IBEW Aptitude Test - Prep & Land Your Electrical Apprenticeship

The IBEW Aptitude Test is a timed multiple-choice test required from anyone who aims to become an electrician apprentice. The Electrical Training Alliance conducts the test in cooperation with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

The NJATC aptitude test battery has two sections - math (with a small portion of mechanical reasoning) and reading comprehension. The test duration is almost 2 hours, with a break between the two sections. A score of 4 (out of 9) is required to pass the test and continue to the next stage - the IBEW interview.

This aptitude test is divided into two sections and contains 3 main topics: math, mechanical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

In the first section – math and mechanical reasoning, you are asked to answer 33 multiple-choice questions in 46 minutes. The questions involve algebra, number series, force and torque, wheels and pulleys, gears, velocity, and electricity.

The second section – the reading section, contains 36 (also multiple-choice) questions to answer in 51 minutes.

The exact structure of the test may vary due to the local electrical training alliance branch, but the general structure is as follows:

Let’s elaborate on each section.

The first section of the pre-apprenticeship aptitude test consists mainly of math questions and can contain a few mechanical questions, but not necessarily. The math level is considered difficult, with complex algebra and advanced number series questions, while the mechanical questions are on basic mechanical principles. You can't use a calculator on the IBEW test, only pen and paper. For all those reasons, your preparation should focus mainly on perfecting your math abilities.

What Kind of Math Is On The IBEW Aptitude Test?

The algebra questions contain algebraic equations, functions, and polynomials. The level of the algebraic questions in the test is considered hard, and it is best to brush up on basic algebra rules before approaching the practice test questions. Let’s see an example of an easy-moderate question: 

Number series questions present you with mathematical sequences that follow a logical rule based on elementary arithmetic. In these questions, a sequence of numbers called ‘terms’ are presented, with 1 or more missing element(s). You are then asked to find the rule that connects them to each other. After you have detected the rule, you can deduce the missing number. 

How to solve a number series question?

Look at the numbers and then ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are they increasing or decreasing?
2. What is the rate of increase or decrease?
3. Is there a pattern?

Try to implement these steps on the sample question below.

What Kind of Mechanical Reasoning Is On The IBEW Aptitude Test?

The mechanical reasoning questions include the following subjects: force and torque, wheels and pulleys, gears (cogwheels), velocity, and electricity.

Aiming for an elevator mechanic position? Practice your skills with our Free EIAT Practice Test.

Reading Comprehension examines your ability to understand written texts. You will be presented with a passage, which will be followed by multiple-choice questions relating to the information contained in the text.

The test's reading section forms a more significant portion than the math section. Even so, many people tend to overlook the importance of solid preparation. Answering correctly 36 reading comprehension questions in less than 1.5 minutes each requires quick thinking and utilizing time-saving strategies.

Let’s see an example followed by a useful tip.

The IBEW aptitude test Test is considered more difficult than other common pre-apprenticeship tests, especially the math section.

The mathematical concepts required in this test (functions, polynomials, etc.) are more complex than those found in nearly all apprenticeship tests.

If you want to take an apprenticeship path in the electrical industry, you will be required to pass the IBEW Aptitude test with the electrical training alliance. These trades include:

• Inside wireman
• Outside wireman
• Residential wireman
• Installer Technician / Sound and communication technician

The IBEW Aptitude Test is identical for all electrician trades. However, the required score may vary based on trade demand and popularity.

One of the most frequent questions I get is "is the IBEW Aptitude Test conducted by local X?"

The answer is yes.

All electrical unions and locals use the same version of the IBEW Aptitude Test.

That's because it is the exact reason this test was designed, to begin with - to provide a standard, uniform measurement scale for all U.S electrical apprentices. Both the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) use the same aptitude test.

Therefore, all the following refer to the same:

• NJATC Aptitude Test / JATC Aptitude Test
• Electrical Aptitude Test / Electrician Aptitude Test
• Electrician Apprentice Test / Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Test
• Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test / NECA
• Local 3 IBEW Test / Local 134 IBEW Test
• Local 1245 IBEW Test / Local 26 IBEW Test
• Local 11 IBEW Test / Local 1 IBEW Test
• Local 47 IBEW Test / Local 77 IBEW Test
• Local 98 IBEW Test / Local 103 IBEW Test

The leading authority responsible for the electrical apprentice candidates’ assessments is the Electrical Training Alliance (NJATC). Becoming a licensed electrician requires passing the Electrical Training Alliance test.

Most test-takers are pretty rusty on basic math skills - BEDMAS, the four operations, fractions, etc.

Since a calculator is not allowed on the test, ensure you can perform such calculations quickly (1.3 minutes per question) and accurately before moving on to algebra.

The electrical unions are rather secretive as to the exact structure of the aptitude test. However, according to reports from test-takers, there are test topics that are more prevalent than others.

There is no penalty for wrong answers. So, if you're unsure and out of time, make an informed guess. Do not leave any questions unanswered!

Candidates often overlook the reading section because it isn't as intimidating as math.

Don't make that mistake.

The reading section on the IBEW Aptitude Test determines half your score - ensure you prepare for it properly.

The official study manual by the Electrical Training Alliance training committee is familiar among many IBEW apprenticeship candidates. Although it is thorough and provides very good direction as for the content of the test and proper ways to prepare, it should be taken with a grain of salt for several reasons:

• It is very old and outdated.
• It includes topics removed from the test a long time ago - such as spatial reasoning.
• It does not cover all the test topics you may encounter on the test.

The IBEW aptitude test allows for quite a lot of preparation time - between 1 month if you just applied and 6 months if you had just failed your most recent attempt (you must wait at least 6 months between tests).

Don't wait for the last minute to prepare - the IBEW is more advanced than most pre-apprenticeship tests, and the material takes time to sink in.

Here's how to prepare if you have set enough time in advance:

1. Test your ability to calculate quickly (as described in tip #1 above).
2. If you calculate slowly or inaccurately, spend at least several days taking off that rust. if not, jump straight to 3.
3. Take specific, in-depth practice on each test topic (equations, number series, etc.)
4. Make sure to go over reading tests during this time - remember - they constitute half your score!
5. At least 1 week before your test, start practicing with timed, full-length simulations.

Although it is certainly better to start preparing in advance, don't give up if you have procrastinated.

It will naturally be a bigger challenge - your plan will have to be more intensive and be structured differently.

Here's how to prepare if you have just a couple of days:

1. Take 1 full-length, timed simulation test of the IBEW aptitude test.
2. Identify weaker areas in reading and math.
3. If you did not finish the test on time, focus on developing shortcut techniques.
4. Take topic-specific practice drills to improve those areas.
5.  Go back to 1 and repeat.

You can study for the NJATC Aptitude test (The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) even when you are not actively preparing.

How?

Read. As much as you can, whenever you can.

Don't just skim-read. Ask yourself questions about what you just read. Try to draw conclusions from the text, detect its fallacies, or summarize it in your own words. Your ability to solve reading comprehension test will skyrocket, and you wouldn't even notice.

One last tip - read things you disagree with - will make the entire process a challenge you might even enjoy (heaven forbid).

After passing the NJATC aptitude test, the you will face the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers interview with the electrical training alliance.

Be aware that the exact stages and structure of the interview may differ from one local to another. In some areas, you will have to undergo two interviews – a mechanical interview and an oral interview.

If the electrical training alliance will invite you to a mechanical interview, expect to be asked about several basic mechanical principles and perhaps even physically assemble or fix some decomposed parts. Candidates indicate that the mechanical interview questions and problems aren’t complicated regarding basic things like climbing a ladder or swinging a hammer. They also state that the instructors tend to be helpful and compassionate even if you don’t get something exactly right.

The oral interview is more classical. You will be asked about yourself and your previous experience.

That depends on the IBEW recruitment cycle. Some people wait for more than a year for an interview with the electrical training alliance.

Preparing for an interview is highly important, especially when the available spots are limited and the competition is fierce. Make sure to go through mechanical principles before the mechanical interview and that you know how to answer classic interview questions with confidence.

For more info and prep for your upcoming interview, visit our behavioral interview page.

During the electrical apprenticeship program, you will go through training with the electrical training alliance both in the classroom and on the job. The scope of training varies depending on field and location, but the general standard is:

• Classroom – Classes will include 575-1,000 hours.
• Field training – Between 8,000 to 10,000 hours.

Need More Practice? Click the link below to access our free interactive IBEW sample test.

If you want to become an electrician, there’s no way around the IBEW Aptitude Test. But if you have it in you to take on a professional, technical and demanding career, you definitely have it in you to pass that aptitude test.

All you need is some guidance and a lot of practice. JobTestPrep's accurate IBEW practice tests give you the best, most comprehensive practice you need to pass and get the apprenticeship.