USPS Postal Exam 474 Passing Score Explained – What You Need in 2025
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The USPS Postal Exam 474 is the first major step in your journey to a United States Postal Service career. Thousands of candidates take it every year, but only those who understand the USPS 474 scoring system truly know how to reach a competitive score. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how the test is scored in 2025, what “passing” really means, and how you can position yourself among top candidates.
For real USPS-style questions, mock exams, and behavioral response examples, grab the USPS Postal Exam 474 Study Guide (2025 Edition). You can also find free updates and preparation articles on our homepage.
📊 What Is the USPS Postal Exam 474?
The USPS 474 exam, also known as the Virtual Entry Assessment – MC 474, is required for mail carrier positions such as City Carrier Assistant (CCA), Rural Carrier Associate (RCA), and Mail Carrier. The exam evaluates four key areas:
- Work Scenarios – Judgment and decision-making in workplace situations
- Tell Us Your Story – Behavioral consistency and reliability
- Check for Errors – Accuracy and attention to detail
- Describe Your Approach – Work personality and USPS values alignment
Unlike traditional exams, there are no “right or wrong” answers. Instead, your performance is compared to the behavioral profile USPS seeks in dependable employees.
🎯 USPS 474 Passing Score in 2025
To pass the USPS Postal Exam 474, you must achieve a score of 70 or higher. However, to remain competitive and be considered for most postal positions, candidates should aim for at least a score of 85–95+.
| Score Range | Performance Level | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 69 | Not Qualified | Application removed from USPS hiring consideration |
| 70 – 84 | Qualified | Meets minimum standards but may not stand out |
| 85 – 94 | Highly Qualified | Strong chance of interview selection |
| 95 – 100 | Top Candidate | Exceptional performance; highest hiring priority |
Tip: A score above 90 dramatically increases your chances of being contacted for an interview or conditional offer.
🧮 How the USPS 474 Exam Is Scored
The scoring algorithm uses a behavioral and consistency-based model rather than traditional right/wrong grading. Each section contributes differently:
- Work Scenarios (30%) – Evaluates your judgment and problem-solving.
- Tell Us Your Story (25%) – Measures honesty, reliability, and consistency.
- Check for Errors (25%) – Assesses focus and precision.
- Describe Your Approach (20%) – Reviews your work habits and personality traits.
Your overall score reflects how closely your responses match USPS’s ideal employee model. Consistent, USPS-aligned answers across sections yield higher composite scores.
📘 What Does “Not Eligible” Mean?
If your result says “Not Eligible” instead of a numerical score, it means you did not meet USPS’s behavioral criteria or fell below the 70 threshold. Unfortunately, that disqualifies you from proceeding in the current hiring cycle for that position.
Good news: You can retake the exam when