Exam 933

Postal Exam 933 is used to fill fulltime skilled Mail Processing Equipment Mechanic positions.

The Postal Service employs skilled Mail Processing Equipment Mechanics at facilities all across the U.S. When applying to take Exam 933, you are given a notice that says: “Please note that this exam covers positions requiring technical skills. You should apply for this exam only if you have technical training or experience.”

Like most other Postal exams, Exam 933 is offered on an as-needed basis.

What's on the exam?

Postal Exam 933 consists of two sections as detailed below.

  1. Following Oral Instructions Section
    The first section, Following Oral Instructions, lasts as long as it takes for a series of questions to be presented verbally either by the test administrator or by a recording. Each question is actually a set of instructions that prompt you to find the correct answer. You must overcome four challenging obstacles to succeed on this section:
    • The questions are intentionally long, tedious, technical, and terribly confusing.
    • You must answer exclusively based upon what you hear. Answering verbal questions rather than written ones is much more difficult than you might imagine.
    • You only have a few seconds after each question to find the correct answer and mark it on the answer sheet. Some have multiple answers that must be found and marked during this brief pause.
    • The answers must marked on your answer sheet in a most unusual fashion that does not correlate with the numbers of the questions.
      Contacts within the Postal Service tell us that over 60% of all applicants fail this section completely be cause they do not understand where and how to mark their answers. As with the other sections, success calls for particular strategies and extensive practice to develop the required skills and speed. And, you need detailed instructions to assure that you fully understand how and where to mark the answers.
  2. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) Section
    The second section is a Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) Section. In this is section you are tested for knowledge, skills, and abilities in the below areas.

Knowledge of basic mechanics refers to the theory of operation, terminology, usage, and characteristics of basic mechanical principles as they apply to such things as gears, pulleys, cams, pawls, power transmissions, linkages, fasteners, chains, sprockets, and belts; and including hoisting, rigging, roping, pneumatics, and hydraulic devices.

Knowledge of basic electricity refers to the theory, terminology, usage, and characteristics of basic electrical principles such as Ohm’s Law, Kirchoff’s Law, and magnetism, s they apply to such things as AC-DC circuitry and hardware, relays, switches, and circuit breakers.

Knowledge of basic electronics refers to the theory, terminology, usage, and characteristics of basic electronic principles concerning such things as solid state devices, vacuum tubes, coils, capacitors, resistors, and basic logic circuitry.

Knowledge of safety procedures and equipment refers to the knowledge of industrial hazards (e.g., mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronic) and procedures and techniques established to avoid injuries to self and others such as lock-out devices, protective clothing, and waste disposal techniques.

Knowledge of lubrication materials and procedures refers to the terminology, characteristics, storage, preparation, disposal, and usage techniques involved with lubrication materials such as oils, greases, and other types of lubricants.

Ability to perform basic mathematical computations refers to the ability to perform basic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

Ability to perform more complex mathematics refers to the ability to perform calculations such as basic algebra, geometry, scientific notation, and number conversions, as applied to mechanical, electrical and electronic applications.

Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications refers to mechanical, electrical, and electronic maintenance applications such as inspection, troubleshooting equipment repair and modification, preventive maintenance, and installation of electrical equipment.

Ability to detect patterns refers to the ability to observe and analyze qualitative factors such as number progressions, spatial relationships, and auditory and visual patterns. This includes combining information and determining how a given set of numbers, objects, or sounds are related to each other.

Ability to use written reference materials refers to the ability to locate, read, and comprehend text material such as handbooks, manuals, bulletins, directives, checklists and route sheets.

Ability to follow instructions refers to the ability to comprehend and execute written and oral instructions such as work orders, checklists, route sheets, and verbal directions and instructions.

Ability to use hand tools refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various hand tools. This ability involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of such tools as screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, chisels, punches, taps, dies, rules, gauges, and alignment tools.

Ability to use portable power tools refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various power tools. This ability involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of power tools such as drills, saws, sanders and grinders.

Ability to use technical drawings refers to the ability to read and comprehend technical materials such as diagrams, schematics, flow charts, and blueprints.

Ability to use test equipment refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various types of mechanical, electrical and electronic test equipment such as VOMS, oscilloscopes, circuit tracers, amprobes, and tachometers.

Ability to solder refers to the knowledge of, and ability to safely and effectively apply, the appropriate soldering techniques.


How to Prepare for Exam 933

Four elements are needed to achieve your highest possible score: (1) knowledge of exam content; (2) effective test-taking strategies; (3) a quantity of authentic practice tests and sample questions; and (4) extensive practice to master the necessary skills and speed. An up-to-date and performance proven study guide is essential for success (in the sidebar of this page).

 


Pathfinder Distributing, Inc.
1-800-748-1819

Sitemap | Privacy Statement | Terms & Conditions
Copyright 2007 Pathfinder Distributing, Inc.

Upgrades and CDs

Already got one of our study guides? Want to assure your highest possible score? Upgrade with our test prep CD's & other accessories.
Learn more »