Strategies for Forms Completion Study Guide for McGraw-Hill's Postal Exams 473/473C

Marking the appropriate answer code (A, B, C, or D) for each test item in Part B and completing the Postal Service forms is a pretty straightforward process. Nevertheless, it is remarkably easy to make errors when filling out the forms—for example, by putting the information in the wrong box or line. It is best to use an efficient, systematic approach. Here are our best points of advice for how to complete forms like a pro during Part B.

Familiarize Yourself with the Form

Before you tackle the questions for each form, take a few seconds to look over the form to get a rough idea of its purpose and what kind of information is needed to complete it. Note whether the numbered fields are arranged in rows, columns, or a combination of rows and columns. Pay special attention to any shaded areas of the form, which often indicate who is supposed to complete certain portions of the form (for example, the sender, the recipient, or a postal worker). Getting a feel for the form first will make answering the questions based on it easier and quicker.

If a Form Confuses You, Skip It and Come Back to It Later

Some forms are simpler than others, and some are easier to understand than others. If a particular form confuses you—for whatever reason—skip over the questions based on it and answer the questions based on the other forms in Part B. Once you’re done with all the other questions, you can return to the troublesome form and focus better on it, knowing that the rest of Part B is behind you.

Answer the Questions in the Order Presented

During Part A, Address Checking, it may make sense to answer questions in a sequence different from the one presented on the exam. (You’ll find that the same will be true for Part C, Coding and Memory). However, this strategy does not apply to Part B. Simply handle the five to seven questions for each form in the order in which they’re presented.

Mark Your Answer Choices on Your Answer Sheet in Groups

Instead of marking your answer sheet after each one of the 30 questions in Part B, wait until you’ve completed the group of questions based on a particular form, and then fill in your answer sheet for each group as you go.

Pace Yourself

During Part B, you have 15 minutes to answer 30 questions based on approximately five different forms. As long as you work at a steady pace, you should have no trouble finishing with time to spare. As you practice, allot about 4 minutes to each group of questions. At that pace, you’ll have about 10 minutes at the end to check your work.

Did You Know? The official seal of the U.S. Postal Service features a bald eagle poised for flight on a white field, above red and blue bars framing the words “U.S. Mail.” A border features the words “United States Postal Service” on three sides and nine five-pointed stars at the base. The Postal Service also has a corporate logo: an eagle’s head in white leaning into the wind, on a blue background.