Check for Errors – USPS Postal Exam 474 Tips

The Check for Errors section of the USPS Postal Exam 474 evaluates your attention to detail. You’ll be asked to compare two sets of address data and determine whether they are identical or contain subtle differences.

This section is designed to test how accurately and quickly you can process information, an essential skill for USPS job roles involving sorting and verifying mail.

What to Expect

You’ll be shown two entries—usually mailing addresses, names, or alphanumeric strings. Your task is to decide if the two entries are exactly the same or if there’s any difference.

Even one misplaced letter, missing punctuation, or spacing issue can count as an error. That's why this section requires sharp focus and a methodical approach.

Example:

Entry 1: 456 Main St., Apt. 2B, Springfield, IL 62704
Entry 2: 456 Main St Apt 2B, Springfield IL 62704

These two look similar—but they are not the same. The first includes commas and abbreviations that are missing in the second. The correct answer here is “Different.”

Tips to Master Check for Errors

• Compare character-by-character: Don’t scan the entire string visually—read each letter, space, and punctuation mark.
• Watch for formatting: Check spaces, commas, hyphens, apartment numbers, and state abbreviations.
• Use your finger or cursor: Moving line by line helps you stay focused.
• Ignore assumptions: Two addresses that “look right” may still differ in punctuation or spacing.
• Time yourself: Practice with a stopwatch to improve speed without losing accuracy.

This section is not scored based on completion—it's based on how many you get right. So it’s better to be accurate than fast.

Practice Is Key

This is a section where improvement is very visible with practice. The more side-by-side entries you compare, the more your eye will catch errors naturally.

Our USPS Postal Exam 474 Study Guide – 2025 Edition includes multiple practice sets for Check for Errors, helping you strengthen this skill before test day.

Common Errors to Look Out For

• Extra or missing commas
• Incorrect apartment or suite numbers
• Misspelled city names
• Wrong ZIP codes or missing digits
• Incorrect state abbreviations

Conclusion: Accuracy Wins

The Check for Errors section might seem simple, but it requires serious focus. Slowing down and reviewing each character carefully can help you secure valuable points on the USPS Postal Exam 474. With practice and a clear strategy, you can master this section and boost your overall score.