Postal exams

Not every job requires an exam or assessment. If an exam is required, it will be listed on the job posting under “Examination Requirements.” You’ll be guided through the exam/assessment during the application process or notified via email if an exam/assessment is required.

Not everyone who applies will be invited to take the exam.

If you are not invited to take the exam, you may be able to take it in the future or through other job applications.

Virtual Entry Assessments (VEA) require no preparation and can be taken online using a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. If the position you’re applying for requires a VEA, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet place without distractions. It’s best to complete the exam in one sitting, though it’s not required.

For other exams, preparation tips may vary. Guidance may be found in the Exam Information Package (EIP) for each exam, located within the list of exams section.

Exam Information Packages (EIP) provide applicants with important details to help them prepare for a specific exam. Each EIP includes information such as preparation tips, exam procedures, accommodation policies, FAQs, test structure, and sample questions. To access or download the EIP for your exam, tap/click the “Exam package” button next to your exam, within the list of exams section.

No. USPS never charges a fee for exams, applications, or employment information. If you see this, please report it to the United States Postal Inspection Service. Additionally, you can report suspected fraud to:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
• Your state attorney general or local Better Business Bureau.

For proctored exams, you may cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Within 24 hours, you cannot cancel or reschedule. If you miss your appointment, you will receive an incomplete result and cannot retest for that job vacancy. See When can I retest? for more information.

To cancel or reschedule outside of the 24-hour window, follow the instructions in the Exam Information Package for your exam or in the exam email(s) you received.

The USPS does not charge for employment information or for taking a postal exam. If you are concerned about a company’s ad for USPS employment, contact:

• Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or on the Internet at http://www.ftc.gov. From the FTC website select “Consumer Complaint” and then “Complaint Assistant”. The website will gather the needed information and FTC will analyze the complaint for any similarity and needed further action.
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Contact your local office.
• State Attorney General or Better Business Bureau: Contact your local office.

If you do not complete the exam by the deadline, then you will receive an ineligible score and will not be considered for the position you applied to. You may apply again to other positions requiring the same exam, as well as to other jobs that require a different exam.

For Virtual Entry Assessments (VEA):

If you do not pass a VEA exam, you cannot retake the same version for one year (12 months) from your most recent attempt.

• Example: If you fail VEA 474 (Mail Carrier), you must wait one year before retaking VEA 474.
• You may take a different version (e.g., VEA 475, 476, or 477) immediately if you apply for a job in a different group.

For Other Exams:

You are eligible to retest on or after your Retest Eligibility Date. You cannot retest for the same job posting. However, you can retest for other job postings with the same exam if you submit your application on or after your Retest Eligibility Date.

Note: If you applied to a job posting in eCareer, after taking the exam, you can log into eCareer to see your Retest Eligibility Date by selecting “Show Roadmap” and then “Assessments.” See eCareer Help & Tips for more information about the eCareer system.

Your exam result is valid through the expiration date shown on your Notice of Results. Results are kept in your Candidate Profile and automatically included with future applications for jobs requiring the same exam. If you apply for a job after the expiration date, you will be required to retake the exam.

Note: If you applied to a job posting in eCareer, after taking the exam, you can log into eCareer to see your result expiration date by selecting “Show Roadmap” and then “Assessments.” See eCareer Help & Tips for more information about the eCareer system.