United States Postal Inspection Service
For each academy class, we have the honor of choosing an elite group of men and women to join us as Postal Inspectors. These men and women are evaluated on the knowledge, skills, and abilities in communication, personal responsibility, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership.
The Inspection Service has open application periods several times during the year.
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Read below for more information about becoming a Postal Inspector.
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Postal Inspectors face different crimes and challenges. Watch to learn more about their role as a law enforcement agency.
Secure the mail. Deliver justice. Protect us all. For 250 years, we have protected the U.S. Mail and everyone who uses it.
You may be eligible to apply to become a Postal Inspector if you:
The Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to a drug-free workplace. The unlawful use or possession of drugs, at any time, by Inspection Service employees is not tolerated, and may serve as the basis for removal from the Postal Inspection Service. Individuals who apply for employment with the Inspection Service and illegally use, possess, or sell drugs may be considered unsuitable for employment.
Hearing Requirements:
Hearing acuity in the better ear is NOT to exceed an average loss of 30db at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. The loss canNOT exceed 40db in each ear, separately, at either 500 Hz or 1000 Hz or 2000 Hz. Hearing aids MAY be acceptable for meeting the USPIS hearing standard.
Vision Requirements:
Having vision in ONLY one eye is disqualifying. The ability to see using both eyes at the same time is required. Visual acuity using both eyes together, at the same time, must test 20/70 (using Snellen eye chart) WITHOUT corrective lenses. Uncorrected vision must test at least 20/100 in each eye, separately. Vision in EACH eye, separately, must be corrected to 20/20. Eye surgery MAY be acceptable for meeting the USPIS vision standard. Soft contact lenses less than 6 months – must meet uncorrected standards (20/100 in each eye). Soft contact lenses greater than 6 months – must meet same criteria as corrective binocular vision (20/20).
The Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to a drug-free workplace. The unlawful use or possession of drugs, at any time, by Inspection Service employees is not tolerated, and may serve as the basis for removal from the Postal Inspection Service. Individuals who apply for employment with the Inspection Service and illegally use, possess, or sell drugs may be considered unsuitable for employment.
The Postal Inspection Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A notification will periodically appear at the top of the USPIS website, so check back regularly. Also, follow USPIS on social media for the latest updates regarding USPIS careers HERE.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to a drug-free workplace. Applicants for employment with the Inspection Service who are currently using illegal drugs, or abusing legal drugs or substances, are not eligible for employment. The Inspection Service is able to accomplish its challenging and vital mission by hiring only highly qualified candidates
The Inspection Service does not condone any unlawful drug activity by applicants, but it is recognized that otherwise qualified applicants may have participated in minimal and limited illegal drug activities or the misuse or abuse of substances in the past. Consequently, the Inspection Service will review this information on a case-by-case basis to determine whether an applicant’s past drug activities disqualify him/her from hiring consideration.
All Inspection Service applicants are required to disclose their current and past drug usage and activity. This includes, but is not limited to, the illegal use, possession, manufacture, or sale of drugs or controlled substances in violation of Federal laws, even though permissible under state laws.
An applicant who deliberately misrepresents his or her drug history at any time during the application process is unsuitable for employment. An applicant who deliberately misrepresents his or her drug history at any time during the application process is unsuitable for employment.
Absent mitigating circumstances, applicants will be considered unsuitable for employment if the applicant has:
There are four special knowledge tracks that make applicants more competitive for the position of Postal Inspector: language skills, postal experience, specialized non-postal skills, and academic achievement. Candidates without special knowledge will only be minimally qualified.
Candidates who seek eligibility under language skills must have advanced competency in a foreign language deemed by the Postal Inspection Service as necessary to meeting its investigative mission.
Candidates seeking consideration under the specialized postal experience track must have at least one year of experience within the last five years as a U.S. Postal Service employee, contractor, or intern.
Candidates with experience in the military, law enforcement, or bioterrorism investigations are considered candidates with specialized experience. Other highly qualified specialized candidates have specialized computer expertise, or certifications in computer systems, auditing, or investigations.
Candidates with a B.A. or B.S. from an accredited university and a GPA of 3.0 or above or an advanced degree (M.A., M.S., J.D., or Ph.D) will be considered as part of the Academic Achievement track.
10 Steps: If you do not successfully complete a step you will be given no further consideration for this position.
*OPM designated 1811 Series Criminal Investigator applicants (career or career-conditional) will undergo an abbreviated applicant screening process.
The process begins with completing a brief profile of your personal information followed by an online application.
You will receive an email and link to complete a timed, multiple-choice exam. Exam Part 1 must be successfully completed within 72 hours of receiving the email.
If you successfully complete Exam 1, you will receive an email and link to complete the eCap, attach all required documents and submit it within 120 hours of receiving the email.
You will receive an email and link to eQIP to complete and submit the SF 86 within 168 hours of receiving the email.
You may receive an email invitation from a Field Recruiter to attend an Information Exchange. You must respond to the invitation within 48 hours.
If you indicated on your online application you are proficient in a foreign language, you will be administered a language exam (later in the process).
You may be invited to attend the Assessment Center to evaluate your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You may be invited to attend the Physical Fitness Test to assess your physical condition.
You will be administered a polygraph examination to validate information you provided on the SF 86 Questionnaire.
You may be invited to be interviewed by U.S. Postal Inspection Service managers. The interview consists of general and behavioral questions, an overview of the Postal Inspector position, and training requirements.
If you successfully complete all steps of the application process, you will be placed in the selection pool for employment consideration, for a period of up to two (2) years. Placement in the selection pool does not guarantee a job offer.
If you are extended a conditional employment offer, employment is contingent on successful completion of a Top Secret clearance, drug screening, and a medical assessment scheduled by the Postal Inspection Service.
The background investigation for the Top Secret clearance includes, but is not limited to: credit and criminal history checks; personal interviews with associates; personal and business reference checks; past employers and neighbor checks, and verification of education achievements.
The purpose of pre-employment medical assessment and drug screening is to evaluate your suitability to meet applicable physical and mental suitability standards for the Postal Inspector position.
After successfully completing all steps, you will be provided with an appointment letter. The Career Development Unit will contact you concerning your participation in the Basic Inspector Training program.
You will attend the Basic Inspector Training, a 16-week, residential program held in Potomac, MD. You must successfully complete the program to become a Postal Inspector.
After graduation, newly appointed Postal Inspectors report to their assigned duty locations.
Postal Inspector Basic Training is your introduction to the Postal Inspection Service and it is where you will learn the traditions, tactics, and methods to become a Postal Inspector. All Postal Inspector candidates must graduate from a 16-week residential program which covers firearms, academics, defensive tactics, physical fitness, and practical exercises. After graduation, newly appointed Postal Inspectors report to their assigned duty locations.
Candidates must complete rigorous courses in investigative techniques and USPS® policies. This training is completed by passing three exams during the course of study.
Postal Inspectors must be prepared to protect themselves and others. This includes training to handle a handgun and a shotgun safely and proficiently. Postal Inspectors on duty are required to complete firearms qualifications several times each year.
Physical fitness is a key part of basic training. Candidates must develop a physical fitness regimen and the ability to use a level of force appropriate to the threat. Candidates will be assessed regularly through Physical Fitness Testing.
Practical exercises give candidates the opportunity to perform the lessons learned during classroom activities and defensive tactics in a real-life simulation.
Postal Inspectors are paid using an ISLE (Inspection Service Law Enforcement) pay scale which mirrors the General Schedule (GS) Pay Scale for law enforcement officers. The Inspection Service uses the OPM locality pay schedule, and Inspectors receive a Law Enforcement Availability Pay Premium (provided work days average ten hours during the course of a fiscal year).
The U.S. Postal Service offers a generous leave program for Postal Inspectors which includes annual leave, sick leave, paid parental leave, and paid holidays. Postal Inspectors do not receive Scheduled In Advance Overtime, or any other type of overtime. Also, Postal Inspectors do not receive a night differential premium, Sunday premium, annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay, holiday worked pay or out-of-schedule premium.
Postal Inspectors are eligible to participate in the Postal Service Health Benefit (PSHB) Program including life insurance (FEGLI), dental and vision plans (FedVIP), flexible spending accounts (FSAFeds) and long-term care insurance (FLTCIP) programs, which provide excellent coverage and flexibility. Employee health insurance and dental and vision insurance premium contributions are not subject to most taxes.
Postal Inspector benefits include the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
All newly hired Postal Inspectors are covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Inspectors receive the Federal law enforcement retirement plan provisions.
Click here to learn about the postal inspector virtual assessment center exam.
Preparing for the Exam
Exam 621 is a proctored exam. It is completed in-person at a testing center. Please arrive at the testing center 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time for the check-in process. Be sure to leave yourself enough time for traffic, finding the testing center location, parking, and getting to the exam room. The exam is designed to be taken without interruptions or breaks. You must bring your government-issued photo ID to the testing center. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your exam appointment, you will not be permitted to take the exam. After completing the exam, you will receive an email with your results.
What to Expect in the Exam Room
Upon arrival, you will be required to present one government-issued photo ID as specified in your appointment confirmation email. The first and last name on your ID must match the first and last name on your appointment. You will not be permitted to take the exam if you do not present an ID which meets the stated requirements.
Personal items, such as calculators, cellular phones, other electronic devices, watches, wallets, purses, hats, bags, coats, books and notes are not allowed in the testing room. You must store all personal items in a locker or locked storage area. The testing centers are not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced personal items.
Please do not bring anyone with you into the testing center, they will not be permitted to stay.
The exam will be administered and timed by the computer. All exam instructions will be provided on-screen during the exam. Before the exam starts, several instruction screens will explain how to complete the exam.
Other candidates might begin or end their exams at different times than you. In addition, the examiner is required to monitor the session frequently and will be entering and leaving the test room as needed. All reasonable efforts will be made to keep distractions to a minimum. The examiner will provide you with ear plugs or headphones and assist you with logging in to start the exam.
Once you complete the exam, raise your hand. The examiner will come to your workstation, ensure your exam has ended properly, and escort you out of the examination room.
Reasonable Accommodations
The U.S. Postal Service® is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified examinees with disabilities who require accommodation for the examination in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
If you have a disability that will require a special testing arrangement, please make your request online before scheduling your exam. You will be asked to specify the nature of the disability and the
accommodation needed. Supporting documentation to verify the existence of a protected disability or the need for accommodation may be required. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation requests will be made on a case-by-case basis.
For exam-related reasonable accommodation questions, please contact PIRecruitment@uspis.gov.
Additional information about the Postal Service’s reasonable accommodation process is available at http://about.usps.com/publications/pub316.pdf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule my exam appointment?
You can schedule yourself for the exam by using the link provided in the exam invitation email. After completing the initial prompts, you will see a “Schedule Appointment” button that will direct you to the scheduling portal. The scheduling system does not permit appointments within 24 hours.
Test centers may vary regarding their operational days, times, and the exams they offer. If your preferred test center or time slot is unavailable, please consider selecting an alternative date or searching for other test centers. You have the option to select up to three test centers to compare appointment availability. If you are still unable to secure a seat, you may contact the Pearson scheduling team for assistance at 866-573-1934 (toll free) or +1-919-750-0752 (toll) available Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT; closed on local holidays.
What if I need to reschedule (or cancel) my appointment?
To cancel and reschedule your appointment, use the link from your invitation email to access the scheduling system. Select the exam you would like to reschedule or cancel from “Upcoming Appointments.” Once changes are made, click “Confirm Reschedule.” You will receive an email confirming any changes to your appointment. If you are within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment, you are not permitted to change your appointment. If you fail to attend your scheduled appointment, you will receive an ineligible exam result for that job vacancy.
What happens if my test center closes unexpectedly?
If the test center closes, you will receive an email with information on how to reschedule your exam.
I have an issue during my exam. What should I do?
Please inform the examiner as soon as the issue occurs. A case will be filed, with most cases investigated and resolved within 3-5 business days.
How long will it take to get the exam results?
As soon as you finish the exam, you will be emailed your Notice of Result (NOR).
How long are the results of the exam valid?
Your exam results are valid through the expiration date shown on your NOR. If you are an employee, your exam result may be valid for longer, based on your situation and in accordance with Postal policy. If you are an external applicant, your results will be maintained in the applicant tracking system and will be automatically included with your application if you apply for other vacancies requiring this exam.
I’d like to know what questions I answered wrong so that I can study for the next time. Where can I get that information?
That information will not be provided. The only feedback you will receive is the information on your NOR.
Exam Content
Exam 621 is a virtual assessment center with three exams.
The Virtual Assessment Center (VAC) measures knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the postal inspector role.
Each exam part is timed. The total time for the virtual assessment center is four hours. This is only an estimate. Individuals tend to complete the exams in less time.
Each exam is listed below with the associated time to complete.
For the Situational Judgment Exam and Writing Exam, if you finish the exam early, you will have an opportunity to review your answers for that exam.
When time runs out for each exam, the system will advance to the next exam.
To complete the VAC, you must answer every question in each exam before time expires. You cannot leave any question unanswered. Leaving any question left unanswered or timing out of the exam will result in an ineligible score and you will no longer be considered.
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