A Simple Guide To US Postal Exam

US Postal Exam

Purpose
The General Entrance Test Battery 470 and 473 are used to fill all entry level career Processing, Distribution, and Delivery Post Office jobs. The process initially will be used for the five most populous entry-level positions - city carrier, mail handler, mail processing clerk, sales and services associate and sales, services and distribution associate - the vast majority of all fulltime jobs available with the Postal Service. The Battery 470 and the new 473 which will be discussed later are by far the most popular Post Office test exam given by the Postal Service.
Thousands of people usually apply when it is offered.

Testing Frequency
The Battery 470 and the new Battery 473 are given by individual Postal districts on an as-needed basis. Some districts may give this Post Office the exam as often as twice a year, while others give it only once every few years. The exam results are used to fill both immediate and future openings until it is eventually given again.
All candidates who are interested in postal jobs as window/counter clerks, city carriers, distribution clerks, flat sorting machine operators, mail handlers, mail processors, mark-up clerks, and rural carriers are required to take the 470 exam before obtaining employment. Depending on the position, a candidate may also be required to take additional tests.

The U.S. Postal Examination (470) is used by the Postal Service to evaluate job-related skills.
When a job opening has been announced, contact the CDC, the hiring post office, or your local post office for Form 2479. Once the post office has received your application, it will mail you information about the date, time, and place that the exam will be held.

How to Apply
When the Battery 470 or 473 is to be given in a particular area, the Postal Service first announces an application period that generally lasts only 5 - 10 days, but it can be as long as several months. Included in the announcement is a code number that identifies your specific testing event.
To apply, you are instructed to call a toll free number where your information is taken via an interactive voice response system. During this phone call, you are required to enter the code number that identifies your specific testing event. You can only apply during the designated dates, and the code number is only valid during the designated dates.  Postal policy requires that a notice be placed in the lobbies of all Postal facilities in the area to be tested.  At the end of 2001, the Postal Service revised their application process so that you can apply online as well.

To apply for most basic postal positions you need to sign up to take the civil service exam, known as the 470 Battery Test, The test is for those who want to apply for the following positions: clerk, mail carrier, mail handler, mark-up clerk, mail processor, flat-sorting machine operator, and distribution clerk.
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Window Clerk:  These are the people who serve you at the post office.  This includes a variety of duties including selling stamps, weighing packages, preparing money orders, and answering your questions about USPS policies and services.
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Mail Carrier:  City Carriers deliver mail to city businesses and residences. They usually have a certain route in which they deliver and pick up mail.  Sometimes it is by foot and sometimes it is in a vehicle depending on their assigned area.  Rural Carriers deliver and collect mail from rural businesses and residences.  They have a wider variety of duties than City Carriers because they often have more direct contact with customers.
Mail Handler:  Mail Handlers load and unload mail from trucks and bins and help in sorting.  They also cancel stamps.
Mark-Up Clerk:  Mark-Up Clerks work with mail that is undeliverable, correcting addresses, re-routing and/or returning mail.
Mail Processor:  Mail Processors run equipment that processes mail.  They also help load and sort mail.
Flat-Sorting Machine Operator:  Sorting Machine Operators read zip codes to sort mail.  They also load and unload mail.
Distribution Clerk:  Distribution Clerks begin the process of distributing mail.  They sort mail by destination location.
If you are interested in applying for a post office job, you must first sign up to take the 470 or 473 Battery Test. Tests are given in areas of the state according to which post office districts are hiring.

The Application
It is usually a card, not much bigger than a postcard, that asks for basic information about you such as name, address, phone number, birth date, social security number, military status, etc.  It is not long like most employment applications.

Scheduling Test Dates
Applicants are scheduled to take their Postal test exams several weeks after applying. They receive a scheduling notice by mail about two weeks before the Postal test date.

Difficulty of the Exam
The Battery 470 and its twin, the 473, are exceedingly difficult and rigidly timed Post Office exams. We are told that over 70% of all applicants fail their Post Office exams completely and that the average score for those who manage to pass is only a 76. The passing score is 70, and the highest possible score for non-veterans is 100. Applicants scoring below 70 are not considered for Post Office employment. Most experts agree that a score in the high 90's is needed to be called in for Post Office employment within a reasonable period of time.

Statement on Employment ©USPS
We are a large labor-intensive organization that recognizes our employees as one of our most important assets. Our successes and failures are largely determined by the caliber and efforts of our employees. In addition to our entrance examinations, the following eligibility requirements are used to determine employment.

Age Requirement
18 years at the time of appointment or 16 years with a high school diploma.

Citizenship
Employees must be a U. S. citizen or permanent resident alien.

Selective Service
Males born after 12/ 31/ 59 must be registered with the Selective Service System.

Employment History
Applicants must provide the names of their current employer and all previous employers for the 10-year period immediately preceding the date of application or to their 16th birthday, whichever is most recent.

Military Service
Military service is treated as prior employment. Veterans must indicate service and submit Copy 4 of the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

Criminal Conviction History
A local criminal check is required prior to employment. A more extensive criminal history check is completed at employment.

Drug Screen
A qualification for postal employment is to be drug free, and is determined through a urinalysis drug screen.

Medical Assessment
A medical assessment is conducted to provide information about an applicant's ability to physically or mentally perform in a specific position.

Safe Driving Record
A safe driving record is required for employees who drive at work (i. e., city carriers, motor vehicle operators, etc.).
Postal Service exams, like test 473, are opened to the public to meet local staffing needs. Entry-level tests examine general aptitude and/or characteristics, not knowledge of facts. The test provides a screening process on job-related criteria for job applicants and allows applicants to compete for positions.

Test Day Tips
Make sure you are rested and have eaten a good meal.
Go to the restroom before the test and try to limit your liquid intake.  The test lasts 2-3 hours and you will not perform well if you are distracted or uncomfortable.
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Arrive early.  If you are late you will not be admitted in the examination room.  The rules are rigid on this matter.  Whatever the scheduled time for your test is, that is the time the doors will be locked.
Once you are there familiarize yourself with the surroundings and get comfortable.
Choose the best seat for YOU.  Choose a seat with good lighting that is  away from distractions such as the door.  In some cases seats are assigned upon arrival.
Bring the scheduling package you received and a picture ID such as a driver's license.  These will be checked at the door.
Bring pencils.
Work on each section of the test until you are instructed to stop.  Every second counts.  Be careful to begin and end as instructed or you will be disqualified.
Mark the answer sheet clearly.  A machine will score your answer sheet and stray marks or incomplete erasures may cause incorrect scoring.
Remember to pace yourself for speed and accuracy. Be careful of distractions.  Concentrate on what is in front of you.
If you finish early, go back and check your answers in that section.