US Postal Exam: Completing Tasks

Part C of test 473 consists of two sections.

The Coding section consists of 36 items to be completed in 6 minutes. The Memory section consists of 36 items to be completed in 7 minutes.

This is a test of your ability to use codes quickly and accurately, both with a coding guide visible and from memory without using a guide. You will be shown a coding guide, along with several items that must be assigned a code. You must look up the correct code for each item and write your response on the answer sheet accurately and quickly. During the first section of the test part, you will be allowed to look at the coding guide while you assign codes. During the second section of the test part, you must assign codes based on your memory of the same coding guide. While the coding guide is visible, try to memorize as many of the codes as you can. These are the same codes that will be used in the memory section.

Note: During the actual test:

- You are not allowed to look at the codes when answering the items in the Memory section.

- You are not allowed to write down any addresses during the memorization period.

Memory
Memory for addresses questions are often considered one of the hardest parts of the exam. You will be given a set of boxes, each of which will contain addresses and names. After memorizing the content in the boxes, you will have to recall in which box each appeared.

Tip 1–Memorize Horizontally
Memorize the addresses horizontally, not vertically.  This is more natural and will flow more easily for you.

Tip 2-Answer the Questions in This Section in Order
Answer all in order.  Do not attempt to go through this section twice.  There is not enough time for you to answer the ones that you think are easy and then attempt to go back and answer the others.

Tip 3-Speed
Practice at a higher rate of speed than your normal comfort level.  This will increase your pace by the time of the exam.  Your ability and tolerance for speed will increase after repeated practice.  Remember to keep the accuracy ratio high.  You must be fast but accurate.

Scoring Answers
Your score for Part C of test 473 is based on the number of items that you answer correctly minus 1/3 of the number of items you answer incorrectly. In both sections of this test part, your score depends on how many items you can correctly assign a code in the time allowed. You may not be able to assign a code to all of the items before time runs out, but you should do your best to assign codes to as many items as you can with a high degree of accuracy. There is a penalty for guessing on this test. It won’t be to your advantage to guess randomly. However, if you can see that one or more responses is clearly incorrect, it will generally be to your advantage to guess from among the remaining responses.

How To Reduce Errors
On the Postal exam, you have several opportunities to work with the coding guide and practice memorizing the codes for each range of addresses before answering items on them based upon memory. Listen to the administrator's instructions. Do not become frustrated or discouraged - remain focused. Here are more suggestions to help you reduce errors on Part C of test 473:

- Answer items you know and answer other items later. Remember that you have a time limit for completing the items.

- As time permits, go back and attempt to answer the more difficult items. If you have narrowed a difficult item down to one or two choices, make an educated guess. If you return to an item, take care to make sure that you are marking the correct answer on your answer sheet. It is easy to lose your place and mark the wrong circle.

- Arbitrarily guessing will probably not help your score. If you can eliminate one or more of the answers, it may be to your advantage to guess.

- Work as quickly and accurately as possible. You are not expected to answer all items in the time allowed.

Fully use the practice opportunities and memorization periods you are given to practice memorizing the codes.