USPS 955 Practice Tests – Ace Your Upcoming Exam (2024)
Apr 10, 2024Preparing for the USPS 955 exam, also known as the Maintenance Mechanics Examination, is crucial for individuals aspiring to secure mechanical maintenance jobs within the United States Postal Service.
This exam serves as a screening tool to assess candidates' technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities and personal characteristics relevant to maintenance roles.
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Understanding the USPS 955 Exam
The USPS 955 Exam comprises multiple sections designed to evaluate various aspects of a candidate's readiness for maintenance positions.
Section 1: Maintenance Knowledge and Skills
This section tests candidates on their technical proficiency in areas such as safety practices, electrical and mechanical concepts, troubleshooting and building maintenance.
Practice questions within this section provide insights into the types of challenges candidates may encounter.
Section 2: Personal Characteristics and Experience Inventory
In this segment, the exam delves into personal traits and past experiences that align with the demands of maintenance roles.
Questions focus on work experience, personal characteristics and situational judgment, assessing qualities essential for success in a maintenance career.
USPS 955 Exam Practice Questions
Section 1: Maintenance Knowledge and Skills
This section assesses the candidate's technical knowledge and skills relevant to maintenance work.
It typically covers topics such as:
- Safety Practices – Questions related to workplace safety, including personal protective equipment, safety procedures and hazard recognition.
- Tools and Measuring Instruments – Questions on the use of various hand tools, power tools and measuring devices commonly used in maintenance tasks.
- Basic Electrical Concepts – This might include questions on electrical circuits, voltage, current, resistance and the use of electrical testing equipment.
- Basic Mechanical Concepts – Questions could cover mechanical principles such as levers, pulleys, gears, bearings and hydraulics.
- Building Maintenance – This can include questions on plumbing, carpentry, painting and HVAC systems.
- Troubleshooting and Repair – Questions might involve scenarios requiring the diagnosis and repair of mechanical or electrical problems.
Example Question 1. Safety Practices
You are performing maintenance on a conveyor belt system. Before starting the work, which of the following safety procedures should you follow first?
a) Notify your supervisor that the machine will be temporarily out of service
b) Ensure that the conveyor belt's power source is disconnected and properly locked out/tagged out
c) Check the surrounding area for any unrelated safety hazards
d) Start disassembling the parts of the conveyor belt that require maintenance
The correct answer is: b) Ensure that the conveyor belt's power source is disconnected and properly locked out/tagged out.
Example Question 2. Tools and Measuring Instruments
Which tool is most appropriate for measuring the voltage present in an electrical circuit?
a) Ammeter
b) Multimeter
c) Caliper
d) Torque wrench
The correct answer is: b) Multimeter
Example Question 3. Basic Mechanical Concepts
A pump is moving 300 gallons of water every minute at a speed of 60 RPM (revolutions per minute). If the speed of the pump is reduced to 30 RPM, how many gallons of water will the pump move per minute, assuming the pump's efficiency remains constant?
a) 150 gallons
b) 300 gallons
c) 600 gallons
d) It cannot be determined from the information given
The correct answer is: a) 150 gallons
To solve this problem, we can use the direct proportionality between the speed of the pump in revolutions per minute (RPM) and the amount of water it moves in gallons per minute. Since the pump's efficiency remains constant, we can say that the volume of water moved is directly proportional to the pump's speed.
The pump moves 300 gallons of water every minute at a speed of 60 RPM. This gives us a baseline for understanding the relationship between speed and volume moved.
The speed of the pump is reduced to 30 RPM, which is half of its original speed (60 RPM → 30 RPM, or 60 RPM / 2).
Because the efficiency of the pump is constant, when you reduce the speed of the pump by half, the volume of water moved is also reduced by half. This is a direct proportion. If at 60 RPM, the pump moves 300 gallons, then at 30 RPM, it would move half of that amount, because 30 RPM is half of 60 RPM.
Half of 300 gallons is 150 gallons. Therefore, at 30 RPM, the pump moves 150 gallons of water per minute.
Example Question 4: Basic Electrical Concepts
Which of the following electrical components is used to store an electrical charge?
a) Resistor
b) Capacitor
c) Inductor
d) Transformer
The correct answer is: b) Capacitor
Example Question 5: Troubleshooting and Repair
You are troubleshooting a malfunctioning electric motor that suddenly stopped working. What should be the first step in diagnosing the problem?
a) Replace the motor immediately with a new one
b) Check if the power supply to the motor is intact and functioning
c) Dismantle the motor to inspect the internal components
d) Apply lubricant to the motor's moving parts and restart it
The correct answer is: b) Check if the power supply to the motor is intact and functioning
Example Question 6: Building Maintenance
When replacing a damaged floor tile, which of the following actions should be performed first?
a) Apply adhesive to the new tile
b) Remove the grout surrounding the damaged tile
c) Clean the surface where the new tile will be placed
d) Measure the area to ensure the new tile fits perfectly
The correct answer is: b) Remove the grout surrounding the damaged tile
Section 2: Personal Characteristics and Experience Inventory
This section evaluates the applicant's personal traits and experiences that are relevant to a maintenance career at the USPS. It might include questions about:
- Work Experience – Questions regarding past experiences that demonstrate mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Personal Characteristics – Questions that assess qualities such as reliability, cooperation, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Situational Judgment – These questions present hypothetical work-related scenarios to evaluate the candidate's judgment, decision-making and ability to interact effectively in various situations
Example Question 1: Work Experience
Describe a situation from your previous work experience where you had to solve a problem in a limited amount of time.
What was the issue, and what steps did you take to resolve it?
a) I have never encountered a situation where I had to solve a problem quickly
b) I noticed an error in a report due the next day; I stayed late, corrected the error and double-checked the rest of the report
c) I ignored the problem, hoping it would resolve itself before the deadline
d) I passed the responsibility to a coworker because I was too busy with other tasks
The correct answer is: b) I noticed an error in a report due the next day; I stayed late, corrected the error, and double-checked the rest of the report
This answer demonstrates problem-solving skills, initiative, and responsibility. The candidate identifies a problem, takes immediate action to correct it and ensures that the solution is complete and accurate, qualities that are valued in any work environment.
Example Question 2: Personal Characteristics
How would you describe your approach to work?
a) I prefer to wait for instructions before I start anything to avoid mistakes
b) I like to tackle tasks as they come, even if it means sometimes skipping breaks
c) I plan my work ahead and prioritize tasks to ensure efficiency and meet deadlines
d) I usually keep to the minimum required effort, as I believe in working smart, not hard
The correct answer is: c) I plan my work ahead and prioritize tasks to ensure efficiency and meet deadlines
This response reflects good organizational skills, foresight, and a strong work ethic. By planning and prioritizing, the candidate shows they can manage their time effectively and are proactive in their approach, traits highly regarded in any role, especially in high-pressure environments like the USPS.
Example Question 3: Situational Judgment
You are working on an urgent task when a colleague asks for your help with a problem they are experiencing, which is hindering their progress. Your supervisor is not around.
What do you do?
a) Tell the colleague that you are too busy and they should wait for the supervisor to return
b) Ignore your urgent task and assist your colleague immediately
c) Assess the urgency of your colleague’s problem and decide if you can provide quick help without severely disrupting your own task
d) Inform your colleague that it’s not your job to assist them and continue with your work
The correct answer is: c) Assess the urgency of your colleague’s problem and decide if you can provide quick help without severely disrupting your own task.
This option shows a balanced approach to teamwork and individual responsibility. By assessing the situation, the candidate demonstrates empathy, situational awareness and decision-making skills.
Offering help when possible without compromising their own urgent tasks illustrates a collaborative spirit while maintaining a commitment to personal duties.
It's important to note that the USPS periodically updates the structure and content of its exams, so the exact nature of the questions can vary.
Preparation for the USPS 955 exam should focus on understanding the fundamental principles of mechanical and electrical maintenance, safety practices and developing good test-taking strategies.
How to Practice for the Postal Exam 955
Preparing for the USPS 955 Exam, a critical step for those aspiring to technical and maintenance roles within the United States Postal Service requires focused study and practical preparation.
Below are strategies and tips on how to effectively practice for the exam.
Understand the Exam Structure and Content
First, familiarize yourself with the structure of the USPS 955 Exam.
Understanding the different sections and types of questions you will face is crucial. This includes sections on electrical concepts, mechanical concepts and troubleshooting for the technical part, as well as sections on personal characteristics and situational judgment.
Knowing the exam format will help tailor your study approach effectively.
Utilize Official Study Materials
Make use of any official USPS study guides or materials that are available. These resources are specifically designed to help candidates understand the breadth and depth of knowledge required for the exam. They often include practice questions that give you a taste of what to expect.
Practice with a USPS Exam 955 Practice Test
Solving sample questions is one of the best ways to prepare.
Focus on the types of questions mentioned in the exam outline, such as safety practices, mechanical reasoning and troubleshooting scenarios.
Practice questions help identify areas where you need more study while familiarizing you with the exam's format and time constraints.
Review Technical Concepts
If the exam covers technical aspects like electrical and mechanical reasoning, spend time reviewing these concepts.
Use textbooks, online tutorials and other educational resources to brush up on fundamental principles.
Pay special attention to areas where you feel less confident.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Try to simulate exam conditions by timing yourself while you complete practice tests. This can help improve your time management skills and reduce anxiety on the actual test day.
Regularly practicing under timed conditions can also increase your speed and efficiency.
Seek Feedback
If possible, have someone knowledgeable in the field review your answers to practice questions, especially for sections like troubleshooting and mechanical reasoning.
Constructive feedback can provide insights into your problem-solving approach and highlight areas needing improvement.
Focus on Weak Areas
As you practice, you’ll likely identify areas where your knowledge or skills are weaker. Dedicate additional study time to these topics. This targeted approach can help improve your overall performance on the exam.
Engage in Hands-On Learning
For technical sections, hands-on experience can be invaluable.
If you have access to relevant tools, machinery or equipment, practice using them.
Understanding how things work in practice can help you answer questions about mechanical and electrical principles more effectively.
Stay Healthy and Rested
Lastly, remember that physical well-being can impact your exam performance.
Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well and manage stress in the days leading up to the test.
A clear, rested mind will be your best asset come exam day.
By incorporating these strategies into your study plan, you can enhance your preparation for the USPS 955 Exam.
Regular practice, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the exam structure and required knowledge, will increase your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the 955 postal exam?
The difficulty of the 955 postal exam, including postal exam 955 answers and the postal exam 955 free practice test, varies depending on your technical knowledge and test-taking skills. It covers mechanical and electrical principles, among other topics, making prior study and hands-on experience beneficial for preparation.
How many questions are on the 955 exam?
The number of questions on the 955 exam, including USPS 955 exam questions, can vary as the USPS updates its assessment formats.
Typically, candidates can expect a comprehensive test covering various sections, including technical skills and situational judgment.
Check official USPS resources for the most current information.
Is the USPS assessment test hard?
The USPS assessment test's difficulty level, including 955 postal exam questions, varies among individuals. It evaluates aptitude, personality and job-related skills.
Success largely depends on the candidate's preparation, familiarity with the test format, and ability to apply practical knowledge under timed conditions.
What is the passing score for the USPS test?
The passing score for the USPS test can vary depending on the specific position and the competitive range of scores among candidates.
Generally, higher scores improve the likelihood of proceeding in the hiring process.
Exact passing scores are determined by current USPS benchmarks.
How long does the 955 exam take?
The duration of the 955 exam can vary based on the specific sections and number of questions.
Candidates should prepare for a comprehensive assessment that may last several hours.
The exact timing should be confirmed with the USPS or in your exam instructions.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for USPS 955 exam questions requires a comprehensive understanding of the test's structure, a solid grasp of technical concepts and effective study and practice strategies.
While the exam may present challenges, particularly in its technical sections, diligent preparation and a focused approach can greatly enhance your chances of success.
Remember to utilize official resources, engage in hands-on practice and maintain a healthy balance between study and rest.
By familiarizing yourself with the exam format, practicing under timed conditions, and focusing on areas of improvement, you can approach the USPS 955 exam with confidence and secure a step forward in your postal service career.
