Has anyone every taken the USPS Battery Exam?

Question

I'm in the process of studying for it I'm 20 years old, and I'm having a tough time on Memory for Addresses, it's on page 37 of the third edition book. I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips other than the tips in the book, and I was wondering exactly how the test is set up...

Answer 1

First off, I have never heard of someone studying for the Postal Exam. I guess they have classes and books for everything now :)

My husband and I both took the exam. My scores were higher than his, so I was hired first. I changed paths (in Law school now) but he is still a city letter carrier (8 years now).

The exam is pretty much a general knowledge and basic logic test. I suppose you can touch up on test taking skills in general, but there is really no content to study. Honestly, if you try too hard you will end up stressing out & doing poorly. Just relax, read/listen to the directions and focus.

The test itself is usually given in a large hall or auditorium type place. You will be among hundreds of others taking the test from a pretty decent size region. The test has a certain number of sections and they are all timed. You can't go back once the session is up (even if you have extra time). Like I said before, if you can read & comprehend and have a BASIC command of grammar and numbers, you will be fine. The two sections that give people the most "trouble" are the memory section & the analogy/sequence section. My advice to you is that if you feel like the memory section will be a problem then try mnemonics. Try looking at the set of street names and make an acronym from top to bottom to help memorize the order. Example:  Elm street

                                                       Ledgebrook Rd

                                                      Roseen Ave

                                                      Meetinghouse Way

          You could just make something up like Everyone Loves Red Meat. Now you know that the E address is first & the M address is last

As far as the street numbers go, try to make the #'s fit into numbers you already know. Example: 1017 Main St.

                         I would remember this because 1 of my sons was born on 10-17

Those are just typical strategies for those who can't just straight up memorize a bunch of new info.

The analogy/sequential section is common sense but can get somewhat intricate as you answer more questions. So, if this is not a strong suit for you, then maybe you can practice some of these. the first ones will be VERY obvious like:

what comes next 2, 4, 6, 8, ?

Then as you answer more they will be less obvious such as:

what comes next 1,77, 3, 85, 34,10, ?

One important thing to remember is that you are actually competing against everyone else that is taking the test. So, if most people are only getting 85% of the questions right and you get 86% right then you will take the next step in the hiring process first. A few points can make a difference. I scored about 8 points higher than my husband & was offered an interview 7 months before him.

I hope this helped you some. I just can't stress enough to just be well-rested & relax!!!!!!

Just FYI, now would probably be a good time to take the test (if one is offered) because the USPS has been looking seriously at early-outs (retirements) over the last few months. Seems like it may be a done deal. What that means to you, is that they could be hiring soon (which doesn't happen too often).

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck!