The IBEW Electrical Aptitude Test: Free Practice and Study Guide (2024)

If you want to become an electrician or start working in the electrical field, you will first have to pass the IBEW Electrical aptitude test.

While this may seem difficult, with Prepterminal’s Electrical aptitude test study guide, video guides, practice questions, and practice test, you can turn this hurdle into a great opportunity for success.

Introduction to the Electrician Aptitude Test

The IBEW aptitude test is one of the first things you need to pass before you can be considered for an electrical apprenticeship.

The IBEW test is used by the National Electrician Association (NEA) and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) to make sure that all aspiring electricians are competent.

The test was designed to ensure that candidates have the ability to do basic algebra, comprehend written text related to the electrical field, and have mechanical aptitude skills.

What Does the IBEW Aptitude Test Include?

It is important that you also have good basic mathematical and English skills to pass the electrical aptitude test.

Each test-taker has around two and a half hours to complete the electrical apprenticeship aptitude test.

The IBEW aptitude test has two sections:

1. Algebra & Functions

This section assesses your ability to do basic operations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There will also be questions that will focus on fractions and solving linear and quadratic equations like square roots, quadratic formulas, graphing and practical applications.

There will also be questions regarding mechanical reasoning such as electrical loads, pulleys, balance, and basic mechanical theories.

These IBEW apprenticeship test questions will be job-specific. In other words, they will relate to electrical aptitudes or scenarios. Specifically, the IBEW test will ask you about aspects of electrical circuitry such as process flow and signal flow.

There are 33 math questions that you must complete in 46 minutes.

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2. Reading Comprehension

This section will test your reading comprehension skills in the English language.

You will be given several passages to read and understand before answering questions regarding the passages previously read.

There will be 36 reading questions, and each test-taker has 51 minutes to answer all of them.

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The IBEW Aptitude Test Application Process

The IBEW aptitude test is just one part of the application process which usually follows these steps:

A good score on a mechanical reasoning test will let your potential employer know that you have good mechanical and spatial skills.

The test is computerized and carried out at your local NJATC test center.

On the day of the exam, you will need your photo ID. You will not be allowed to take the test without it. You are not allowed to use a calculator and will be given a pencil and scrap paper to work out your answers.

Based on current trends, only 4 out of 9 applicants are expected to pass the exam.

If you fail the IBEW electrical aptitude test the first time, you will need to wait six months before you will be allowed to take the test again. You should prepare as much as you can with our IBEW aptitude test study guide and IBEW practice test.