How to Become an Elevator Mechanic: Complete 2025 Guide

What's on this page:

1. What does an elevator apprentice do?
2. 4 steps for landing an elevator mechanic apprenticeship.
3. Preliminary Conditions
4. Apply for an Apprenticeship
5. Complete the EIAT Test
6. Pass an Interview
7. The NEIEP Apprenticeship
8. The Elevator Constructor Mechanic Exam
9. Different Elevator Roles

This article explores the steps required to become an elevator mechanic, outlines the day‑to‑day responsibilities of the role, and examines the process you need to go through to become a licensed professional. Let's get started.

An elevator mechanic, also known as an elevator technician, ensures safe and reliable operation of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways by installing, maintaining, and repairing these critical transportation systems.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Install and assemble elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
• Maintain and inspect equipment regularly to ensure operational safety and compliance.
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical malfunctions and repair broken or faulty components.

Detailed Tasks:

• Connect, wire, and rewire electrical units.
• Interpret technical blueprints and machinery specifications.
• Test safety systems, such as braking mechanisms, to uphold regulatory standards.
• Maintain detailed records of inspection outcomes and repairs.
• Adapt to various elevator technologies, including hydraulic and traction-driven systems.

Next, we're gonna talk about how to become an elevator mechanic, education, and experience requirements.

The NEIEP Apprenticeship Standards require applicants for an elevator apprenticeship to meet the following qualifications:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
   
2. Hold a high‑school diploma or GED.
   
3. Be authorized to work in the U.S.
   
4. Provide these documents:
   
• Proof of diploma or GED test scores
• DD‑214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for veterans
5. Pass a drug screening.
   

Note: The drug screening and document verification occur after you’re matched with an employer but before your first day of apprenticeship.

To begin your journey with NEIEP and become , follow these steps:

1. Visit NEIEP’s Career Page.
   Browse current and upcoming local contractor recruitments for elevator mechanic apprenticeships.
2. Submit your application.
   You’ll be redirected to iCIMS (Applicant Tracking System, ATS) to enter your information.
3. Provide your details and credentials.
   Personal information (name, address, contact)
   High school diploma or GED equivalent
4. Receive your EIAT appointment.
   If your application is complete, NEIEP will schedule your Elevator Industry Aptitude Test and notify you of the date and time.

Note for New York applicants:
Apprenticeship applications in New York are submitted through a separate state‑specific system.

1. Frequently check the NEIEP career page for new recruitment opportunities, as positions open regularly.
   
   
2. Submit your apprenticeship application as soon as it opens. Popular locations like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles often have a set limit on applicants, and applications close quickly once this limit is reached. For instance, in December 2021, the NY IUEC Local 1 had 1,500 available slots filled in just 4 days.
   
   
3. Gather all necessary documents and information beforehand. Ensure all documents are in English and submitted in .doc, .pdf, or .jpeg formats only.
   
   
4. Prepare your resume ahead of time to streamline the application process. You can upload this resume directly to the application portal, allowing for quick autofill of your information.
   Your resume should ideally include:
• Personal information (required)
• Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (required)
• Professional licenses, registrations, and certifications
• Educational details such as your high school diploma
• Up to three professional references (at least one former supervisor)
• Employment history

If you have passed the initial application stage, you will be contacted via email through the iCIMS system by your Local Area Coordinator inviting you to take the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT).

The EIAT assesses specific knowledge areas that indicate your potential to acquire the mechanical skills necessary for elevator technicians.

The EIAT test covers 3 sections:

• Basic Numeracy (Math)
• Verbal Reasoning
• Mechanical Aptitude

In addition, a Tool Assessment will follow the EIAT, in which you will be required to identify common working tools, as well as show basic measurement reading skills.

To pass the EIAT, you will need to get a minimum score of 70 points. However, it is recommended to score as high as you can, as applicants are divided into tiers based on their test performance, and candidates with higher EIAT scores will have precedence.

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If you have passed the 70% score threshold on your Elevator Aptitude Test, you will be scheduled for an interview.

The interview will take 15-20 minutes and will be conducted by two interviewers – one from your prospective employer and one from the IUEC.

As per NEIEP standards, all candidates are asked the exact same questions.

Read more: NEIEP Interview Questions.

During the NEIEP apprenticeship program, you will go through 8,000 hours of on-the-job learning (OJL) and 576 hours of Related Instruction (additional theoretical and practical courses).

The on-the-job training constitutes most of the apprenticeship’s time and content.

To complete the apprenticeship, you need to complete at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year to a total of 8,000 hours.

During the OJL you will learn and practice things like:

• Construction safety 
• Blueprint Interpretation
• Rigging & hoisting 
• Machine room installation

For a complete list of the mechanical knowledge and other topics covered on the apprenticeship, you may refer to the Elevator Constructor Industry Training Criteria (Section B).

According to the NEIEP, the purpose of Related Instruction is to “teach apprentices those applied academics critical to job performance that are not adequately or effectively taught on the job.”

To complete the apprenticeship, you need to complete at least 144 hours of Related Instruction elevator mechanic training per year to a total of 576 hours.

Related Instruction covers areas such as:

• Electrical theory
• Solid-state
• Power & logic
• Hydraulic theory

For a complete list of Related Instruction topics, you may refer to the Elevator Constructor Industry Training Criteria (Section A).

As soon as you land an elevator mechanic apprenticeship, you will start a 1-year probationary period.

After the first six months of this period, you will be eligible for a wage increase.

The IUEC defines a progressively increasing pay scale for apprentices as follows:

• Probationary Apprentice (0-6 months) – 50% of an elevator mechanic's salary.
• First-Year Apprentice (7-12 months) – 55% of an elevator mechanic's salary rate.
• Second-Year Apprentice (1-2 years) – 65% of a mechanic’s rate + fringe benefits.
• Third-Year Apprentice (2-3 years) – 70% of a mechanic’s rate + fringe benefits.
• Fourth-Year Apprentice (3-4 years) – 80% of a mechanic’s rate + fringe benefits.

Note that mechanic rates vary between states. To find your estimated salary during the apprenticeship, get a free Elevator Apprentice Salary by State PDF.

Hours & Availability

• Full‑Time Position
  
• On‑Call Duty
  – Evenings and weekends for emergency repairs – Ensures systems stay safe and operational

Key Responsibilities

• Install & Maintain Machinery
  – Elevators, escalators, and moving walkways in offices and public buildings
• Assemble, Repair & Replace
  – Heavy equipment components
• Service in Cramped Spaces
  – Tight or high‑up areas when accessing machinery
• Safety Compliance
  – Follow strict rules to protect yourself and building occupants

As an elevator apprentice, you will begin getting the fringe benefits covered in the collective bargaining agreement upon completion of the first 2,000 hours of the apprenticeship (usually 1 year). Hours of the probationary period are included in this calculation.

The completion of the elevator technician apprenticeship and certification as an elevator mechanic requires the completion of a Mechanic Exam conducted by the IUEC.

This test is not the same as the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test required to start an elevator technician apprenticeship.

Elevator Installer & Mechanic

• Role: Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and lifts.
• Work: Hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and fixing mechanical and electrical issues.
• Training: Typically 4–5 year apprenticeship plus licensing.
• Employer: Elevator companies, contractors, unions.
• Salary: Around $88,000/year (varies).

Elevator Inspector

• Role: Inspect elevators to ensure safety and code compliance.
• Work: Perform tests, review installations, report violations, and enforce regulations.
• Training: Often experienced mechanics with additional certification/licensing.
• Employer: Government agencies, third-party inspection firms.
• Salary:  A qualified elevator inspector makes around $70,000–$90,000/year.

• Ramsay Sample Test 
• Free Mechanical Aptitude Test Practice Questions