measures basic math and transaction-handling skills.
• You may be asked to calculate correct change for customer transactions.

6. What Drives You (Motivation & Work Ethic Test – Found in Most Exams)*

• Assesses your core motivations, work values, and job suitability.
• Helps USPS determine if you're the right fit for the position.

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

The USPS Virtual Entry Assessment – MC (474), commonly known as Postal Exam 474, is a mandatory test for candidates applying for mail carrier positions at the United States Postal Service (USPS).

It assesses a candidate’s ability to handle real-world delivery scenarios, demonstrate customer service skills, and maintain strong attention to detail—all crucial qualities for mail carriers. This test replaced the old Postal Exam 473 in 2019 and must be completed within 72 hours of receiving the email invitation.

Key Facts About Postal Exam 474:

• Required for city and rural carrier roles.
• Taken online and must be completed within 3 days of invitation.
• High scorers (85%+) are prioritized in hiring.

You must take this exam if you’re applying for one of the following USPS mail delivery positions:

• City Carrier (CCA - City Carrier Assistant) – Delivers mail in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
• Rural Carrier (RCA - Rural Carrier Associate) – Delivers mail in non-urban areas, often using a personal vehicle.
• Assistant Mail Carrier Roles – Temporary support positions that can lead to full-time employment.

• Approximate test duration: 45–60 minutes
• Time limit: No strict time limit, but you must complete it in one sitting
• Deadline: You must take the exam within 72 hours (3 days) of receiving the email invitation.

The USPS Virtual Entry Assessment MH 475 , commonly known as Postal Exam 475, is required for candidates applying for Mail Handler positions at the United States Postal Service (USPS).

This test evaluates a candidate’s ability to quickly and accurately process mail, identify errors, and handle real-life work scenarios efficiently. Since mail handlers work behind the scenes to ensure smooth mail processing, the exam focuses on attention to detail, problem-solving, and work reliability.

Key Facts About Postal Exam 475:

• Required for mail handler and mail processing clerk positions.
• Taken online and must be completed within 3 days of invitation.
• Higher scores (85%+) increase hiring chances.

You must take this exam if you’re applying for one of the following USPS processing roles:

• Mail Handler – Responsible for sorting and moving mail between different processing centers.
• Mail Handler Assistant – Supports mail handlers in processing and transferring mail.
• Mail Processing Clerk – Operates sorting machines and ensures correct mail distribution.

• Approximate test duration: 45–60 minutes
• Time limit: No strict time limit, but must be completed in one sitting
• Deadline: You must take the exam within 72 hours (3 days) of receiving the email invitation.

The USPS Virtual Entry Assessment 476 (MP 476), commonly known as Postal Exam 476, is required for candidates applying for Mail Processing Clerk and related positions at the United States Postal Service (USPS).

This exam evaluates your ability to process large volumes of mail quickly, spot errors, and work efficiently in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment. Since Mail Processing Clerks do not work directly with customers, the exam focuses more on accuracy, organizational skills, and work reliability rather than customer service.

Key Facts About Postal Exam 476:

• Required for Mail Processing Clerk and related roles.
• Taken online and must be completed within 3 days of invitation.
• Higher scores (85%+) increase hiring chances.

You must take this exam if you’re applying for one of the following USPS processing roles:

• Mail Processing Clerk – Sorts and organizes mail using automated machinery.
• PSE Mail Processing Clerk – A temporary position that supports the mail processing team.
• Casual Mail Processing Clerk – A short-term seasonal role that assists with sorting mail.
• Data Conversion Operator – Processes mail data and ensures accuracy in digital records.
• PSE Data Conversion Operator – A temporary version of the Data Conversion Operator role.
• Casual Data Conversion Operator – A short-term role for processing mail-related data.

• Approximate test duration: 30–45 minutes
• Time limit: No strict time limit, but must be completed in one sitting
• Deadline: You must take the exam within 72 hours (3 days) of receiving the email invitation.

The Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) 477, commonly known as Postal Exam 477, is required for candidates applying for Customer Service Clerk jobs  positions at the United States Postal Service (USPS).

This exam evaluates your customer interaction skills, problem-solving ability, work style, and basic math skills. Since Customer Service Clerks work directly with the public, the test places heavy emphasis on situational judgment and cash handling accuracy.

Key Facts About Postal Exam 477:

• Required for Customer Service Clerk roles at USPS.
• Taken online and must be completed within 3 days of invitation.
• High scores (85%+) increase hiring chances.

You must take this exam if you’re applying for one of the following USPS customer service roles:

• Customer Service Clerk – Works at a post office counter, assisting customers with mail services.
• Sales, Services, and Distribution Associate (SSDA) – Helps customers with shipping, postage, and payments.
• PSE Sales and Services Associate – A temporary version of the SSDA role, assisting with customer transactions.

• Approximate test duration: 45–75 minutes
• Time limit: No strict time limit, but must be completed in one sitting
• Deadline: You must take the exam within 72 hours (3 days) of receiving the email invitation.

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
• USPS Exam Preparation Guide: 718, 710, 421, and 473 Tests
• 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.