The IBEW aptitude test, given by IBEW/NECA apprenticeship programs (JATCs) and written for the Electrical Training ALLIANCE (formerly NJATC), has two timed sections: Algebra and Functions, 33 questions in 46 minutes, and Reading Comprehension, 36 questions in 51 minutes. No calculator is allowed, no formulas need to be memorized and no electrical knowledge is required. Every question has four options, and the score is the number right, reported as a stanine from 1 to 9; most JATCs want a 4 or higher. That works out to about 84 seconds a math question and 85 seconds a reading question, including reading time.
01The test in brief
| Section | Questions | Time | Per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Functions | 33 | 46 minutes | about 84 seconds |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 | 51 minutes | about 85 seconds, reading included |
| Total | 69 | 97 minutes | plus a short break |
The Electrical Training ALLIANCE says to allow about two and a half hours for the session, since instructions and forms take time too. Each JATC sets its own application dates and fee and gives the test at its training center, so the details of your day come from your JATC. A few JATCs use a different test made by GAN instead; it has mechanical reasoning and paper folding sections that this guide does not cover, so check which test you will take first.
02Algebra and Functions: eight question types
The math section is algebra you met in high school, done by hand. Our bank sorts it into eight question types. The examples below are ours, written for this guide.
| Type | What it asks | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate a formula | Evaluate a formula or expression for given values. | 2a² - b when a = -3 and b = 4: 2 × 9 - 4 = 14. |
| Equivalent expressions | Pick the expression equivalent to a product or sum: expand, simplify or factor. | (x + 4)(x - 7) = x² - 7x + 4x - 28 = x² - 3x - 28. |
| Number series | Find the next or missing number in a series. | 4, 9, 7, 12, 10, ... goes +5, -2, +5, -2, so the next number is 15. |
| Linear functions and inequalities | Linear functions and inequalities: for which inputs is the output positive or negative. | y = 8 - 2x is negative when 8 - 2x < 0, so -2x < -8 and x > 4. |
| Table to rule | Find the rule that fits an input/output table. | x: 1, 2, 3, 4 and y: 1, 5, 9, 13. y rises 4 per step, so y = 4x + b; 4 + b = 1 gives b = -3: y = 4x - 3. |
| Equations and formulas | Solve a linear equation, or rearrange a formula for one letter. | 3x - 5 = x + 9 gives 2x = 14, so x = 7. A = lw solved for w is w = A/l. |
| Exponents and arithmetic | Exponents, roots, scientific notation, fractions, decimals and percents by hand. | x⁷ · x² / x⁴ = x⁵; 3⁻² = 1/9; (4 × 10³)(2 × 10⁻⁵) = 8 × 10⁻². |
| Word problems | Word problems: turn a sentence into an expression or equation; ratios and rates. | Two kinds of fittings are in a 2 : 5 ratio and there are 35 of the second kind: 35 ÷ 5 = 7, so 2 × 7 = 14. |
See one real-format question of each type, worked, on the IBEW math practice questions page.
03Reading Comprehension: six question types
The reading section gives you nonfiction passages (history, science, how things work) and asks several questions about each. Everything you need is in the passage; outside knowledge does not earn points and can mislead you. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE does not publish how many passages there are or how long they run, and its own sample passage is shorter than the real ones, so practice on full-length passages. Ours run 350 to 700 words with six questions each.
| Type | What it asks | How to get it right |
|---|---|---|
| Stated detail | What the passage says, often a number, name or date. | Go back to the paragraph and find the line. Wrong options are often real details from a different paragraph. |
| Main idea or purpose | What the whole passage, or one paragraph, is mostly about. | Pick the option that covers every paragraph, not one detail. Too narrow and too broad are the usual traps. |
| Inference | What the passage implies without saying it. | The answer must follow from what is written. If you need outside knowledge to defend it, it is wrong. |
| Vocabulary in context | What a word means in this sentence. | Put each option in place of the word and reread the sentence. The common meaning is often the trap. |
| Application | Apply the passage's idea or reasoning to a new case. | State the passage's rule in a few words first, then pick the case that fits that rule. |
| True / NOT supported | Which statement the passage supports, or does NOT support. | Mark each option true or false against the passage. For NOT questions, three options are supported. |
Questions often point to a paragraph by number ("In paragraph 3, ..."), so keep track of paragraphs as you read. Try a full passage with all six types on the IBEW reading comprehension practice questions page.
04Timing
Math: 46 minutes for 33 questions is about 84 seconds each. Check the clock at question 11 (about 15 minutes in) and question 22 (about 31 minutes). If a question is taking more than two minutes, pick your best option, mark it and come back.
Reading: 51 minutes for 36 questions is about 85 seconds each, and that has to cover reading the passage too. With six questions a passage, that is about eight and a half minutes per passage and its questions: roughly three minutes to read, then about 55 seconds a question.
There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a question blank. Keep the last minute of each section to fill in anything you skipped.
05No-calculator habits
- Evaluate a formula. Put every negative in parentheses before you square it: (-3)² = 9, but -3² = -9.
- Equivalent expressions. Multiply every term by every term, then combine like terms. Check one option by putting x = 1 into both forms.
- Number series. Write the differences under the numbers. If they are not constant, look for alternating steps, ratios or squares.
- Linear functions and inequalities. Solve it like an equation, and flip the inequality sign when you multiply or divide by a negative number.
- Table to rule. Find the change in y per step of x, then the starting value. Test the rule on two rows, not one.
- Equations and formulas. Do the same thing to both sides, one step at a time, and undo operations in reverse order.
- Exponents and arithmetic. Add exponents when multiplying, subtract when dividing, multiply for a power of a power.
- Word problems. Name the unknown, write the equation, then check the answer against the words.
- Know your tables. Times tables to 12, squares to 15² and the common fraction, decimal and percent pairs (1/8 = 0.125 = 12.5%) save more time than any trick.
- Estimate first. A rough answer often rules out two options before you work anything out.
- Check by substituting. Put your answer back into the equation or the table. It takes seconds and catches sign errors.
06Stanines and JATC ranking
Stanine means "standard nine": your number of correct answers is turned into a band from 1 to 9, with 5 in the middle. There is no guessing penalty. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE does not publish how many correct answers make each band, and it tells applicants whether they qualified rather than giving an exact score, so any site that converts a practice score into a stanine is guessing. That is why our timed tests show your percent correct per section instead.
Most JATCs ask for a stanine of 4 or higher; some ask for a 5, and some line-construction programs set lower minimums. A qualifying score earns an oral interview with a joint IBEW/NECA committee, and your interview and qualifications set your rank on the eligibility list, which the Electrical Training ALLIANCE says lasts up to two years (some JATCs use one year). Some JATCs interview only their top scorers, so a score well above the minimum can matter. If you need to retest, the Electrical Training ALLIANCE makes you wait 90 days, and some JATCs six months.
07An 8-week plan
About four or five hours a week: three math sessions and two reading sessions. Short on time? Do weeks 1, 2, 5 and 7 in four weeks.
| Week | Focus | Math | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline | Take the 22 free questions. Sort every miss by question type. | Read one passage a day, slowly, and say each paragraph's point in a few words. |
| 2 | Arithmetic by hand: fractions, decimals, percents, order of operations, exponents | Exponents and arithmetic, evaluate a formula | Stated detail and vocabulary questions: one passage set every other day. |
| 3 | Equations and formulas | Solve for x; rearrange formulas | Main idea and inference questions. |
| 4 | Expanding and factoring | Equivalent expressions | Application and NOT supported questions. |
| 5 | Series and tables | Number series; table to rule | Two passage sets, untimed, every miss reviewed. |
| 6 | Inequalities and word problems | Linear functions and inequalities; word problems | Two passage sets at about 85 seconds a question. |
| 7 | Timed sections | A Math section: 33 questions in 46 minutes | A Reading section: 36 questions in 51 minutes |
| 8 | Full tests and review | One or two full tests with both clocks; review every miss by type | Rest the day before. Confirm the time, place and what to bring. |
Want the formulas and strategies on paper? Our free IBEW aptitude test formula and strategy sheet fits them on three pages.
08Questions people ask
- What is on the IBEW aptitude test?
- Two timed sections, both multiple choice with four options: Algebra and Functions (33 questions in 46 minutes) and Reading Comprehension (36 questions in 51 minutes). That is 69 questions and 97 minutes of testing, with a short break between the sections. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE says to allow about two and a half hours for the whole session, because instructions and paperwork take time too. There is no mechanical section and no electrical knowledge is required.
- Can I use a calculator on the IBEW aptitude test?
- No. Calculators are not allowed, and a calculator watch has to come off. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE also says you do not need to memorize formulas: any formula a question uses is given in the question. Practice the arithmetic by hand so it is quick on test day.
- What score do I need on the IBEW aptitude test?
- Scores are reported as a stanine from 1 to 9, based on the number of questions you answer correctly. Most JATCs ask for a 4 or higher, and some ask for a 5. A qualifying score earns an interview; the interview and your qualifications then set your rank on the JATC's eligibility list. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE tells applicants whether they qualified rather than an exact score, so ask your JATC what it requires.
- Is the NJATC or JATC aptitude test the same test?
- Yes. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE is the former NJATC (National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee), the training body run by the IBEW and NECA. Its aptitude test is given by local JATCs (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees), so the same test is called the IBEW aptitude test, the NJATC aptitude test, the JATC aptitude test or the electrical training alliance aptitude test.
- What is the GAN aptitude test, and do you cover it?
- Some JATCs use a different aptitude test made by GAN, with sections such as numerical computation, numerical reasoning, reading, mechanical reasoning and paper folding. Our practice is written for the Electrical Training ALLIANCE test, and we do not cover the GAN test yet. Ask your JATC which test it gives before you start studying.
- How soon can I retake the IBEW aptitude test?
- The Electrical Training ALLIANCE says a full three months (90 days) must pass before you test again, and some JATCs set six months. Retesting too early voids the new score, so check your JATC's rule before you book.
- Is ToolboxPrep affiliated with the IBEW, NECA or the Electrical Training ALLIANCE?
- ToolboxPrep is an independent study site, not affiliated with or endorsed by the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), the Electrical Training ALLIANCE (formerly NJATC) or any JATC. Our IBEW aptitude test questions and reading passages are original practice material written to the published format of the test. They are not actual test questions, not recalled or “brain dump” questions, and not the official sample questions. IBEW, NECA and Electrical Training ALLIANCE are names and trademarks of their owners.
09Sources
- Electrical Training ALLIANCE: Applying for apprenticeship: the two sections and their times, no calculator, stanine scoring, the 90-day retest wait, the eligibility list
- Electrical Training ALLIANCE: Preparing for the test: the official sample page (try it too; we do not reproduce it)
- Washington L&I: Puget Sound Electrical JATC standards: an example of a JATC that asks for a 5 and a 6-month retest wait
- Minnesota DLI: construction electrician apprenticeships: how local programs schedule testing; one program uses a GAN test
- JATC 26: GAN aptitude test bullet points: an example of a JATC that switched to the GAN test
The JATC rules above (minimum stanines, retest waits, interview pools) come from JATC application notices and apprenticeship standards and vary by program. Your JATC's own notice is the final word; if you find one of ours out of date, tell us.
10Practice next
Reading tells you what is on the test; questions tell you whether you can do it in the time.
ToolboxPrep is an independent study site, not affiliated with or endorsed by the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), the Electrical Training ALLIANCE (formerly NJATC) or any JATC. Our IBEW aptitude test questions and reading passages are original practice material written to the published format of the test. They are not actual test questions, not recalled or “brain dump” questions, and not the official sample questions. IBEW, NECA and Electrical Training ALLIANCE are names and trademarks of their owners.