What is the USPS Postal Exam 955?

The USPS Postal Exam 955 is the primary assessment used by the United States Postal Service to evaluate candidates for maintenance and technical positions. It replaced the older 473 exam and tests mechanical reasoning, electrical knowledge, and workplace scenarios. A passing score is required before candidates can be considered for hiring at any USPS facility nationwide.

What score do you need to pass the Postal Exam?

Candidates need a minimum score of 70 out of 100 to pass the Postal Exam 955. However, scoring 70 only makes you eligible for consideration. Competitive candidates typically score 80 or above, as USPS hiring managers rank applicants by score. Veterans receive additional preference points added to their passing scores under federal hiring guidelines.

What topics does the Postal Exam 955 cover?

The Postal Exam 955 covers four main areas: mechanical reasoning, which tests understanding of gears, pulleys, and levers; electrical knowledge, covering basic circuits and safety practices; spatial reasoning, requiring candidates to visualize objects in different orientations; and workplace scenarios that assess judgment, teamwork, and safety awareness in postal facility environments.

Who is eligible to take the USPS Postal Exam?

To take the USPS Postal Exam, candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, and have a valid driver license for most positions. A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Candidates must also pass a drug screening, background check, and medical assessment before receiving a conditional job offer from USPS.

How do you register for the Postal Exam?

Registration for the Postal Exam is done exclusively through the USPS careers website at usps.com/careers. Candidates must first create an eCareer profile, search for open positions in their area, and apply to a specific job posting. The exam invitation is sent via email after the application is reviewed. There is no fee to take the Postal Exam.

How long is a Postal Exam score valid?

Postal Exam scores remain valid for approximately six years from the date the assessment is completed. During this period, candidates can apply to multiple USPS job postings without retaking the exam. If a candidate wants to improve their score before the expiration date, they may retake the exam, but must wait at least 120 days between attempts.

What are the best ways to prepare for the Postal Exam?

The most effective preparation strategies include studying mechanical and electrical fundamentals, practicing spatial reasoning puzzles, and reviewing workplace safety scenarios. Taking timed practice tests helps build familiarity with the question format and pacing. Focus extra study time on your weakest areas, as all sections contribute equally to your overall score. Many successful candidates prepare for two to four weeks before testing.

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Note: The classic Postal Exam 473 was retired in 2019 and replaced by the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) series (474, 475, 476, 477). However, many candidates still use Postal Exam 473 practice materials to sharpen their general aptitude, address checking, and coding skills which are still relevant for the modern US Post Office exam.

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Prepare for the Postal Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

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United Postal Service Test Study Guide

Our United Postal Service test study guide breaks down the essential information you need. Whether you're taking the Postal Exam 473 or the new VEA, these tabs cover the basics, format, and registration details.

What is the Postal Exam?	The Postal Exam is a series of pre-employment assessments used by the USPS to screen candidates for various positions. The most common current exams are the 474, 475, 476, and 477.
Is the Postal Exam 473 still used?	No, the Postal Exam 473 was retired in 2019. However, many of its core skills like address checking are still tested in different formats within the new USPS assessment test.
Who needs to take the Postal Exam?	Anyone applying for entry-level positions such as mail carrier, mail handler, or processing clerk must pass the relevant united postal service exam.
Is the Postal Exam hard?	The modern USPS assessment exam focuses on personality and situational judgment, making it less academic but tricky if you don't understand the desired worker profile.

What is the Postal Exam?

The Postal Exam is a series of pre-employment assessments used by the USPS to screen candidates for various positions. The most common current exams are the 474, 475, 476, and 477.

Is the Postal Exam 473 still used?

No, the Postal Exam 473 was retired in 2019. However, many of its core skills like address checking are still tested in different formats within the new USPS assessment test.

Who needs to take the Postal Exam?

Anyone applying for entry-level positions such as mail carrier, mail handler, or processing clerk must pass the relevant united postal service exam.

Is the Postal Exam hard?

The modern USPS assessment exam focuses on personality and situational judgment, making it less academic but tricky if you don't understand the desired worker profile.

To ace the USPS assessment test, focus on consistency in your personality answers. The test looks for reliability and safety-consciousness. Unlike the old Postal Exam 473, there is no "memorization" section in the new VEA exams, so prioritize situational judgment practice. Try our government jobs practice test.

USPS ASSESSMENT TEST

United States Post Office Exam Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

How many questions did you answer correctly?

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correct✓PASS

The postal exam cost is always free. If a website asks you to pay to schedule a Postal Exam 473 or any USPS assessment test, it is a scam. Only apply through the official USPS website.

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POSTAL SERVICE EXAM PREP

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Postal Exam Test Day Checklist

✓Check email for exam link
✓Verify 72-hour deadline
✓Find quiet space (45 mins)
✓Check internet connection
✓Disable browser pop-up blockers
✓Have scrap paper/pen ready
✓Relax and focus
✓Submit before timer expires

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Start Your Postal Career Today

Join thousands of candidates who have passed their USPS assessment test using our free resources. Don't let the exam stand between you and a secure federal job.

Retaking the Postal Exam

⏳

Wait Period

1 Year

📅

Score Validity

2 Years

💻

-Apply Online

If you pass the united postal service test but want a higher score to improve your hiring ranking, you must still wait 2 years for your current score to expire, or apply for a different job that requires a different assessment (e.g., switch from Carrier to Clerk).

✅Pros

+Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
+Increases job market competitiveness
+Provides structured learning goals
+Networking opportunities with other certified professionals

❌Cons

−Study materials can be expensive
−Exam anxiety can affect performance
−Requires dedicated preparation time
−Retake fees apply if you don't pass

Postal Exam Questions and Answers

Disclaimer: This practice test is for educational and preparatory purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or any official postal employment testing authority. For official USPS employment exams, application requirements, and registration information, please visit the official USPS careers website at usps.com/careers.

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About the Author

James R. HargroveJD, LLM

Attorney & Bar Exam Preparation Specialist

Yale Law School

James R. Hargrove is a practicing attorney and legal educator with a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and an LLM in Constitutional Law. With over a decade of experience coaching bar exam candidates across multiple jurisdictions, he specializes in MBE strategy, state-specific essay preparation, and multistate performance test techniques.

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