Postal Exam

There are four types of postal service exams administered to candidates. The exam you take depends on the position you apply for.

All postal exams measure candidates’ professional judgment and interpersonal abilities. Some exams also test attention to detail or arithmetic skills.

VEA stands for Virtual Entry Assessment. It is the formal title of all four postal exams.

The VEA 474 is used for all mail carrier positions. The questions are meant to identify candidates who would be successful in interacting with customers.

The VEA 475 and VEA 476 are used for behind-the-scenes positions:

•  Mail Handler

•  Mail Processor

The VEA 477 is used to evaluate candidates for customer service, distribution, and sales jobs.

There are four types of postal service exams administered to candidates. The exam you take depends on the position you apply for. Exams are varied. All postal exams measure candidates’ professional judgment and interpersonal abilities. Some exams also test attention to detail or arithmetic skills.

The VEA 474 includes the following:

•  Work Scenarios (situational judgment)

•  Tell Us Your Story

•  Describe Your Approach

These tests contain the same questions as the VEA 474. In addition, they include twelve Check for Errors questions.

The VEA 477 is identical to the VEA 474 and includes additional “Work Your Register” questions.

Work Your Register questions evaluate a candidate’s ability to use a cash register effectively.

Postal exams are administered remotely and by computer.

Candidates have 72 hours to complete the test.

The postal exams screen candidates for several types of jobs.

A City Carrier Assistant (CCA) delivers mail by foot, bicycle, or vehicle throughout urban areas and is the quintessential neighborhood postal worker. City Carrier Assistants deliver mail to residences and businesses and are familiar with their geographic areas. They may interact with customers, and they must be prepared to work in any weather conditions.

A Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) delivers mail in rural areas. RCA routes cover suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas. Like CCAs, RCAs must be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions.

An Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC) works part time in rural areas to deliver parcels to residents and businesses. ARCs work off-hours, such as weekends and holidays, and may be asked to use their own vehicles.

Mail Processing Clerks (MPCs) use automated systems to sort and process mail. They may also interact with the public but do not carry out financial transactions.

Mail Handler Assistants (MHAs) sort and handle mail and packages behind the scenes in a team environment.

Sales and Distribution Associates focus on customer support. You may have already encountered Sales and Distribution Associates because these personnel work at the counter with customers who come into the post office to send packages, make purchases, or ask questions.

Motor Vehicle Operators (MVOs) must be prepared to drive on regularly scheduled routes in any weather conditions. They also pick up and deliver packages.

Tractor-Trailer Operators (TTOs) drive tractor-trailers on long-haul routes in any weather conditions.

Both positions require a commercial driver’s license.