Postal service jobs are in high demand due to attractive pay structure, fringe benefits, and relatively high job security. The average hourly pay for the federal job is about $16.52 per hour. The average postal worker makes about $51,000 in a year.

One of the key requirements of entry-level postal service jobs is passing the postal exam 473. If you are interested in clerical postal service jobs, it’s important that you know all about the tests to ensure that you don’t face any confusion during the exam day.

Postal Exam 473: General Guidelines

Following the guidelines of postal exam 473 is important. Applicants that don’t follow the test procedures that will be outlined by the test supervisor in the testing room will be disqualified. Knowing about the test rules and procedures is an important part of the mental preparation for the postal exam. 

Keep in mind that you should start answering the questions only when the supervisor says that you can begin. Starting ahead of the specified time can result in a disqualification.

Individuals would be allowed to have a drink, go to the lavatory, or eat during the test. However, it would not be in your interest unless you have quickly completed the test. The clock will be ticking the moment the test commences. A better plan is to answer the calls of nature before the test starts so that you don’t waste time during the test. Keep in mind that accuracy and speed are essential if you want to ace the test. This is not possible if you don’t make the best use of time given to you for the test. 

Postal Exam Rules and Procedures

The postal exam 473 consists of four parts. You must complete one part before proceeding to the next. Also, you should work on the part of the test that is specified by the exam supervisor.  You will be disqualified for cheating if you zoom ahead on other parts of the test without getting the green signal from the supervisor.

The exam supervisor will wall over the room to ensure that everyone is following the rules. A person who is caught cheating or not following the general procedures will be instantly disqualified.

Exam Test Format

A summary of the exam format can be seen in the following table.

Table: Exam Format Summary

Section	Name	Time Limit	Number of Questions	Type of Questions
A	Address Coding	11 min.	60	MCQs
B	Forms Completion	15 min.	30	MCQs
C — 1	Coding	6 min.	36	MCQs
C — 2	Memory	7 min.	36	MCQs

On a final note, it’s strongly advised that you don’t resort to cheating. Make sure that you keep your eyes focused on the computer screen. Looking at another’s PC during the test could land you into trouble. Telling answer to another test taker is considered cheating and should be avoided as well.