Mail Design Professional Curriculum  
The National Center for Employee Development (NCED) for the U.S. Postal ServiceĀ® developed a Mail Design Professional (MDP) curriculum that provides industry workers with tools and information needed to design automation-compatible mail that receives lower postage rates.

The following subject areas are offered in the MDP program curriculum:
 
 
Web Site Navigation Tools
Navigating the USPS.com Web site
Using Postal Explorer® program
Useful URLs for mail design


Content & Characteristics
Mailability
Processing Categories
Nonmachinable Surcharge


Machinable/Nonmachinable Criteria
Minimum Machinable Eligibility Requirements
Nonmachinable Letters and Nonletters
Nonmachinable Surcharge


Classes of Mail & Miscellaneous
Classes of Mail
Customized MarketMail® Service
Official Election Mail logos
Repositionable Notes
Imitation Stamps and Markings
Reusable Mailpieces


Basic Addressing
Standardized Addressing
Alternative Addressing Formats
Address Information Products
Address Update Services


Forwarding and Related Services
Ancillary Service Endorsements (ASE)
Move Update
Postal Automated Redirection System (PARS)


 
Barcoding Formats and Print Specifications
POSTNET Barcodes
Elements of a Delivery Point Barcode
CONFIRM® Service
PLANET® Barcodes
Parcel Barcodes


Designing Automation Mail
Automation Letters
Letter-Size Mailpiece Construction
Requirements for Automation Flats
AFSM 100 Criteria
UFSM 1000 Criteria
Polywrap


MERLIN® Verification Program for MDP
MERLIN Program's Background, Benefits, and Function
POSTNET Barcode Digit String Analysis
POSTNET Barcode Readability Appeals Process


Special Services
Certification of Privately Printed Labels
Features of Certified Mail™ COD, Insured, Registered Mail™, Return Receipt, and Return Receipt for Merchandise Mail


Designing Reply Mail
Business Reply Mail® Service
Courtesy Reply Mail™ Service
Meter Reply Mail
Merchandise Return Service
PostalOne!® and Automated Business Reply Mail™ Services