USPS - Error Detection Test Error Detection Identifying Data Entry Errors 1

Question 1

A postal clerk enters a customer's PO Box number as 'PO Box 1892' in the system, but the handwritten application form clearly reads 'PO Box 1982.' What type of error has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Transposition error — adjacent digits were swapped

Answer

The digits '8' and '9' have been swapped (1892 vs. 1982), which is the definition of a transposition error. The total number of characters is the same, but two adjacent digits are reversed.

Question 2

A Priority Mail Express label is printed with the recipient's ZIP code as '30318' but the delivery confirmation record in the system shows '30381.' The city and state are identical on both documents. What is the most likely error?

Accepted Answer

A transposition error swapped the last three digits

Answer

Comparing '30318' with '30381' reveals that the digits '1' and '8' have been transposed in the final positions. The city and state match, confirming this is a digit-swap data entry error, not a geographic mismatch.

Question 3

A change-of-address form is keyed into the system as 'Margaret L. Thornton' but the customer's signature block reads 'Margaret L. Thornington.' What category of error does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Omission error — letters are missing from the entered name

Answer

'Thornton' is missing the letters 'ing' that appear in 'Thornington.' Characters were dropped during entry, making this an omission error.

Question 4

A bulk mail entry shows a postage amount of '$142.70' while the physical postage meter tape attached to the batch reads '$142.07.' What data entry error is present?

Accepted Answer

The digits '7' and '0' were transposed in the cents column

Answer

'$142.70' versus '$142.07' shows that the '7' and '0' in the cents position have been reversed. This is a transposition error affecting the monetary value recorded.

Question 5

A carrier's scan log records a package as delivered to '88 Pinecrest Drive' at 14:32, but the route manifest lists the address as '88 Pinecrest Drive' with a delivery window note of '14:23.' What discrepancy exists?

Accepted Answer

The time digits were transposed, reversing minutes

Answer

14:32 vs. 14:23 shows the digits '3' and '2' in the minutes field have been swapped. The street address is identical on both documents, so the only error is the transposed time entry.

USPS Error Detection Test Practice Test

USPS Error Detection Test Practice Test

USPS - Error Detection Test Error Detection Identifying Data Entry Errors 1