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POST OFFICE JOBS INFORMATION
Explore and Find Jobs, Prepare for the 473 Postal Exam,
and Locate ALL Post Office Job Opportunities

473 Battery Exam
Other Exams

 

 

Clerk, carrier, mail handlers, and distribution associates must pass the 473 Postal Exam. Other job applicants such as mechanic, electronic technician, motor vehicle operators, machinist, clerical, and trades must also pass a written test. The overall rating is based on the test results and your qualifying work experience and education. Certain occupations, including many corporate and professionals, don't require a written test. These groups are evaluated under the Postal Service’s Rated-Application Examinations process. They are rated and hired strictly on their prior work experience, education, and how well they do on the interview.

To improve your options consider additional online educational opportunities to open more doors for you in all sectors. For education data on online degrees, or course outlines for online certification courses please visit eLearners.com for class details.

Positions Requiring Written Examinations

The Postal Service has developed a new entrance exam titled Test 473 for Major Entry-Level Jobs. The new exam is also referred to as the 473 Battery Exam. This new exam replaces the 470 Battery Exam and covers:

Test Unit Number of Questions Time Allowed Covered Subjects
Part A
Address Checking
60 11 minutes Determine if two addresses are identical
Part B
Forms Completion
30 15 minutes information identification for completing forms correctly
Part C
Section 1 - Coding
36 6 minutes Use the proper code to assign to addresses
Part C
Section 2 - Memory
36 7 minutes Memorize assigned codes for addresses ranges
Part D Inventory of Personal Experience and Characteristics 236 90 minutes Experience and characteristics which are job-related

Use the practice exams in the book Post Office Jobs to prepare for the forms checking, address checking, memory and coding Parts A, B, and C of the new exam. Part D is related to your personal work experience and unique characteristics. For example, in Part D,  you will be asked your likes and dislikes, whether you have experience in certain areas. You really can't prepare for this section, it's your personal profile and if you answer the questions honestly the Postal Service will be able to identify the job that is best suited to your characteristics. 

The 473 exam covers:

  • City Carrier
  • Mail Processing Clerks
  • Mail handler
  • Sales, Distribution Associate, and Services

I suggest that you download the "Test 473 Orientation Guide for Major Entry-Level Jobs," Publication 60-A, direct from the U.S. Postal Service. Go to http://usps.com/employment to locate this publication and to access their exams schedules. It provides an overview of the new exam with full instructions.

Direct links to the Postal Service's online exam schedules and jobs hotline phone number is available on our RESOURCES page.

The new 473 Battery Examination covers the majority of entry level hiring although some offices also maintain custodial registers, which by law, are reserved for veteran preference eligibles. The USPS also maintains motor vehicle and tractor trailer registers and some highly skilled maintenance positions such as Building Equipment Mechanic, Engineman, Electronics Technician, and General Mechanic. All of the skilled maintenance positions require examination 931. A separate announcement, examination number 932, is required for Electronics Technician positions.

Click here for more information about the 473 Postal Exam.

Comprehensive sample 473 practice exams with answer keys are included in Post Office Jobs You can also visit your local Library's Reference Department to review this informative book, call 1-800-782-7424 to order a copy by phone or order on-line.

Also, explore and apply for all job vacancies in the government and private sectors to improve you chance of employment. You can post your resume online at no cost to expand your job search. FREE OFFER: Click on the following banner to post your resume.

 

Copyright © 2005 Bookhaven Press LLC
Last modified: 04/14/07