The Ultimate EIAT (Elevator Industry Aptitude Test) Guide [2024]

The following page will provide you with the most up-to-date information and accurate, tailored prep for the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT):

An EIAT introduction test - Get an initial familiarity with the EIAT test and know where to focus your preparation.
2 full-length EIAT mock tests - Become familiar with the EIAT time constraints, formatting, and content with accurate mock tests of the real EIAT.
16 additional practice tests (math, verbal, mechanical) - Strengthen the areas you're weaker in (math, verbal, or mechanical), as revealed in the EIAT introduction test.
4 PDF Study Guides
5 tools and measurements practice exams - Get covered for the second part of the assessment - the tools test.
Full personality test prep for technical positions - Passed the EIAT and invited for an interview? Learn everything you need to know on how to present the ideal elevator mechanic profile and ace your NEIEP interview.

Keep reading below for the Complete EIAT Test Guide for 2024.

You are also welcome to check out our new EIAT Test PDF or take a free EIAT sample test.

Since 2007, JobTestPrep has helped over 5,000 candidates prepare for their EIAT test. Join them to maximize your chances of getting an apprenticeship!

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Introductory EIAT test
2 full-length EIAT simulations
16 practice drills (math, verbal, mechanical)
5 Tools & Measurements tests
Full personality test prep for technical roles
4 PDF study guides

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Shlomik, Mechanical Aptitude Tests Expert at JobTestPrep
Have a question? Contact me at:

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The EIAT (Elevator Industry Aptitude Test), sometimes referred to as the Elevator Union Test is the initial screening stage for becoming an elevator mechanic.

The test is a timed test lasting around 1.5 hours, and is based on multiple-choice questions in 3 sections:

Math	25-35 questions
Mechanical Aptitude	25-35 questions
Verbal Reasoning	25-35 questions

After taking the EIAT, you will be required to take a tool recognition test. The tools test score is not a part of your EIAT score but will be taken into account when calculating your NEIEP interview score.

The Numerical Reasoning section of the EIAT contains mainly 2 subjects:

Basic Numeracy
Fractions and Decimals

A. Basic Numerical Reasoning

These questions deal mainly with basic arithmetic operations. You will be required to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers at various sizes. Both time and accuracy are crucial factors in this section, so when approaching it, you must be ready to get to the correct answer with the least possible amount of work.

Basic Numerical Reasoning Sample Question

What is 37,142 – 19,857?

16,285

17,185

17,275

17,285

View Explanation

The correct answer is (D).

37,142 – 19,857 = 17,285.

You can also separate the number 37,142 into two or more numbers so that the calculations become easier.

For example: You could say that 37,142 = 17,142 + 20,000 Now, the expression above is easier to calculate. 20,000 – 19,857 = 143. Therefore, you are left with: 17,142 + 143 = 17,285

B) Fractions and Decimals

These questions deal mainly with various operations on fractions - four operations, conversion, etc. Although it is somewhat similar to basic numeracy questions, it requires a bit broader understanding of fractions and special techniques to cope with them.

Fractions and Decimals Sample Question

What is 2 ²/₇ ÷ 3 ³/₅?

40/63

63/40

17/6

288/35

View Explanation

The correct answer is (A).

First, convert the mixed numbers into fractions: 2 ²/₇ is ¹⁶/₇ and 3 ³/₅ is ¹⁸/₅. (See note at the end).

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal. Therefore, ¹⁶/₇ ÷ ¹⁸/₅ = ¹⁶/₇ × ⁵/₁₈ = ⁸⁰/₁₂₆

Which simplifies to ⁴⁰/₆₃.

Note: Why 2 ²/₇ =¹⁶/₇ and 3 ³/₅ = ¹⁸/₅?

Since 2 = ¹⁴/₇ then 2 + ²/₇ = (¹⁴⁺²⁾/₇ = ¹⁶/₇ .

In the same way, since 3 = ¹⁵/₅ then 3 + ³/₅ = ⁽¹⁵⁺³⁾/₅ = ¹⁸/₅

As a general rule, to convert a mixed number (a whole number and a fraction) to a single fraction:

Multiply the whole number in the denominator.
Add the numerator of the fraction to the product.
Write the sum over the original denominator.

Learn more about the EIAT math section.

The mechanical section of the EIAT contains mainly 3 subjects:

Gears
Wheels and Pulleys
Force and Torque

A) Gears

Of all the subjects in the mechanical section, this is possibly the one in which practice will help you most. Being a fairly technical subject, wrapping your head around the main concepts of gears is first and foremost a matter of practice.

Gears Sample Question

What are the directions of movement and velocities of revolution of the cogwheels?

different directions, same velocities

different directions, different velocities

same directions, different velocities

same directions, same velocities

View Explanation

The correct answer is (B) - different directions, different velocities.

We will solve it in two phases.

First, we will determine the gears' direction, then their velocity.

Direction

When contact is made between the rack (toothed belt) and the gears, a conversion from a linear velocity to an angular velocity occurs. Thus, the location of the point of contact is critical.

In our case, the rack is moving to the left, and the point of contact between the rack and the red gear is in the lower part of the gear, therefore the wheel turns clockwise.

In contrast, the point of contact between the rack and the grey gear is in the upper part of the gear, and therefore it turns counterclockwise.

It follows that the gears rotate in opposite directions.

Velocity

The rule of thumb is: "fewer teeth, faster velocity".

This principle is based on the concept of gear ratio and enables us to conclude without unnecessary calculations that the grey gear rotates faster than the red one since it has fewer teeth.

B) Wheels and Pulleys

The two most fundamental principles around which this section revolves are rotational-linear velocity relation (wheels) and pulley force reduction (pulleys).

Wheels and Pulleys Sample Question

In which figure does one need to exert more force to lift the weight?

Equal force

Cannot say

View Explanation

The correct answer is (A).

A pulley is a simple machine composed of a wheel on an axle or shaft that often has a groove in it. A rope is wrapped inside the groove and over the wheel.

A fixed pulley (1) provides no mechanical advantage since it requires the same force to lift a load with a fixed pulley as it does without it. However, a fixed pulley can change the direction of the applied force; as the rope is pulled down on one end, the load is lifted by the other end.

On the other hand, a movable pulley (2) may or may not change the direction of the force, and also allows one to use less force to lift a load, as a lever does.

The reason for this is that the rope wrapped around the pulley, pulls the pulley upwards twice, with each part of the rope.

Since the tension is equal along the entire rope, the weight is divided equally between the part of the rope which is connected to the ceiling and the part which is pulled.

The movable pulley essentially applies half the load onto the ceiling. In the same way, had the load been supported by three ropes, it would have required one-third of the force to lift it, since the load is divided equally between all three ropes.

Option 1 shows one fixed pulley attached to a rope, whereas option 2 has one fixed pulley and one movable pulley attached together.

In both, the weight is being pulled in the same direction. Therefore, answer 1 is correct and will require more force to lift the same weight.

C) Force and Torque

Force and torque questions stand at the very heart of classical physics and deal with the most basic physical element - the force. Most commonly, levers in various forms will appear in these questions.

Force and Torque- EIAT Practice Question

A dynamometer is used for measuring force. In which figure will the dynamometer (▲) show a lower reading?

Force and Torque Sample Question

A dynamometer is used for measuring force. In which figure will the dynamometer (▲) show a lower reading?

Equal

Cannot say

View Explanation

The correct answer is A.

In this question, the lever is a class 2 lever in which the load is between the fulcrum and the effort.

The fulcrum is the fixed pivot at the left side of the lever, the load is the mass weighing 10Kg and the effort is the force required to balance the weight of the mass, which is measured by the dynamometer.

Here, it is the position of the load that changes between the two figures. Since the work, or more precisely torque, is constant, the shorter the distance between the load and the fulcrum, the lighter is the load, and therefore the smaller is the force required to lift it.

Therefore, dynamometer A will show a lower reading.

Learn more about the EIAT mechanical aptitude section.

The verbal reasoning section of the EIAT contains mainly 2 subjects:

Vocabulary
Sentence Completion

A) Vocabulary

Although vocabulary is important for all the questions in the verbal section, vocabulary-type questions focus specifically on your familiarity with the meaning and context of words.

Vocabulary Sample Question

Which of the following is an antonym for "bemusing" as used in the sentence below?

The instruction manual was bemusing because it was not written in a clear and easy-to-understand format.

confusing

interesting

humorous

obvious

View Explanation

The correct answer is (D).

Bemusing means "to bewilder or confuse (someone)."

Even if you did not know the definition of "bemusing," you could figure out what it means from the sentence.

"Bemusing" must mean something that is difficult to understand because the manual was not written in a format that was easy to understand. "Confusing" makes perfect sense in this context, but the question is asking for an antonym (a word with the opposite meaning), not a synonym.

B) Sentence Completion

These questions are one level above vocabulary questions. They assess your reading skills i.e. ability to understand the meaning engrained in a sentence and complete the missing words accordingly.

Sentence Completion Sample Question

The job applicants that have successfully _______ the selection tests will be _______ to take part in an interview.

completed, invite

mastered, presented

completed, invited

administered, invited

View Explanation

The job applicants that have successfully completed the selection tests will be invited to take part in an interview.

Incorrect Answers:

The first word for all choices work, so you need to look at the second word. Both words must have the same tense since it’s the same subject doing both things, so you can eliminate "invite" (A).

In context, it doesn't make sense to be "presented" (B) or "administered" (D) to take part in an interview.

Learn more about the EIAT verbal section.

EIAT Tool Test

The EIAT tool assessment is a separate part and is not included in the score of the EIAT. It will, however, be administered right after the aptitude test. The test consists of various questions regarding tools' names and usage such as diagonal cutters, tape measure, or lineman's pliers, as well as meter reading.

Your score on the tools test will be taken into your interview score.

Tools Sample Question

Which of the objects below is used for testing whether an object is horizontal?

View Explanation

The correct answer is (C).

The object presented in image 1 is a level. A level is a device designed to indicate whether an object is horizontal or vertical. It consists of a vial filled with a liquid that leaves an air bubble; the vial slightly curves upwards so that the bubble naturally rests in the middle, the highest point. When the device is slightly inclined, the bubble shifts to the side and away from the marked center.

The tool presented in image 4 is a square, which measures whether an object has a right angle, but Isn't able to test whether it is leveled.

The tool presented in image 5 is a C-clamp, which is used for holding objects in place.

The object presented in image 2 is a wrench, which is used for tightening and loosening bolts.

The level is the only device that incorporates a gravity-dependent feature: the air bubble, which changes its position in the tube according to the highest point.

The EIAT is based on a pass/fail system. The threshold for passing the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test is 70%. Any applicant passing the 70% mark will pass the test and be contacted to schedule an interview. A test result of 69% and below requires re-application.

Yet, 70% Is Usually Not Enough.

Here's Why:

Your final score is calculated based on your results on the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test + tools test + interview. Then, you will be ranked on one of 4 tiers:

Tier 1: 96–100 points
Tier 2: 90–95 points
Tier 3: 80–89 points
Tier 4: 70–79 points

The higher you rank, the better the chance you will pass the test and be chosen as a paid apprentice by your prospective employer. Candidates at the lowest tier will have to wait until all candidates on the top three tiers got their shot.

That might take months or even years.

So, if you don't want to sit and wait on NEIEP's waiting list, make sure you score at the top tier and get an apprenticeship opportunity immediately after your test!

The rank you get on your elevator industry recruitment process will remain valid for 2 years.

And yes, that means that even if you passed all stages, and did not get an apprenticeship within two years, you will have to test again.

There is no fixed period of time in which the EIAT test results arrive. When they do arrive, you will be ranked according to your score, and the higher you are ranked the sooner you can expect getting an apprenticeship.

Are scores reduced for wrong answers?

No. Your Elevator Industry Aptitude Test score is based only on the number of correct answers. Therefore, it is better to guess than to leave a question blank - this improve your chance to pass the EIAT.

No. Since the Elevator Industry Aptitude Testis heavily based on your ability to calculate quickly and efficiently, you will not be allowed a calculator.

Although the test is not considered a highly professional test and constitutes of rather simple topics (math, verbal, and mechanical reasoning), this written test time constraints make it difficult for the majority of candidates.

Practice tests with questions relevant to the elevator test. For instance, the format of the math section has changed in 2018, focusing more on calculation rather than complex math, yet many practice materials have failed to update accordingly.
In the math section – when required to calculate, always check if you have enough information to select the correct answer without solving the entire question. Remember – it is a multiple-choice test, and you are not required to provide a final answer. Find more math practice questions in the following IBEW practice page.
In the mechanical aptitude section - if you’re not sure of an effect, go to the extremes (e.g. if you’re asked whether it’s harder to row with a long or a short paddle, think of a 1-mile vs a 1-inch paddle). Learn more on how to ace mechanical aptitude questions and improve your mechanical comprehension skills.
In the verbal reasoning section, when required to complete a sentence, notice the word "and" before the blank. That means the missing word is similar in meaning or context to the word before the "and". It might seem trivial, but in a test as speed geared as the EIAT, it can make a great difference.
It is recommended to dedicate the last day before the exam to brushing up on all the test subjects. Research shows that we tend to forget things we've learned in the first couple of days. Re-practicing all test subjects with accurate practice tests on the last day will solidify the material in your mind.

Passing the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test is a necessary condition for getting an apprenticeship in the elevator industry, so you will encounter the test when applying to ANY elevator company.

Moreover, employers in the elevator industry work in close cooperation with the IUEC (International Union of Elevator Contractors) to find eligible candidates. A representative of your future employer will be one of your two interviewers asking the IUEC interview questions.

Some of the major employers in the elevator industry are:

OTIS
Schindler
Thyssenkrupp
WMATA

The EIAT was developed by the National Elevator Industry Education Program (NEIEP) for the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC). The stated mission of the NEIEP is to enhance the knowledge and skills of apprentices for the benefit of workers, employers, and the elevator industry.

Yes. The very purpose of the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test was to create a uniform level for apprenticeship candidates. As such - all applicants for all IUEC locals take the same test.

The Elevator Industry Aptitude Test is known by many names, all referring to the exact same test:

Elevator mechanic aptitude test
Elevator union test
NEIEP test
Elevator apprenticeship test
Elevator constructor apprenticeship test
Elevator aptitude test

If you have indeed achieved the 70% mark on the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test, you will be scheduled for an interview. Some applicants may also be required to take a tools test.

The interview process will take around 15-20 minutes, and will be conducted by two interviewers – one from the IUEC and the other from the employer. Subjects that might appear in the interview include:

Education and experience
Motivation
Safety
Work-related behavior

Learn more about the elevator union interview questions and content.

JobTestPrep’s EIAT PrepPack™ includes both a full technical position personality guide and an interview preparation tool to help you prepare for your interview.

The best EIAT test prep must cover three main key points:

Time - Time is a major issue on the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test, which contains a large number of fairly simple questions to be solved in a short amount of time. As such, successfully passing the test requires the development of fast solving techniques, especially in the math section.
Perfection of skills - Merely passing the Elevator Industry Aptitude Testis not enough. To maximize your chances of getting an apprenticeship, you should place yourself at the highest possible tier. IUEC policy dictates employment priority for experienced apprentices first, and then new candidates, based on their score. Sadly, candidates from bottom score tiers may wait months or even years to get an apprenticeship (if they get one at all). This is why raising your mechanical comprehension, reading comprehension and math skills is crucial using accurate practice tests and study guides.
Full coverage - Although the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test is the first screening stage, it is not the last, and your final score will be based on ALL stages – an aptitude test, tool assessment test, and interview. Make sure your preparation covers all three stages.

The Ultimate EIAT (Elevator Industry Aptitude Test) Guide [2024]

What is the EIAT Test?

The 3-Minute Video Guide for the EIAT

EIAT Test Sample Questions

Math

Basic Numerical Reasoning Sample Question

Fractions and Decimals Sample Question

Mechanical Aptitude

Gears Sample Question

Wheels and Pulleys Sample Question

Force and Torque Sample Question

Verbal Reasoning

Vocabulary Sample Question

Sentence Completion Sample Question

EIAT Tool Test

Tools Sample Question

What Score Do I Need to Pass the EIAT Test?

For how long is my Elevator Industry Aptitude Test score valid?

How long after the elevator aptitude test do I get the results?

Are scores reduced for wrong answers?

Am I allowed to use a calculator on the NEIEP pre-apprenticeship test?

How hard is the elevator industry aptitude test?

5 Pro Tips for Succeeding in the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test

Which Employers Use the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test?

Who Administers the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test?

Do All IUEC Locals Take the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT)?

Other Names for the EIAT Test

The Next Stage: Interview

How Is It Best to Prepare for the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test ?