Postal TestsWhat is U.S. Postal Service Exam 473?
U.S. Postal Service Exam 473 tests aptitude rather than knowledge to determine ideal candidates for entry-level postal-service jobs. The test determines if you have the skills and characteristics that make you an ideal fit for the postal service, but doesn’t require you to cram your head with facts.
What Questions are on the Postal Service Exam?
The test is divided into four sections. The first three sections will gauge your aptitude in address checking, forms completion and coding/memory. Essentially, you’ll be asked to compare addresses and look for inconsistencies, you’ll be asked how to fill out standard forms and you’ll be tested on your ability to properly code, both from a reference list and from memory. The fourth and final part of the exam gets into your personal characteristics and experience inventory to determine if you’d be a good fit for the USPS culture.
Who Has to Take the Test?
All applicants seeking entry-level jobs with the postal service must take the test. This includes potential city letter carriers, mail-processing clerks, mail handlers and sales, services and distribution associates.
What are the Benefits of Working for the Postal Service?
USPS employees work for the federal government and have some excellent benefits available to them. Health insurance, paid holidays and vacation are standard.
What Score Do I Need to Pass Test 473?
In order to pass the test, you need to score a minimum of a basic rating of 70. Veterans may be eligible for additional points due to the Veterans’ Preference Act, which are added to the basic rating to generate the final rating. For non-veterans, the basic and final ratings are the same.
How Do I Get a Job with USPS?
All USPS jobs are posted on their website. USPS also warns potential employees against frequent scams that charge application fees or advertise jobs that don’t even exist. Thus, the only trustworthy location to find available USPS jobs is on their website, or by contacting your local post office directly.
How Much Money Do Postal Service Workers Make?
As with all professions, pay varies. With the USPS, the pay depends on position, responsibilities and experience. According to Payscale, the average salary for a letter carrier is a little over $53,000 a year, ranging from about $35,000 to $65,000.
What is the Starting Pay for a Postal Worker?
When starting at the lowest pay grade, most postal workers earn about $30,000-$35,000, with opportunities for raises as they gain experience and do good work.
What Happens if I Pass the Postal Service Exam?
If you pass, you continue in the hiring process, but aren’t guaranteed a job. Those who pass the test are put into the USPS registrar, which is used to find potential employees for vacant jobs.
Where Can I Take Postal Service Exam 473?
You’ll take the test at a designated facility in your area. When you search for open jobs on the USPS website and find out that interests you, you can register for the test online or via telephone. You’ll be given the exact test location about a week before the test.
How Can I Study for the U.S. Postal Service Exam?
Because the test evaluates your skills and characteristics, there’s not much you can do to actually study, in a traditional sense. However, you can prepare yourself by familiarizing yourself with the format of the test, which will eliminate any surprises you might find while actually taking the test.
Plus, you can take our practice test that simulates the kinds of questions you’ll be asked, increasing your comfort when taking the real test. It’s important to reiterate, though, our practice test is not affiliated with the USPS and merely exists to help you prepare for the real test.