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Aptitude Test

IBEW Apprenticeship Test: What is the Aptitude Test?

If you’re thinking about starting a career as an electrician through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), your first big step is passing the IBEW apprenticeship test. This test helps determine if you’re ready for the mental demands of the trade, especially when it comes to math and reading comprehension.

The test isn’t meant to trick you—but it is meant to challenge you. It’s a way to prove you have the problem-solving and learning skills needed to succeed in a highly technical career. Whether you’re applying to be a lineman, inside wireman, or any other electrical apprentice, you’ll need to do well on this test to move forward in the process.

If you’re here for the answer key to our IBEW Practice Aptitude Test, scroll to the bottom!

IBEW Practice Aptitude Test

What is the IBEW Apprenticeship Test?

The IBEW apprenticeship test is broken into two main sections:

  • Algebra and Functions

  • Reading Comprehension

Let’s break those down.

Algebra and Functions

This part checks your ability to understand and solve algebra problems. You’ll be tested on:

  • Solving for variables (e.g., 2x + 5 = 17)

  • Factoring equations

  • Working with exponents

  • Identifying number patterns

  • Understanding slopes and graph-related math

If you haven’t done math in a while, that’s okay. With practice, you can sharpen these skills and feel confident on test day. You can take our FREE IBEW Aptitude Test and test your knowledge.

Reading Comprehension

This section tests how well you understand what you read. You’ll read short passages and answer questions about the main idea, specific facts, and vocabulary.

Expect questions like:

  • What is the passage mainly about?

  • What does the word “compliance” mean in this context?

  • What can be inferred from this sentence?

Good reading skills are essential on the job because electricians work with safety codes, technical manuals, and blueprints. You can take our FREE IBEW Aptitude Test and test your knowledge on your reading comprehension.

What Are the Expectations?

To pass the IBEW apprenticeship test, most locals require a score of at least 4 out of 9 (about 70%) on a ranking scale. However, each local may have different cutoffs. A higher score improves your chances of getting an interview with the apprenticeship committee.

If you pass, you’ll move on to the interview stage. If not, you may need to wait six months to retake it, depending on the local union’s rules.

  • Number of Questions:
    • The test consists of 69 questions divided into two sections:
      • Algebra and Functions: 33 questions

      • Reading Comprehension: 36 questions 

  • Is It Timed?:
    • Yes, the test is timed, with a total duration of approximately 97 minutes:
      • Algebra and Functions: 46 minutes (about 1.4 minutes per question)
      • Reading Comprehension: 51 minutes (about 1.4 minutes per question)

    • There’s a short break between sections. 

  • Calculator Allowed?:

    • No calculators are permitted. You can use scratch paper and pencils provided at the test center for calculations.

  • Passing Score:
    • The test is scored on a Stanine scale from 1 to 9 (9 being the highest).
    • A minimum score of 4 out of 9 is typically required to qualify for an interview, though some locals may have higher or lower thresholds (e.g., Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship Training requires a 3/9 for Outside Linemen).

    • Scoring is based on correct answers only; there’s no penalty for guessing. Higher scores improve your ranking, as apprenticeship slots are competitive.

  • Multiple Choice?:
    • Yes, the test is entirely multiple-choice, with four answer options per question

How to Prepare

To do your best on the IBEW apprenticeship test, be sure to:

  • Review basic algebra and functions

  • Practice reading and answering questions about short passages

  • Take practice tests to get used to the timing. You can take that practice test here.

  • Stay relaxed and confident

Why It Matters

The IBEW apprenticeship test is your gateway to a strong career in the electrical trades. It’s not just about passing a test—it’s about showing you have what it takes to learn, grow, and stay safe in a demanding but rewarding job.

Learn more about careers HERE.

Learn more on our YouTube HERE

Below is the answer key for our IBEW Aptitude Practice test. Of you haven’t taken it yet; take it HERE.

Algebra and Functions
  1. C) 47
    • Explanation: Analyze the sequence: 2, 5, 11, 23. Look for a pattern:
      • From 2 to 5: 2 × 2 + 1 = 5
      • From 5 to 11: 5 × 2 + 1 = 11
      • From 11 to 23: 11 × 2 + 1 = 23
      • Apply the pattern (multiply by 2, add 1): 23 × 2 + 1 = 46 + 1 = 47.
      • Alternatively, differences are 3, 6, 12 (doubling each time). The next difference is 24, so 23 + 24 = 47.
  2. B) 6
    • Explanation: Solve 2x + 5 = 17:
      • Subtract 5: 2x = 17 – 5 = 12
      • Divide by 2: x = 12 ÷ 2 = 6
      • Verify: 2(6) + 5 = 12 + 5 = 17.
  3. A) (x – 2)(x – 3)
    • Explanation: Factor x² – 5x + 6:
      • Find two numbers that multiply to 6 and add to -5: -2 and -3.
      • Thus, x² – 5x + 6 = (x – 2)(x – 3).
      • Verify: (x – 2)(x – 3) = x² – 3x – 2x + 6 = x² – 5x + 6.
  4. B) 6x³y⁴
    • Explanation: Simplify (3x²y)(2xy³):
      • Multiply coefficients: 3 × 2 = 6
      • Add exponents for x: x² × x¹ = x²⁺¹ = x³
      • Add exponents for y: y¹ × y³ = y¹⁺³ = y⁴
      • Result: 6x³y⁴.
  5. B) 5
    • Explanation: Solve 3a – 4 = 11:
      • Add 4: 3a = 11 + 4 = 15
      • Divide by 3: a = 15 ÷ 3 = 5
      • Verify: 3(5) – 4 = 15 – 4 = 11.
  6. A) 0.3
    • Explanation: Calculate 0.75 × 0.4:
      • Convert to fractions: 0.75 = ¾, 0.4 = ⅖
      • Multiply: (¾) × (⅖) = (3 × 2)/(4 × 5) = 6/20 = 0.3
      • Or, manually: 0.75 × 0.4 = 0.300 (move decimal appropriately).
  7. D) 8
    • Explanation: Solve 4(x – 3) = 20:
      • Divide by 4: x – 3 = 20 ÷ 4 = 5
      • Add 3: x = 5 + 3 = 8
      • Verify: 4(8 – 3) = 4(5) = 20.
  8. C) 9
    • Explanation: Solve ⅓x + 19 = 22:
      • Subtract 19: ⅓x = 22 – 19 = 3
      • Multiply by 3: x = 3 × 3 = 9
      • Verify: ⅓(9) + 19 = 3 + 19 = 22.
  9. B) 2
    • Explanation: Slope formula: m = (y₂ – y₁)/(x₂ – x₁)
      • Points: (2, 3), (4, 7)
      • m = (7 – 3)/(4 – 2) = 4/2 = 2.
  10. B) 1
    • Explanation: Substitute a = 2, b = -3 into a² + 2ab + b²:
      • a² = 2² = 4
      • 2ab = 2(2)(-3) = -12
      • b² = (-3)² = 9
      • Total: 4 + (-12) + 9 = 4 – 12 + 9 = 1.
Reading Comprehension
  1. B) Installing and repairing electrical systems
    • Explanation: The passage states, “Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems,” making B the correct choice.
  2. C) Four to five years
    • Explanation: The passage explicitly mentions that IBEW apprenticeship programs “typically last four to five years.”
  3. B) Reading blueprints
    • Explanation: The passage lists “reading blueprints” as a skill apprentices learn, unlike the other options.
  4. B) Increasing renewable energy projects
    • Explanation: The passage attributes growing demand to “increasing construction and renewable energy projects.”
  5. B) Electrical shocks
    • Explanation: The passage identifies “electrical shocks” as a risk electricians face.
  6. B) Strict adherence to safety protocols
    • Explanation: The passage emphasizes that safety requires “strict adherence to safety protocols.”
  7. B) Electrical system safety and compliance
    • Explanation: The passage links the NEC to “ensuring safety and compliance” for electrical systems.
  8. B) On-the-job training and classroom instruction
    • Explanation: The passage describes IBEW apprenticeships as combining “on-the-job training with classroom instruction.”
  9. C) It is essential for modern infrastructure
    • Explanation: The passage calls the electrical trade “one of the most vital industries” for powering infrastructure, supporting C.
  10. B) To identify and fix electrical issues
    • Explanation: Troubleshooting circuits implies identifying and resolving problems, as inferred from the passage’s context.

  11. Answer: C
    Explanation: A compound pulley reduces the amount of force needed by distributing the weight across multiple segments of rope, making it mechanically advantageous.

  12. Answer: C
    Explanation: Gears that mesh always turn in opposite directions. Gear B is larger (more teeth), so it spins slower.

  13. Answer: C
    Explanation: In a vacuum (no air resistance), all objects fall at the same rate due to gravity: 9.8 m/s².

  14. Answer: B
    Explanation: Torque = Force × Distance. A longer handle gives you more leverage (distance), increasing torque.

  15. Answer: A — 1 foot from the right end.

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