HOW TO APPLY 

You will need these computer specifications to apply for this position:

• PC running Windows 7 (touch screens are not recommended)
• High-speed Internet (recommended)
• Internet Explorer 11, Chrome 51 or higher, Firefox 30 or higher
• Phone and tablet devices are not supported

Applicants who are reapplying do not create a new profile.

• You will need to validate your Social Security number (SSN) if you wish to reapply for this position.
• On the application page, you will be instructed to send an email to PIRecruitment@uspis.gov
• Once your SSN is validated, you will receive an email advising if you are eligible to reapply.

New applicants must create an account with a user ID and password

• Select Applicants Registration at the top of the page to initiate the application process (accessible only during open announcement periods).
• On the New Account page, complete all fields with an asterisk.
• Select Create User. You will be advised to check your email for further instructions.
• Look for an email with this subject line: New Account Validation. It will confirm your new account and instruct you to copy and paste a URL into the web browser.
• A new message will appear: User has been validated.

You may then begin the application process

• Select Click Here to log in. Enter all fields and select Save.
• To change information after saving, select My Profile.
• You may edit your profile on the View Profile page.

You must provide information related to the following for your application:

• Citizenship
• Driver's license information
• Postsecondary education
• Work history
• Specialized experience (postal experience, specialized non-postal skills, academic achievement, second language skills)
• Service in the U.S. Armed Forces and veteran's preference
• Geographic availability
• Basic entry qualifications

We recommend that you save each page of your online application as you progress through the application process.

EXAM PART 1

If you are deemed eligible to apply for this position, you will receive an email advising you to log into your account to take the Exam, Part 1.

You must complete the exam within 72 hours from receipt of the email. If you do not successfully complete the exam within that time, you will be given no further consideration for this position.

This is a timed, multiple-choice exam in three parts: 
      1. Deductive Reasoning
      2. Inductive Reasoning
      3. Life Experience

ELECTRONIC COMPREHENSIVE APPLICATION PACKET

If you successfully complete the Exam, Part 1, you will receive an Action Required email and a link to complete the Electronic Comprehensive Application Packet (eCAP), which is a collection of online forms. Click here for detailed eCAP instructions.

You must complete the eCAP and submit it within 120 hours from receipt of the email. You will be given no further consideration if you do not complete the eCAP within the allotted time frame.

Before you begin the eCAP, be prepared to provide the following:

• Personal information (contact information and citizenship)
• Five-year residence history
• Other names used
• High school
• College or university
• Honors and special qualifications
• 10-year work history
• U.S. Armed Forces service records and veteran's preference 
• Veterans questions
• Assets
• Liabilities
• Student loans
• Driver’s license information
• Driving record (accidents and violations)

Attach ONLY the documents listed below to the eCAP (we will advise you later in the process if additional documentation is required):

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service Drug Policy
• Authority to Possession of Firearms
• PS Form 2181-D, Disclosure and Release for Consumer Reports and Investigative Consumer Reports
• Copy of driver’s license reflecting current address

Before selecting Submit, be sure the total file size does not exceed 10 MB. Once you submit the eCAP, it becomes a read, only file and you can no longer make changes.

• Certified copy or original birth certificate (if foreign born, a copy of the naturalization papers)
• Official college or university transcripts (must be mailed directly by the college or university)
• DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference; and supporting documentation if veteran's preference is claimed (see FAQs)

To this address:

USPIS SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS SERVICE CENTER
225 N. HUMPHREYS BLVD 4TH FLOOR
MEMPHIS TN 38161-0001
ATT MANAGER, APPLICANT PROCESSING UNIT

ELECTRONIC QUESTIONNAIRE INVESTIGATIONS PROCESS

If you pass the eCAP, you will receive an email and link with instructions on how to complete the Electronic Questionnaire Investigations Process (eQIP). Follow the directions in the secured message to access the eQIP instructions.

You must submit a completed SF 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, as part of your application. All information must be accurate and complete. 

If you do not submit a completed eQIP within 168 hours from receipt of the email, you will be given no further consideration for this position.

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

If you are a selected applicant, you will receive an email asking that you participate in an information exchange. You must accept the invitation within 48 hours from receipt of the email or you will be given no further consideration for this position.

For the information exchange, you will meet with a Postal Inspection Service representative at a designated facility. You will participate in a video presentation, a question-and-answer session, the Exam, Part 2, and a business writing test.

You must bring with you a current, valid driver’s license and two completed fingerprint cards (you will receive blank fingerprint cards by mail prior to your scheduled session). Complete the fingerprint cards according to the accompanying Applicant Processing Unit instructions.

You cannot participate in the information exchange if you do not have a valid, current driver’s license and completed fingerprint cards with you at the time of the information exchange.

EXAM PART 2

You will be administered the Exam, Part 2, after the information exchange. It is a timed, multiple-choice exam. If you do not successfully complete the Exam, Part 2, you will be given no further consideration for this position.

BUSINESS WRITING TEST

If you pass the Exam, Part 2, you must complete a business writing test to assess your writing abilities, organizational skills, and competency regarding grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. Measurements of your writing samples will be evaluated to determine your writing abilities, organizational skills, and grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. If you do not successfully complete this test, you will be given no further consideration for this position.


LANGUAGE EXAM

If you pass the business writing test and can speak a language other than English, you will be administered a language exam (later in the process) to assess your proficiency.

ASSESSMENT CENTER

Applicants who have passed Exam, part 2 and the business writing test will be invited to attend the Assessment Center for evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The evaluation consists of exercises that evaluate the seven core competencies required of successful Postal Inspectors. If you do not successfully complete the assessment, you will be given no further consideration for this position. 
Learn more about the Assessment Center.

MANAGEMENT INTERVIEW

You may be invited to be interviewed by U.S. Postal Inspection Service managers. The interview consists of general and behavioral questions, an overview of the Postal Inspector position, and training requirements.



CONDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT OFFER

Based on the needs of the agency, qualified applicants will receive a conditional employment offer, including notification of a duty location. If a conditional job offer is extended, employment is contingent on successful completion of a background investigation, drug screening, and a medical examination that is scheduled by the Postal Inspection Service.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, credit and criminal history checks, interviews with associates, personal and business reference checks, past employers and neighbor checks, and verification of educational achievements.


TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT

Basic Inspector Training is a 14-week, residential program held in Potomac, MD. Successful completion is a condition of employment. After graduation, newly appointed Postal Inspectors report to their assigned duty locations.

Non-postal candidates serve a two-year probation period from the date of appointment. Preference-eligible veteran candidates serve a one-year probation period from the date of appointment.