NECA-IBEW Apprenticeship Application
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has joined forces with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to ensure the highest quality of workmanship in the electrical and telecommunications technology fields. To become a NECA apprentice, you must successfully maneuver your way through three basic steps:
- Application that meets the minimum requirements for apprenticeship eligibility
- A score of at least 4 out of a possible 9 on the NECA electrical apprenticeship test
- Personal interview
The NECA test is administered to apprenticeship applicants in the fields of Inside (Construction) Electrician and Limited Energy Technician such as Telecommunications Tech.
NECA Apprentice Application Requirements
In order to initiate the NECA-IBEW apprenticeship program process in the electrical field, you must meet certain basic requirements:
- At least 17 years of age
- High school graduate, GED, second semester high school senior on track to graduate or two-year Associate Degree
- Valid driver’s license or state-issued photo ID
For a Telecommunications industry applicant, only a valid driver’s license will suffice for identification. Further, in addition to the above educational elements, Telecommunications applicants must have completed one full year of high school Algebra or achieved at least one credit of Algebra at the post-high school level.
Keep in mind that for both fields, Algebra proficiency is necessary in order to pass the IBEW-NECA pre-apprenticeship test.
The NECA Aptitude Test Battery
National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) Apprentice Selection Test Battery was developed and validated by the American Institutes for Research. The exam consists of two sections:
You will not need to memorize formulas or possess previous electrical or telecommunications work experience to pass the NECA exam. As to what you should bring to the test, remember to present your photo ID; however, do not bring a calculator to the testing facility, since the exam administrator will hand out all necessary supplies.
Algebra & Functions
There are 33 questions within a 46-minute timeframe. You will encounter many Algebra functions such as:
- Linear equations
- Graphing
- Factoring polynomials
- Monomials within algebraic expressions
- Solving quadratic equations such as square roots
- Ratios
- Working with positive and negative numbers
- Order of operations
- Simplifying expressions
Reading Comprehension
This section is composed of 36 questions with a time limit of 51 minutes. Written passages, each followed by a series of questions, comprise the format. The passages contain detailed information. The purpose of the reading comprehension portion of the exam is to assess your ability to accurately process the data and reach appropriate conclusions from the details presented.
There is no penalty for guessing, as the score is based solely on the number of correct answers. Therefore, it is to your benefit to answer every question.
Those who do not pass the aptitude test, may re-apply and retake the exam six months later. Passing the NECA test translates into advancing toward an apprenticeship.
In-Person Interview
Applicants who pass the NECA aptitude test will be scheduled for an interview. The interview score will establish the Rank of each candidate. As apprenticeships become available, the Ranking List order will determine which applicants are selected. Each month, ranks change in accordance with the results of current interviews.
NECA Preparation with JobTestPrep
Working through practice tests will give you not only a familiarity with the types of questions that you will face on the NECA pre-apprenticeship test, but will also highlight areas that you need to review prior to taking the exam. JobTestPrep has developed an Electrical Aptitude Test preparation pack that is specifically designed to contribute to your exam success.
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