Career roadmap
How to Become a Postal Mail Carrier
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a postal mail carrier, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a postal mail carrier: (1) check requirements, (2) apply on the USPS careers site, (3) pass the assessment, (4) complete training, (5) convert to career. Most people need about 2–4 weeks. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a postal mail carrier
Check requirements
Be at least 18 and have a safe driving record.
Apply on the USPS careers site
Choose carrier assistant or associate jobs.
Pass the assessment
Complete the virtual entry assessment.
Complete training
Attend the carrier academy and on-the-job training.
Convert to career
Move into a regular route, then supervision or other postal roles.
Education and training requirements
No formal education is required. Applicants complete an online assessment, background check, drug screen and driving record review, then train at a carrier academy and on the job.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | No formal educational credential |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 2–4 weeks |
Certifications and licenses
- Valid driver’s license: Required for most carrier positions.
- USPS carrier academy completion: Initial training on procedures and safety.
- Postal vehicle certification: Driving test on postal vehicles.
- Safe driver record: A clean record is required.
Skills to build now
Start with mail sorting, route navigation, and safe vehicle operation, and practice reliability and customer service. Learning the postal mail carrier vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- City Carrier Assistant or RCA: Deliver routes as a non-career carrier.
- Career Carrier: Hold a regular route.
- Supervisor: Lead carriers.
- Postmaster: Manage a post office.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Postal Mail Carrier training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do mail carriers need a degree?
No. Applicants pass an assessment and background checks.
How long does it take to become a postal mail carrier?
Most people need about 2–4 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Applicants complete an online assessment, background check, drug screen and driving record review, then train at a carrier academy and on the job.
Do you need a degree to be a postal mail carrier?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
What certifications are available for postal mail carriers?
Common credentials include Valid driver’s license, USPS carrier academy completion, Postal vehicle certification, and Safe driver record. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-5052 (Postal service mail carriers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Postal service mail carriers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.