Get the Most Accurate Practice for the Plumbing Aptitude Test Practice [2024]

The Plumbing Aptitude test is conducted by the plumbers union to screen plumbing apprenticeship candidates. It contains 6 topics total: Reading, Numerical Computation, Numerical Reasoning, Folding, Problem Solving, and Mechanical Comprehension.

The Plumbing Union Aptitude Test is distributed by GAN Human Resources and contains approximately 140 questions to be solved in 120 minutes.

With 6 very different topics, a large number of questions, and tight time constraints, the Plumbing Aptitude Test is a true challenge. Combine this with the fact that this test can be taken only during open recruitments, and you can easily understand why passing it on your first attempt is absolutely crucial.

The following page gives you the most accurate and comprehensive practice plan to ace this 6-section test:

  • Reading practice tests - to teach you the fastest ways to read and interpret texts and derive required information.
  • Numerical Computation practice tests and guides - practice dozens of questions combined with time-saving techniques to become quick and accurate with your calculations.
  • Numerical Reasoning practice tests - learn to find the hidden numerical patterns in advance so you can recognize them super fast on the actual plumbing test.
  • Spatial reasoning practice tests for the Folding section - practice the challenging skill of 2d and 3d visualization.
  • Problem-solving practice tests - learn how to overcome the main challenge of this test section and convert verbal problems to mathematical ones.
  • Mechanical Comprehension practice tests - identify the physical principles behind questions to be able to solve ANY mechanical question that comes your way. 

Please note: The Plumbers Union requires knowledge of state—or city-specific codes across the US. Our Plumbing Aptitude Test prep pack covers the national cognitive abilities sections but does not include materials for the more specific plumbing knowledge you may need. Furthermore, it is only suitable for US-based plumbers.

Plumbers Union Aptitude Test Practice
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  • Reading and verbal comprehension practice tests
  • Numerical Computation practice tests and guides
  • Numerical Reasoning (number series) practice tests
  • Spatial reasoning practice tests for the Folding section
  • Problem-solving (word problems) practice tests 
  • Mechanical Comprehension practice tests

What Is the Plumbing Aptitude Test?

The Plumbing Union Apprenticeship Aptitude Test is a 140-question, 120-minute test used to screen candidates applying to a plumbing apprenticeship. The test is administered by GAN Human Resources on behalf of the Plumbers Union, and contains 6 topics:

  • Reading - 42 questions, 25 minutes
  • Numerical Computation - 28 questions, 24 minutes
  • Numerical Reasoning - 10 questions, 10 minutes
  • Folding - 12 questions, 15 minutes
  • Problem Solving - 35 questions in 35 minutes
  • Mechanical Comprehension - 13 questions, 13 minutes

Let's dive into each section, including a sample question.


Plumbing Apprenticeship Aptitude Test Sample Questions and Answers

Plumbing Aptitude Test Section #1 - Reading

The Reading section assesses your ability to read and comprehend texts, as well as draw conclusions from them. The section contains 42 questions to be solved in 25 minutes. Each question has 4 answer options, only one of which is correct.

Reading Sample Question

The exponential growth and development in the services and activities of search engines during the past decade has brought about a number of challenging legal issues in the area of copyright law. While search engines are continuously expanding their reach, copyright law has largely failed to adequately respond to these technological advancements. Rather, the current situation is one of rigid, outdated copyright laws being applied to online activities, which were never contemplated when the original legislation was drafted – causing great ambiguity. Search engines have the crucial role of ensuring the free flow of the internet’s core purpose – access to information. However, by their very nature, copyright laws fundamentally challenge this concept of a freely flowing and accessible internet.

Which of the following statements regarding copyright law is correct?

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

If you look carefully at the other answers, you'll see that the statements are exaggerated.

Take B for example - we cannot say that it has completely failed to respond since the text states “copyright law has largely failed to adequately respond”.

Option D is the only option that isn't exaggerated and is therefore the correct answer.

The Plumbing Aptitude Test Practice contains dozens of reading practice tests to become familiar with the most common techniques used in them. 

Plumbing Aptitude Test Section #2 - Numerical Computation

The Numerical Computation section of the Plumbing Aptitude Test assesses your ability to calculate quickly and accurately without using a calculator. It contains 28 questions on two topics: fractions and decimals. Each question has 5 answer options, only one of which is correct.

Numerical Computation Sample Question

Convert 3/13 into decimal.

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

By converting 3/13 to decimal we get ≈ 0.23.

To solve this quickly without a straightforward calculation, you can convert the numbers in the answer choices to fractions to find the closest number to 3/13.

Answer (B) can be eliminated: 0.75 = 3/4

Answer (C) can be eliminated: 0.33 ≈ 1/3

Answers (D) and (E) can be eliminated: 3 is less than 13, and, therefore, 3/13 must be smaller than 1.

The Plumbing Aptitude Test Practice combines hundreds of questions with basic math study guides to make you as proficient in calculations as you can possibly be! 

 

Plumbing Aptitude Test Section #3 - Numerical Reasoning

The Numerical Reasoning section assesses how well you identify numerical patterns. This section contains 10 number series questions to be solved in 10 minutes. Each question has 5 answer choices, only one of which is correct.

Numerical Reasoning Sample Question

0 , 3/4 , 8/9 , 15/16 , 24/25 , ?

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The series follows the following rule:

an = 1-(1/n2)

a1 = 1-(1/12) = 0

a2 = 1-(1/22) = 3/4

a3 = 1-(1/32) = 8/9

a4 = 1-(1/42) = 15/16

a5 = 1-(1/52) = 24/25

a6 = 1-(1/62) = 35/36

The Plumbing Aptitude Test Practice addresses all types of number series so you can identify them super-fast on the actual test. 

 

Plumbing Aptitude Test Section #4 - Folding

Folding questions measures your ability to visualize three-dimensional shapes. It contains 12 questions to be solved in 15 minutes. Each question

Folding Sample Question

Feast Cube Test

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

If you rotate cube (C) 180 degrees clockwise so the purple facet is above the red facet, you can see that the green facet is to the left of the red facet like in the unfolded cube, making it the correct answer.

Answer (A) is incorrect because the red and dark blue facets are on opposite sides and can’t touch.

Answer (B) is incorrect because the purple and light blue facets are on opposite sides and can’t touch.

Answer (D) is incorrect because in the unfolded cube when the red facet is above the light blue facet, the green facet is to the left of the red facet and not to its right like in cube (D).

 

The Plumbing Aptitude Test Practice comes with a built-in spatial reasoning preparation covering 120 practice questions in multiple types, to improve your 3d visualization ability! 

 

Plumbing Aptitude Test Section #5 - Problem Solving

The Problem Solving section of the Plumbing Apprenticeship Aptitude Test assesses your ability to solve mathematical word problems. These may include basic arithmetic calculations, percentages, or geometry, yet the main challenge is to convert the problem from a verbal one to a mathematical one. This section contains 35 questions to be solved in 35 minutes. As in all numerical sections, questions have 5 answer options each, only one of which is correct.

Problem Solving Sample Question

A man walked at a pace of 5 mph for 3 hours and then ran at a pace of 8 mph for half the time. What was the total distance in miles that he covered?

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

First, identify the missing piece. In this example, it is the time it took for the man to run 8 miles.

Also, be aware of the formula:

Velocity * Time = Distance

Use a pen and paper and write down your calculation:

First part of the trip: 5 * 3 = 15 miles

Second part of the trip: time = 3/2=1.5h
8 * 1.5 = 12 miles

Total distance: 12 + 15 = 27 miles

The Plumbing Aptitude Test Practice contains a specific preparation for word problems that allows you to master the crucial trait of verbal-to-math transition. 

 

Plumbing Aptitude Test Section #6 - Mechanical Comprehension

The Mechanical Comprehension section measures your ability to understand and apply mechanical principles. These questions, similar to what you will see in mechanical aptitude tests such as the famous BMCT usually do not require any previous knowledge, but an understanding of basic physics will tremendously help. The test contains 13 questions to be solved in 13 minutes.

Mechanical Comprehension Sample Question

In which way is the wagon accelerating? (If neither, mark C.)

Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test Sample Question - Velocity

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The pendulum is moving backward; therefore, the car is accelerating in the opposite direction.

What happens when an object is in an accelerating system, in the same way, you feel pulled back when the car is speeding up or forwards when it is braking.

Remember the physical principle: When an object is within an accelerating system (another object that accelerates or decelerates), the inner object's force will be in the direction opposite to the acceleration.

The Plumbing Aptitude Test Practice teaches you the physical principles behind the questions so you can solve ANY mechanical question on the actual test.

 


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