Post Dispatcher Test Address Verification and Coding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a ZIP+4 code in postal addressing?
- To identify a specific delivery segment such as a city block or building (Correct answer)
- To indicate the mail piece is international
- To specify the package weight class
- To identify the sender's originating post office
Correct answer: To identify a specific delivery segment such as a city block or building
The ZIP+4 code adds four digits to the standard 5-digit ZIP code to pinpoint a specific delivery segment, such as a city block, building, or floor.
Question 2: Which of the following is a correctly formatted US postal address?
- John Smith, 123 Main St, Anytown USA 12345
- John Smith / 123 Main St / Anytown USA 12345
- John Smith, 123 Main St, Anytown, US 12345-6789 (Correct answer)
- John Smith | 123 MAIN ST | ANYTOWN US 12345
Correct answer: John Smith, 123 Main St, Anytown, US 12345-6789
A properly formatted US address includes the recipient name, street address, city, official two-letter state abbreviation, and ZIP code.
Question 3: What does CASS stand for in USPS address verification?
- Centralized Address Sorting System
- Coding Accuracy Support System (Correct answer)
- Carrier Automated Sorting Standard
- Certified Address Standardization Service
Correct answer: Coding Accuracy Support System
CASS stands for Coding Accuracy Support System, a USPS program that certifies address-matching software to improve delivery point code and ZIP code accuracy.
Question 4: When verifying an address, which element is most critical for initial postal routing?
- The recipient's phone number
- The return address
- The ZIP code (Correct answer)
- The postage amount affixed
Correct answer: The ZIP code
The ZIP code is the most critical routing element because automated systems use it to direct mail to the correct post office and delivery area before other elements are read.
Question 5: Which standardized abbreviation does the USPS use for the street type 'Avenue'?
- AV
- AVE (Correct answer)
- AVEN
- AV.
Correct answer: AVE
The USPS standard abbreviation for 'Avenue' is AVE, as defined in USPS Publication 28 (Postal Addressing Standards).
Question 6: What is the correct two-letter USPS abbreviation for the state of California?
- CL
- CF
- CA (Correct answer)
- CB
Correct answer: CA
CA is the official USPS two-letter state abbreviation for California, required on all properly addressed domestic mail.
Question 7: When a mail piece has an unreadable ZIP code, what should a post dispatcher do first?
- Return the mail to sender immediately
- Attempt to determine the correct ZIP code from the city and state information (Correct answer)
- Mark it as undeliverable and discard
- Forward it to any post office in the addressed city
Correct answer: Attempt to determine the correct ZIP code from the city and state information
When a ZIP code is missing or unreadable, dispatchers should use the city and state information to look up and apply the correct ZIP code before taking further action.
