To become a postal inspector, candidates must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 36.5 years when beginning their appointment. Applicants must have received at least a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university. They must meet physical requirements, including height and weight standards, and pass visual, hearing and drug screening tests.

Candidates must not have any misdemeanor or felony convictions, including those related to domestic violence. Prospective postal inspectors need to possess a current and valid state driver's license, and the license must have been held for at least two years. Applicants must be able to write and speak English proficiently. Relocation is also a requirement of this position.

Education and Training Requirements

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) requires postal inspector candidates to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates with foreign language skills, former postal experience or non-postal specialized experience like military service, law enforcement, bioterrorism investigation, accounting or computer training are considered more desirable. Applicants must also have worked full time for at least one year within the same company within two years of their application date.

In addition, candidates are required to successfully complete the Residential Basic Inspector Training program located in Potomac, Maryland. This program includes techniques in investigation and administration, firearms training, defensive strategies, physical conditioning and practical scenarios.