The Postal Service administers entrance examinations to establish an applicant’s eligibility for employment consideration for entry–level positions.
Written examinations are those examinations in which applicants must appear (assemble) at a designated location, in the presence of an examiner, to respond in writing to test items.
Rated application examinations are those examinations in which applicants are not required to appear or to take a written examination. Applicants must complete an application form for the announced position, detailing their experience, education, and training. The National Test Administration Center (NTAC) then determines the applicant’s eligibility by utilizing a rating guide to evaluate the application forms to generate scores.
In a performance test, applicants must carry out certain work activities related to the position for which they are applying. An examiner observes their performance while engaged in the activity and records the applicant’s performance according to predetermined standards.
Appointing officials may request the administration of a noncompetitive examination for current career federal employees (those eligible to transfer to the Postal Service), or former career postal or federal employees, if suitable for postal employment, in order to establish eligibility for reinstatement or transfer. See 233.33, Reinstatement and Reemployment and 233.34, Transfer From Another Federal Entity, for eligibility rules applicable to former postal or federal employees. The applicants must meet examination and all other requirements for the positions for which they applied.
