Postal Exam Information

You must take a postal exam to be eligible for a job with the U.S. Postal Service.

To get a job with your local post office, you must pass a postal exam. There are several different types of postal exams. Each is specific to a different type of position within the U.S. Postal Service. Knowing what type of exam you must take for each job can help you determine what position you would like to apply for.

Postal Exam 230/238/240

This type of exam is not a traditional question-and-answer test. It is a questionnaire that gathers some general information about the applicant, and is usually used to fill postal positions such as motor vehicle operator or tractor operator.

Postal Exam 473-E

This type of postal exam is an electronic test that applicants can complete at a computer. This type of exam is used for a majority of postal applicants, for jobs having to do with sorting and handling mail. The exam has five sections, dealing with personal characteristics and experience, address checking, form completion, coding, and memory.

Postal Exam 710

This is a rare postal exam that most applicants will never need to take. It is used to fill the position of data conversion operator, and is used in only two locations nationwide: Salt Lake City, Utah, and Wichita, Kansas.

Postal Exam 916

This postal exam is typically used to fill positions having to do with janitorial or custodial duties. These positions are usually filled by postal service veterans, who are given preferential eligibility for them.

Postal Exam 943/944

This postal exam is used specifically when considering applicants for positions involving automotive mechanic and technician responsibilities. This is a position that requires past experience in mechanics, and the exam checks applicants' knowledge of the field.

Postal Exam 955

This postal exam is lengthy, and tests applicants on their technical knowledge of various fields. This exam is typically used to fill positions such as building equipment mechanic, maintenance mechanic, electronic technician, mail processing equipment mechanic and area maintenance technician.

References

• FederalJobs.net: Civil Service Exams and Tests
• Petersons: Postal Exam Practice Tests