Electrician Apprenticeship IBEW Study Guide: Prep Tips for 2025

The IBEW Aptitude Test is a timed, multiple-choice exam that must be taken by anyone who wants to start training as an electrician apprentice and be accepted to the IBEW union apprenticeship. 

The standardized version of the test is divided into two parts: one covers math (including some mechanical reasoning), and the other is focused on reading comprehension.

The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) aptitude test is mostly the same everywhere, with some small differences. 

The main parts of the test, covering algebra/functions and reading comprehension, are consistent across all local unions. This consistency helps provide a fair evaluation of candidates for electrical apprenticeships across the country.

While most local unions use the standard IBEW/NJATC aptitude test, a few might add extra sections like the mechanical section. See the following for more information about various IBEW locals. Also see the Electrical Training Locals Map.

The IBEW aptitude test is widely seen as tough, especially the math part. Here’s what makes it challenging:

The math section includes complicated algebra topics like equations, functions, polynomials, and advanced sequences. The level of algebra is tough and goes beyond what is usually taught in high school.

The test is also time-limited: you get only 46 minutes to answer 33 math questions and 51 minutes for 36 reading comprehension questions. This means you have less than 1.5 minutes per question on average.

Calculators are not allowed, so you must do all calculations by hand. This increases the difficulty and highlights the importance of having quick problem-solving skills.

Below you'll find some key tips for tackling the Math, English, and Mechanical sections of the IBEW test.

Here are some useful tips for handling IBEW function format and number series questions:

1. Carefully review algebraic expressions to understand what they mean and why they are used.
2. Look for patterns in the expressions to eliminate incorrect answers. For example, if there's a fraction in the expression, the answer won't be a whole number unless the numerator is evenly divisible by the denominator.
3. Break down complex problems into simpler parts to make them easier to understand.

For number series questions, it's crucial to begin by identifying the pattern. You can do this by examining the differences between consecutive numbers in the series.

1. Observe how these differences change—whether they consistently increase or decrease by the same amount, or if they alternate between specific values.
2. When you encounter series with fractions or decimals, converting them to common denominators or whole numbers can simplify the process of finding patterns.

1. Make sure to read each passage completely and with attention. Avoid quickly scanning or jumping to conclusions about what's written.
2. Figure out the main point and important details in the passage before you start answering the questions.

1. Learn the fundamental principles of mechanics such as levers, pulleys, and gears, and understand how forces are distributed and balanced.
2. Improve your spatial reasoning abilities to better visualize how mechanical parts connect and move together in three-dimensional space
3. Master the essential formulas needed to compute mechanical advantages, load distribution, and the forces at play.

The typical passing score for the IBEW aptitude test is 4/9. Importantly, this score doesn't mean you have answered 45% of the questions correctly. Instead, it indicates that your performance is in the top 4-ninths compared to other test takers.

In highly competitive regions or periods, when more people apply and prepare, reaching this score might be more challenging. To perform well on the test, it's crucial to prepare thoroughly.

Unfortunately, there isn't specific information available, such as a percentage or statistic, on how many people pass the IBEW aptitude test.

If you don't pass the IBEW test, you can take it again multiple times. However, you must wait 6 months between each attempt.

No, you won't be penalized for incorrect answers on the IBEW aptitude test. If you're not sure about an answer, it's better to make a guess and continue with the rest of the test. This helps make sure you have enough time to attempt all the questions.

Your IBEW Aptitude Test score remains valid for two years from the date you took the test. Within those two years, if an apprenticeship spot becomes available, candidates with the top scores will be given priority for selection.