U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Postal Inspector Entrance Examination Preparation Guide

Welcome to the Preparation Guide for the Postal Inspector Entrance Examination. This guide is
designed to help prepare you for the online examination process. The Postal Inspector Entrance
Examination is the second step, following the application, for employment consideration as a U.S.
Postal Inspector.
U.S. Postal Inspectors are federal law enforcement agents with investigative jurisdiction in all
criminal matters involving the integrity and security of the U.S. Postal Service. The mission of the
U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to protect the U.S. Postal Service, its employees and its
customers from criminal attack, and protect the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse. To
accomplish this mission, Postal Inspectors investigate criminal, civil, and administrative violations
of postal-related laws, often using forensics and cutting-edge technologies.
Inspectors are required to carry firearms, make arrests, provide testimony, serve subpoenas,
execute search warrants, and prepare comprehensive reports. It is essential that Postal
Inspectors be in sound physical condition and be capable of performing vigorous physical
activities on a sustained basis. Inspectors must be able to make arrests, conduct searches,
pursue and restrain suspects, and protect themselves and others from imminent danger.
Inspectors work long and irregular hours, and must be willing to relocate