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- 3 Full-length IBEW test simulations
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- 11 Algebra practice tests
- 9 Number series practice tests
- 10 Reading comprehension practice tests
- 8 Basic numeracy extra practice tests
- 7 Study Guides
What Is the IBEW Aptitude Test?
The IBEW Aptitude Test is a mandatory written test conducted for anyone who is looking to become an electrician through an apprenticeship. The test contains 2 main topics:
- Math (Electrician Math)
- Algebra (functions, equations, etc.)
- Number series
- Reading comprehension
The exact structure of the test may vary, but the general structure is the following:
| Section | Topics | Questions | Time |
| Trades Math |
Algebra and number series |
33 (multiple-choice) | 46 minutes |
| Verbal | Reading comprehension | 36 (multiple-choice) | 50 minutes |
| Total | 69 | 96 minutes |
You may find some sample questions further down the page.
Equivalent Names of the IBEW Aptitude Test
All of the following titles refer to the IBEW Test:
- NJATC Aptitude Test / JATC Aptitude Test
- Electrical Aptitude Test / Electrician Aptitude Test
- Electrician Apprentice Test / Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Test
- Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test
The institute which officially administers the test is the Electrical Training Alliance (previously NJATC), a joint training program between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
IBEW Aptitude Test Sample Practice Questions & Answers
IBEW Math Practice Questions
Consider the following formula: A = B + 3 ( 4 – C )
If B equals 5 and C equals 2, what is the value of A?
- 7
- 11
- 12
- 17
Answer and Explanation
In a case where values for all variables but one are given, it is recommended to start by replacing them all with their values:
A = 5 + 3(4 - 2) = 5 + 3x2 = 11
The answer is, therefore, B.
(A-5)2 x (A2-25) = ?
- (A-5)4
- (A-5)2 x (A+5)2
- (A-5)3 x (A+5)
- (A4-125)
Answer and Explanation
Looking at the second element, we can see that it follows the well-known form of:
(a2-b2) = (a-b) x (a+b), namely:
(A2-25) = (A-5) x (A+5).
Therefore, the complete expression equals:
(A-5)2 x (A-5) x (A+5) = (A-5)3 x (A+5)
The correct answer is C.
Consider the following table:
| X | Y |
| 9 | 1 |
| 18 | 2 |
| 27 | 3 |
| 36 | 4 |
| 45 | 5 |
Which of the following choices represents the same relationship as demonstrated in this table?
- Y = 2X + 1
- Y is equivalent to the sum of the value X and a constant C, where C equals 3.
-
X Y 2 0.222 3 0.333 6 0.666 10 1.111 -
Answer and Explanation
As can be seen from the table, the relationship is Y = X / 9:
1 = 9 / 9
2 = 18 / 9
3 = 27 / 9
4 = 36 / 9
5 = 45 / 9
Answer (A) is incorrect because if Y = 2X + 1, then when X = 9, Y = 19 instead of 1.
Answer (B) is incorrect because if Y = X + 3, then when X = 9, Y = 12 instead of 1.
Answer (D) is incorrect because in the given table, X is always greater than Y, and in the graph, Y is always greater than X.
Only answer (C) represents the same relationship:
2/9 = 0.222
3/9 = 0.333
6/9 = 0.666
10/9 = 1.111
Therefore, the correct answer is C.
144 | 73 | 18 | 10 | 520 | ?
- 76
- 146
- 247
- 261
Answer and Explanation
Every two terms are a pair. The first number is divided by two and then increased by 1 in order to produce the second term.
144/2+1 = 73
18/2+1 = 10
250/2+1 = 261
Therefore, the correct answer is D.
If |3x + 8| > 12, which of the following represents all possible values of x?
- x < -20/3; x > 4/3
- -20/3 < x < 4/3
- x > -4/3
- x < -20/3
Answer and Explanation
If |3x + 8| > 12, then there could be two options:
3x + 8 > 12 OR 3x + 8 < -12.
Let's look at each option separately:
3x + 8 > 12
After combining like terms we yield 3x > 4
After dividing both sides of the inequality by 3, the result is x > 4/3.
3x + 8 < -12
By implementing the exact same process, we yield x < -20/3.
Remember: Both answers are possible!
Therefore, the correct answer is A.
IBEW Verbal Practice Question
Last year, road fatalities decreased by 9%. According to the latest figures published by the Department of Transportation today, this year has seen the lowest number of deaths in road traffic since records began. However, road deaths are only the tip of the iceberg, because for every death on US roads there are 10 serious injuries such as damage to the brain or spinal cord. Country by country statistics shows that the number of road deaths per year still varies greatly across the US with the countries reporting the lowest number of fatalities being California, Oregon, Washington, Vermont, and Maine, with only 30 deaths per million inhabitants. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and users in certain age groups, notably the elderly, are particularly affected by serious road injuries.
Which of the following statements is correct?
- Cyclists should be banned from riding on the roads.
- More animals are killed by cars than by pedestrians.
- Road deaths are on the rise in Vermont.
- There are more serious injuries than deaths.
Answer and Explanation
Option D is correct. This is what the text states: "for every death... there are 10 serious injuries".
IBEW Apprenticeship Test Score
The standard passing score of the electrical aptitude test is 4/9. However, you should note that this score DOES NOT mean getting 45% of the questions correct. It means that you score on the top 4-ninths of the test takers.
Therefore, in highly competitive areas or times, where more people tend to apply and prepare, this boundary might be higher to reach than in other areas or times.
In addition, remember that open apprenticeships are limited, and demand always exceeds supply. That means that eventually, the IBEW will select the candidates with the highest scores to carry on with the process, so just passing is not enough.
A Word about IBEW Locals
One of the most frequent questions I get is "is the IBEW test conducted by local X?". The answer is yes. All IBEW locals use the same version of the test because this is the exact reason this test was designed, to begin with - to provide a standard, uniform measurement scale for all U.S IBEW locals.
How to Practice and Pass the IBEW Test?
When candidates for the IBEW apprenticeship program face an aptitude test, many of them get discouraged. It immediately takes them back to memories of blackouts, anxiety, and the feeling that their professional future rests on math and reading comprehension drills.
We get weekly emails from genuinely disheartened and frustrated candidates, who know they could be excellent electricians, if only they could get away with the aptitude test.
It doesn't have to be that way.
Now, let's get into the 3 greatest challenges the IBEW Aptitude Test puts before you, and how to overcome them.
The Challenges of the IBEW Apprenticeship Test and How to Pass Them
Compared to the things you’ll learn and deal with as an electrician, the Electrical Aptitude Test isn’t that difficult in and of itself. And yet, it still gets to confuse and annoy so many good candidates.
So, what is it that makes this particular test such a challenge?
Over the past years, we’ve connected with dozens of IBEW test-takers. Here are their top 3 answers:
Challenge #1 – Uncertainty
I assume you have already done some research about the IBEW apprenticeship test. You may have noticed that the IBEW and the NJATC disclose very little about it. Usually, all you get is that it is a “Basic Math and Reading Aptitude Test” or something similar.
This lack of information keeps most candidates confused about what, how, and when to learn.
Overcoming Uncertainty - Practice the Real Thing
What do you do when you are anxious about a certain task? You do it in advance. That is true for speaking in front of an audience, rock climbing, or aptitude testing. And the closer your practice is to the real task, the simpler it will eventually be.
The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle.
I can tell you, understanding how the real IBEW Apprenticeship Aptitude Test looks like wasn’t easy. But, through meticulous data collection from dozens of candidates, we have been able to bring forth their experience to help YOU.
Practice Materials That Simulate the Actual IBEW Aptitude Test:
| What’s in the PrepPack? |
Why is it in the PrepPack? |
| 3 full-length simulations of the IBEW Apprenticeship Aptitude Test | Practice for the real test to increase confidence. |
| Only IBEW Aptitude Test-Style Questions | Don’t waste your time. Practice ONLY the things you’ll be asked about. |
Alan M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (More reviews)
Important note: The PrepPack DOES NOT contain the exact IBEW Test you’ll be having. That is both impossible and illegal. It DOES contain the closest practice experience that could be made.
Challenge #2 – Material
Not only is the IBEW Test’s material something you probably haven’t seen in years (when was the last time you solved a polynomial??) it also connects directly to where most people tasted failure for the first time – school.
Both math and reading comprehension immediately relate to what most people experienced as a challenge in school. These bad memories often get them discouraged before they even started.
Overcoming Material - Customize Your Practice
To get professional in the IBEW Aptitude Test material, keep the 2 following guidelines in mind:
#1 – Customize Your Practice to the Test Level
No one expects you to be a math professor. To become an electrician, you need to show that you have the ability to learn and solve IBEW test-level questions.
Were you ever taught in school that: “It’s not the result that counts but the way you solved it?”
Forget about it. Here it’s ALL about the result. It’s all about technique. And that is what you should do.
Create a Personalized Practice Plan and Focus on Your Weak Areas
|
What’s in the PrepPack? |
Why is it in the PrepPack? |
| A diagnostic IBEW Apprenticeship Aptitude Test |
Learn where you, personally, should put your practice focus. |
Lucy L.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (More reviews)
#2 – Customize Your Practice to Your Level
Before you start, understand exactly where you stand on each and every test topic. That way you will get the most precise, personalized, and effective preparation for your needs.
The thing is, most people don’t REALLY know their strengths and weaknesses. You may know you’re weak in math, but what math? Equations? Number series?
That level of detail may seem trivial, but it is crucial if you want your preparation to be effective, especially if you’re short on time.
Look into your skills thoroughly and sincerely, down to the subject level.
A Progressive Practice to Take You All the Way from Level 0 to Above Real-Test-Level
|
What’s in the PrepPack? |
Why is it in the PrepPack? |
| Progressive question level – from beginner to slightly above test-level |
Build your solving skill from the ground up, until IBEW level questions are a little too easy for you. |
Caleb R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (More reviews)
Challenge #3 – Time Constraints
Like in many aptitude tests, the main difficulty of the IBEW Test is not the questions themselves, but rather the short time given to answer them. That requires you not only to learn how to solve, but how to solve FAST.
Overcome Time Constraints - Practice in-Depth
To be able to quickly recognize questions and maximize your solving speed, it is important to practice in-depth – that is, to solve a high number of questions on the same topic, one after another.
That way you get more familiar with the material, better to memorize, and quicker to recognize patterns you have already encountered.
High Volume of Additional Practice Material to Acquire the Skills Required to Succeed
|
What’s in the PrepPack? |
Why is it in the PrepPack? |
| Topic-specific practice tests |
Learn each topic in-depth to become more familiar, and thus quicker with it. |
| Detailed explanations for each question |
Learn from your mistakes along the way, and develop the best and fastest solving strategies. |
Dan H.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (More reviews)
The Electrician Apprenticeship Program
During the program, you will go through training 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.
Inside Wiremen
The majority of the inside wireman’s work deals with connecting customer’s electrical equipment to the inner power network.
Outside Wireman
An outside wireman’s training and work focus on transmission lines, distribution systems, and connection to end-users.
Residential Wireman
The residential wireman’s job is very similar to the inside wireman. The difference is that while the latter focuses on commercial and industrial systems, the former specializes in residential ones.
Installer Technician
Specializes in low-voltage systems connected to the high-voltage electricity system like sound, CCTV, or signaling systems.
Summary
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 Aptitude practice tests give you the best, most comprehensive practice you need to pass and get the apprenticeship.
Have something to ask me? Contact me at ask_shlomik@jobtestprep.com.
Electrical Aptitude Test FAQs
The Electrical Aptitude Test is a multiple-choice test conducted to anyone who wishes to become an electrician apprentice. The test is conducted by the Electrical Training Alliance, in cooperation with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
The Electrical Aptitude Test contains 2 topics, divided into 6 sub-topics:
Math
- Algebraic Equations
- Functions
- Polynomials
- Inequalities and Systems of Equations
- Number Series
Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
The Electrical Aptitude Test test contains a total of 69 questions: 33 questions on the math section and 36 questions on the verbal section.
Yes. The Electrical Aptitude Test is the standard tool of measurement for apprentices in the electrical inudstry, and is therefore identical among all IBEW locals across the U.S.
The IBEW Aptitude Test takes a total of 96 minutes - 46 minutes for the math section and 50 minutes for the verbal section.
Although this number can change based depending on the number of applicants for a particular local, applicants report it usually takes around 8-10 weeks.
Depending on the candidate volume, scoring the IBEW Aptitude Test usually takes 2-4 weeks.
The IBEW Aptitude Test is considered more difficult than other common pre-apprenticeship tests, especially the math section.
The mathematical concepts required in the IBEW Aptitude Test (functions, polynomials, etc.) are more complex than those found in nearly all apprenticeship tests.
The passing score of the IBEW Aptitude Test is 4/9.
Note that this is NOT to say 44% of the questions. It is an internal scale of the IBEW which eliminates those who scored at the bottom third (3/9) of test-takers.
With an ever-growing competition for open apprenticeships, a GOOD score on the Electrical Aptitude Test, to put you in a competitive position for an apprenticeship, is way above that 4/9 threshold.
No. The use of a calculator of any kind is not allowed. You may use a pen and scratch paper.
If you want to take an apprenticeship path in the electrical industry, you will be required to pass the IBEW Aptitude test. These trades include:
- Inside wireman
- Outside wireman
- Residential wireman
- Installer technician / Sound and communication technician
- Etc.
The IBEW test is identical for all electrician trades. However, the required score may vary based on trade demand and popularity.