Each of the practice tests below comes with full explanations & solving tips
- Mechanics: 7 practice tests
- Electronics: 12 practice tests
- Workshop and tools: 3 practice tests
- Spatial reasoning: 8 practice tests
- Oral technical test preparation: 2 study guides
- 7 mechanical & electrical comprehension study guides
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What Is the Postal Exam 955?
The Postal Exam 955, also known as the USPS Maintenance Test, is used to screen candidates applying to various USPS maintenance positions, such as Maintenance Mechanic, Electronic Technician, Building Equipment Mechanic, and more. The Exam is 75-minute long and covers 8 content areas.
The test is based in content and structure on the Ramsay Test known as the MultiCraft test.
What Is the Passing Score for the 955 Exam?
The minimum passing score for each of the Postal Exam 955 content areas is 70. If you fail to reach this score, you’ll receive an “Ineligible” status. A retest is usually possible only 6 months after your initial test date.
How Hard Is the USPS 955 Exam?
The USPS 955 is a hard exam, as it requires solid theoretical and practical knowledge in a wide range of mechanical and electrical topics. Candidates with no experience in these fields will find the test harder. That being said, prior prep can help increase your chances of scoring high.
What Are the Sections of the USPS 955 Exam?
There are five basic parts to the 955 Exam:
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Maintenance Mechanic MPE
- Electronics Technician
- Building Equipment
- Spatial Reasoning
The first three parts correlate directly to scores for the jobs of the same title.
Building Equipment correlates to both Building Equipment Mechanic (BEM9) and Area Maintenance Technician (AMT9) jobs.
The spatial reasoning portion of the test is a general topic that’s likely to apply to all test scores.
The five basic parts are divided into 8 content areas:
- AC/DC Theory, Power Distribution, and Electrical Maintenance
- Motors, Control Circuits, Schematics and Print Reading
- Digital Electronics, Power Supplies, Computers, PLC, and Test Instruments
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Pumps, Piping, and Combustion
- Power Transmission, Lubrication, Mechanical Maintenance and Shop Machines, Tools and Equipment
- Welding and Rigging
- Spatial Relations and Spatial Reasoning - Matching Figures and Visualization
Postal Exam 955 Sample Questions (Taken From the Complete Practice Pack)
AC/DC Theory Sample Question
This is a predominantly theoretical section that revolves around the fundamentals of electricity. While simple for many candidates, those who have not dealt with electrical theory recently will often find this section problematic and will need a focused recap to ace it.
In a 110V electrical system, there are three appliances: appliance A (550W) appliance B (770W), and appliance C (330W). Given that all appliances operate simultaneously, what is the minimum required fuse rating?
Motors Sample Question
This is a relatively practical section, but theoretical knowledge of motor types and functionality is required as well.
In induction motors, the difference between the synchronous and asynchronous speed of the rotor is referred to as:
Control Circuits Sample Question
With the advancement of technology, this section becomes increasingly important in the 955 test. It covers all levels of control circuits, from fundamental concepts to the advanced analysis of ladder diagrams.
Identify the relay type shown below:
The correct answer is B.
SPDT is a single pole double throw relay. The schematic diagram of an SPDT is shown below.
There are three terminals:
- COM (common)
- NO (normally open)
- NC (normally closed).
When the relay is OFF, the COM terminal is connected with the NC terminal and when the relay is ON, the COM terminal is connected with the NO terminal. The schematic diagram of SPST (single pole single throw) and DPDT (double pole double throw) are also shown below.
PLC Sample Question
What is the equivalent Boolean expression for the PLC program below?
The correct answer is A.
Below are the steps of analysis:
Test Instruments Sample Question
This section deals with electrical test instruments such as ammeters, meggers, and multimeters. While most candidates are familiar with the basic operation of these tools, the Postal Exam 955 test questions tend to be a bit more in-depth.
In electrical circuits, voltmeter is always connected in ____________ and ammeter is always connected in ____________.
The correct answer is D.
In electrical circuits, voltmeters are always used in parallel to the nodes where the potential is required to be determined. However, ammeters are always connected in series to measure the desired current in the branches. These connections are shown in the figure below.
Hydraulics and Pneumatics Sample Question
Hydraulics and pneumatics are two of the most prevalent topics in this test aimed for strictly mechanical positions. Apart from being familiar with practical methods and concepts, this section also deals a lot with theoretical knowledge. This makes this section a pain point for experienced candidates in particular.
Which type of valve should be used when a precise, low flow is required?
Piping Sample Question
Which type of pipe would be most recommended to install deep beneath the ground?
Power Transmission Sample Question
This is another very prevalent mechanical topic. Although covering around 14 sub-topics (e.g. couplings, bearings, shafts, etc.), several sub-topics often constitute the majority of questions in this section, so they are more worthy of your attention.
What is the aim of flexible couplings?
Spatial Visualization Sample Question
This part tests your ability to imagine what three-dimensional objects will look like after they have been rotated.
Two separate objects are placed at the center of the screen, each with a dot placed in one corner. The answer choices contain the same two objects, rotated in some way. Only one of the five options shows both the dots placed in the same corners as in the model.
What Is the Next Step After Passing the 955 Test?
After you successfully pass the 955 Exam, there are two other crucial steps to the United States Postal Service hiring process.
Panel Interview (Oral Test)
You will be interviewed by two members of USPS maintenance management, and one member of USPS human resources.
They will ask you 5 questions for each job title. Some questions will be technical in nature and some questions will be related to work ethic and interpersonal relations.
Most importantly, they ask you safety questions. You should always remember that safety comes first and you need to be familiar with LOCKOUT/TAGOUT safety procedures.
Here are a few examples of questions you’ll likely encounter during this interview:
- Explain how you would troubleshoot a fuse when the fuse is in the circuit, out of the circuit, and across three phases.
- Explain the function and usage of an oscilloscope.
- Explain the different usages of heatsinks in electronics in regard to both computing and its use in soldering.
- Explain how you would go about troubleshooting a networking fault.
- Explain Ohm's Law.
Drug Screening Clearance
To get hired, you must pass a 5-panel urine drug test. The USPS is strict about this issue and will turn down many qualified applicants because of the drug test, making it their biggest hurdle in finding employees.
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