The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest employers in the US. There are many types of positions that are announced from time-to-time. For entry-level clerical positions, individuals must pass a postal exam 473.

Here, we will inform you about the postal exam process for clerical postal office jobs.

About the US Postal Exam 473 Process

The USPS postal exam 473 is required for entry-level postal service jobs such as mail handlers, rural carrier associates (RCA), mail carrier assistants (MCA), mail processing clerk, and sales, services, and distribution associates (SSDA).

The date of the examination is announced by the US postal service authority. Individuals who apply for a job will receive an email from the USPS. The email will contain information about the time, date, and place of the test.

Postal exam 473 contains four sections: Address Checking, Forms Completion, Coding and Memory, and Personal Characteristics and Experience Inventory. Individuals must complete the test in about two hours. Every part will contain a different number of items that must be completed within a specified period.

What is the Passing Score of Postal Exam 473?

Passing score for the exam is 70. But since the exam is highly competitive, an individual must score at least 80 to increase the chances of getting hired.

Individuals who pass the exam will receive a notification of eligible rating. The names of individuals who pass the exam are put on a hiring register sorted from high to low score. Veterans receive preference over non-veterans.

If an individual does not pass the postal exam, a notification of ineligible score will be sent.

Why Apply for a Postal Office Job at the USPS?

The US postal office jobs provide various benefits. The salaries of US postal workers are competitive. Individuals are eligible for various perks and benefits. Some of the benefits of working at the USPS include the following.

  • Competitive salary structure
  • Retirement savings
  • Medical plans
  • Thrift saving plans
  • Education assistance
  • Sick leave and vacation 

Postal office workers are given various benefits to excel in their careers. There is fast-track career training programs. These programs groom individuals for higher positions in a variety of different areas.

USPS offers equal employment opportunity and honors workforce diversity. There is a strict action plan to prevent discrimination at work. The work policies at the company are employee friendly. Individuals who work at the company stay for a long time generally until retirement. In short, passing postal exam 473 can open the door to a bright career at the USPS. Make sure that you prepare well for the exam through practice exam and study guides.