Master the 2025 USPS 474 Exam with USPS 474 Quickpass™ Prep + Free Practice Test

After you apply for a position that requires the USPS 474 exam (part of the VEA – Virtual Entry Assessment), you’ll receive an email with instructions. You must complete the exam within 72 hours of receiving the first invitation, even if you applied to multiple roles. If you don’t complete it in time, you’ll be removed from consideration for that position.

A good score on the USPS Assessment 474, which is part of the Virtual Entry Assessment (VEA), is anything above 70%, as this is the minimum score required to pass. Achieving at least 70% is essential to be considered for employment in roles that use this test. However, scoring significantly higher than the minimum can improve your chances of being selected, especially in competitive areas where many applicants meet or exceed the passing threshold.

If you do not pass the USPS 474 exam (i.e., you score below 70%), you will receive an “ineligible” status and will not be considered for the position you applied for, or for any other positions within the same job group.

After completing the USPS 474 exam, you will receive updates regarding the status of your application. These updates typically inform you whether you have met the necessary criteria to move forward in the hiring process. The communication may come through your USPS online profile or via email.

Your exam results are made available through your online profile or sent to your email. They usually appear as “eligible” if you passed, “ineligible” if you did not, or as a numeric score. A result of “ineligible” result means you did not meet the passing criteria and will not be considered for the position you applied for. However, you may still apply for other USPS job opportunities in the future.

No, the USPS 474 exam doesn’t focus on memorizing detailed guidelines. Instead, it tests your understanding of the principles and how well you can apply them in different situations. It’s more about practical thinking than recalling exact rules.

If you fail, you must wait 12 months before retaking the 474 exam. If you passed but want to improve your score, you must wait 24 months. To retake the exam, you’ll need to apply for a new Mail Carrier job posting that requires the 474 assessment. Your new score will replace the old one, even if it’s lower.

Passing the 474 exam is just one step. Here’s a concise overview of the full hiring process:

1. Apply Online: Apply for open Mail Carrier positions via the USPS eCareers site.
2. Pass the 474 Exam: Score at least 70% within 72 hours of receiving your exam invite.
3. Driving Record Check: Provide details for a motor vehicle records check (a clean record is usually required).
4. Background Check & Drug Test: Undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
5. Medical Exam: Complete Form 1507 to confirm you meet the physical requirements.
6. Interviews: Participate in individual or group interviews if invited.
7. Conditional Job Offer: If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer by email.
8. Final Steps: Some locations may require a final interview or orientation before your start date.

Tip: Check your email (including spam/junk) daily for USPS updates.

The USPS 474 exam generally takes between 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Although the test itself isn’t timed, candidates are required to submit it within 72 hours of receiving the invitation. It is a self-paced assessment composed of multiple sections.

Your USPS 474 exam score remains valid for between 2 and 6 years, depending on whether you pass the test and the specific job position you applied for.

The USPS does not publish official statistics on average scores or failure rates for the Postal Exam 474, so there’s no exact data available. However, many test-takers have shared that they struggled with the exam or didn’t pass, suggesting that the failure rate may be higher than expected.