Overview
The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA) to screen applicants for its main entry-level delivery, mail handling, processing and retail jobs. There are four versions, numbered 474 to 477, one for each job group. The VEA is taken online and a passing score is needed to be considered for these jobs.
| Exam | Name | Job group | Example positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 474 | Virtual Entry Assessment – MC | Mail Carrier | City Carrier, Rural Carrier, City Carrier Assistant, Rural Carrier Associate |
| 475 | Virtual Entry Assessment – MH | Mail Handler | Mail Handler, Mail Handler Assistant |
| 476 | Virtual Entry Assessment – MP | Mail Processing | Mail Processing Clerk, PSE Mail Processing Clerk |
| 477 | Virtual Entry Assessment – CS | Customer Service Clerk | Sales and Services Associate, PSE Sales and Services/Distribution Associate |
Who can apply
USPS applicants must:
be at least 18 at the time of appointment, or 16 with a high school diploma
be a US citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of American Samoa or another US territory
pass a criminal background check covering the past 10 years, a drug screening and a medical assessment
have a safe driving record, where the job involves driving
be registered with Selective Service, if applicable
provide recent employment history
Exam pattern
The VEA is taken online on a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone and generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Different versions contain different exercises, and not every exercise appears in every version.
| Exercise | What you do |
|---|---|
| Realistic Job Preview | Read about the job's daily tasks, rewards and challenges. No questions; this is the only unscored part. |
| Work Situations | For each job situation, choose which of four responses you would be most likely and least likely to take. |
| Checking for Accuracy | Decide whether customer information on screen matches USPS records or contains an error. |
| What Motivates You | Pick which of two statements better reflects your job preferences. |
| Tell Us Your Story | Answer questions about your work history; school, sports or other activities can be used if you have no work experience. |
| Describe Your Work Style | Pick which of two statements is more like you. |
Marking and results
You must score at least 70% to pass the VEA. Results are reported as eligible (a pass) or ineligible, and a result is valid until the expiration date on your Notice of Results.
If you fail a VEA version, you cannot be considered for jobs in that job group and cannot retake the same version for 12 months from your latest attempt. You can still take a different version straight away if you apply for a job in another job group.
Fees
There is no fee. USPS states that it never charges for exams, applications or employment information.
How to apply
Jobs are posted on the USPS careers sites. When you apply for a job that needs the VEA, USPS emails an invitation, and you have 72 hours from the time it is sent to finish the assessment. If you apply for several jobs that use the same version, the 72 hours run from the first invitation. Missing the deadline removes you from consideration for that job, though you can apply for others later. Not every applicant is invited to the exam.
After the exam
Applicants who pass move to screening, which includes the background check, a medical questionnaire and, where relevant, a motor vehicle record check. After that, candidates confirm employment and a start date and complete onboarding.
Preparation tips
USPS says no study is needed for the VEA. Take it somewhere quiet with a reliable internet connection, start soon after the invitation arrives, and finish in one sitting if you can. A version compliant with Section 508 is available from the launch page, and further accommodation can be requested by email to the USPS exam administration address given in the VEA candidate guide, before the assessment deadline.
Which postal exam do I need for City Carrier Assistant?
VEA 474 (Mail Carrier), which also covers City Carrier, Rural Carrier and Rural Carrier Associate.
What score do I need to pass the VEA?
At least 70%.
Does it cost anything to take the postal exam?
No. USPS does not charge for exams or applications.