IBEW Aptitude Test: 20 Important Facts you need to Know

The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) aptitude test, is designed to help electrical apprentices receive updated training initiatives for the electrical construction industry.

The IBEW is a timed test that intends to assist candidates who want to become licensed electricians and certified technicians.

The IBEW aptitude test is approved by both IBEW and NECA electrical apprenticeship programs to help in the hiring of electrician apprentices for the apprentice programs.

If you desire to apply for the electrical apprenticeship program, you can do so by filling a form.

If you meet the basic requirements for the program, then you will be given access to the IBEW electrical aptitude test.

You will be scheduled for a personal interview after you have successfully passed the IBEW aptitude test.

There are facts about the IBEW aptitude test you need to know, and these have been explained here in this post, including practice questions and answers that look exactly like the ones you will meet during the test.

20 Important Facts about IBEW Aptitude Test you need to Know

1. What is IBEW aptitude test?

The IBEW aptitude test consists of multiple-choice questions. The test is offered to any person desiring to become an electrician apprentice.

The Electrical Training Alliance collaborated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to administer the IBEW aptitude test to individuals who are interested in the electrical career.

2. How does the IBEW aptitude test work?

You will be invited to a local place to take the IBEW aptitude test after you have qualified for the apprentice scheme

The IBEW electrical aptitude test has two parts, including:

• Algebra and Functions – This comprises 33 questions to be completed in 46 minutes.
• Reading Comprehension – This section contains 36 questions to be completed in 51 minutes.

You should set aside at least two and a half hours for this test because of a brief break between the comprehension section and the mathematics part.

There is a short break between the mathematics section and the comprehension part, so set aside three full hours for the test.

You need a score of 4 to be able to get to the round of pre-apprenticeship practice test interviews.

You don’t need any previous knowledge of electrical work or memorize factual materials/ formulas. You need to achieve a score of 4 out of 9 to proceed to the next step.

3. Why do I need the IBEW aptitude test?

The IBEW aptitude test is the main board for electricians used in assessing which applicants have the best numerical and alpha skills to succeed in the apprentice scheme.

4. What is scoring in the IBEW aptitude test like?

Most people that take the IBEW aptitude test receive their results between two weeks and one month after the test.

For you to be invited to an interview with a member of the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), you need to achieve a minimum pass score.

Scoring higher is better, to offer you more opportunity than just reaching the qualifying score that doesn’t give you instantaneous entry to the apprenticeship scheme.

The combination of your interview score and your IBEW test results will decide where to rank your application.
Only candidates with higher scores will be taken for the program if there is a high volume of people taking the IBEW electrical aptitude test since limited number of spaces on the apprentice scheme are available.

5. What types of questions are in the IBEW aptitude test?

You should know the categories of questions you will actually meet on the IBEW aptitude test, including Algebra and Functions and Reading Comprehension.

Algebra and Functions

As an electrician, you will have to solve problems every day, making use of math and problem-solving skills as well as measurements and technical skills.

For this reason, Algebra and Functions were created to measure a candidate’s skills in solving problems via algebra and other basic math skills.

The Algebra and Functions section contains 33 questions mostly focusing on algebra and quadratic equations, and again on questions about sequencing and measuring.

• Reading Comprehension

This section examines your skills in communication, reading, and preserving information.

Every candidate needs to understand and follow instructions and manuals that they may have never seen before, so this is a good way to find out how well they will carry out their role.

The candidate reads a passage and answers questions about the contents. He/she interprets the text’s structure and tone and reaches a conclusion to move forward.

6. How do I prepare for the IBEW aptitude test?

If you are applying for the electrician apprenticeship, you don’t need to worry about the test if you have existing skills in some areas of the test.

You should be able to get a good score with some reasonable practice. A few tried and practiced ways to prepare for the IBEW Aptitude Test have been explained here to help you succeed:

• Practice the test questions and format

There are a lot of sample questions online you can read and answer questions as many as you can to get a good idea of all the types of questions that could appear.

• First get through all the questions

To estimate how long you should spend on each question, go through all the questions before attempting to answer the first one.

• Analyze your strengths and weaknesses

Reviewing questions and taking some practice tests will help you see areas that you may need to focus on more than the others.

Areas of math that might be included in the test will also be shown in order to concentrate on them during revision.

• Utilize your break time cleverly

You should utilize the break between the reading comprehension section and the numerical section to be able to relax, reorganize, and prepare for the next section.

• Prepare both intellectually and emotionally

Having a good sleep the night before the test and eating very well are two ways you can effectively prepare for the IBEW Aptitude Test. Your brain will this way relax and prepare for the action ahead.

7. Where do I prepare for the IBEW aptitude test?

Practicing sample tests will help you score higher on your IBEW aptitude test. Job Test Preparation offers a complete Prep Package to enhance your test.

Job Test Preparation brings you the best practice pack for your test preparation. It’s strictly designed for people like you who are preparing for the IBEW Aptitude Test.

8. What topics does the Algebra and Functions section cover?

The Algebra and Functions section contains 33 questions that should be completed within 46 minutes.

This section of the test covers the following topics:

• Finding the square root
• Polynomial factoring
• Numerical series
• Basic Numerical Problems
• Solving linear equations
• Solving quadratic equations
• Answering questions related to grapheme.

9. Evaluating algebraic expressions

To answer Algebraic Expression questions, you need to simplify expressions while applying the order of operations principles.

With this done, go on to solve and interpret linear equations, either a single equation or a system of two equations.

10. The strategy required for solving algebra questions

You will always be presented with an expression containing multiple variables, and also be given the values of all the variables except one.

You can save your time by beginning to place the values of the known variables. It’s a step that will help you simplify the expression and make it much easier to continue the solution according to the order of operations.

11. What are the seven professional IBEW aptitude test tips?

There are seven professional IBEW electrical aptitude test tips you should know before your test preparation. These include:

i. Build a strong mathematical base
ii. Focus on more common math topics first
iii. Don’t neglect the reading comprehension section
iv. Take the official study manual by the Electrical Training Alliance
v. Set adequate time for your practice
vi. Read whenever you can and as much as you can
vii. Although you should prepare in advance, no time is late if you haven’t started.

12. Where do I take the IBEW aptitude test?

You will have the opportunity to take the IBEW aptitude test in person at the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee testing station once your application is accepted.

13. What can I take to the IBEW aptitude test?

You will not be allowed to use a calculator during the IBEW aptitude test, but your photo must be required.

As you are making plans to arrive early at the test venue, remember that you need to keep a full three hours for the whole testing process.

14. What is the minimum score of the IBEW aptitude test?

You must receive a minimum score of 4 out of 9 in order to pass the next part of the interview process.

You must meet this minimum score except you have 4,000 hours of previous electrical work already.

Those who aspire to become outside linemen apprentices for the NEAT program will need to score 3 out of 9.

It will be beneficial to take a guess since you’ll not be penalized for wrong answers.

15. How difficult is the IBEW aptitude test?

The IBEW electrical aptitude test is considered tough by lots of people, especially the math section, which seems more difficult than other common pre-apprenticeship tests.

The math concepts required in the IBEW aptitude test, such as polynomials and functions, are considered more difficult than those seen in almost all apprenticeship tests.

16. Can I retake the IBEW aptitude test?

Yes, you can retake the IBEW Aptitude Test multiple times. The only drawback is that you have to wait six months between attempts.

It takes six months to reapply to the IBEW aptitude test and sit for the exam again. Your score will be valid for two years if you don’t secure your place at once in an electrical apprenticeship program.

17. Which electrical trades require the IBEW aptitude test?

You will be asked to pass the IBEW aptitude test if you want to take an apprenticeship path in the electrical industry.

The IBEW test is the same for all electrician trades. Though, the required score may differ based on the demand and popularity of the trade.

The IBEW aptitude test is required in the following trades:

• Residential wireman
• Inside wireman
• Outside wireman
• Installer technician
• Sound technician
• Communication technician.

18. For how long is my IBEW aptitude test score saved?

You can have your IBEW aptitude test score saved for two years, and if after two years you haven’t been accepted to an apprenticeship, then you will need to retake the test.

19. Do I need to review my IBEW aptitude test answers?

The Electrical Training Alliance doesn’t provide you with a review of your test answers, so you do not need to review your IBEW Test answers.

The only thing you will know is whether you have failed or passed the test.

20. Will I get an apprenticeship if I passed the IBEW apprenticeship test?

Passing the IBEW Aptitude Test only is not enough to guarantee whether or not you will be selected for an apprenticeship.

The reason is that there are limited open apprenticeships, making it possible for the IBEW to choose only candidates with the highest scores to keep on with the process.

Therefore, merely passing the test isn’t enough for entry into an apprenticeship program. You need to achieve a high score to meet chances for hiring.

IBEW Aptitude Test Practice Questions and Answers

Here are sample questions and answers to help you in your IBEW aptitude test preparation.

As you go through the questions, you will get familiar with their patterns and therefore understand them more.

Question 1

What is the value of A if the sum is A + C = B and if B equals 10 and C equals 2?

A. 8
B. 10
C. 9
D. 6

Answer: A. 8

To find the answer, subtract C from B. We can work out A to be 8 since we know the values of B and C.

Question 2

In the first week of August, a nursery has taken on four new children and brought the total number of children to 54. The last child will be in the preschool room for over three-year-olds, while the three of the children will be in the under-ones room.

A. Tell me how many children have attended the nursery in July
B. Tell me how many of the children of the August intake will be in the toddler room?

Answers:

A. 50. The four new children in August increase the total figure to 54.
B. Not even a single person from the new children will go into the toddler room. One child is going to the preschool room, while three to the baby room.

Question 3

Reading Comprehension

“Getting adequate sleep is the best treatment for insomnia”, a W.C Field quote. If only it were that easy, many people suffer from insomnia.

Insomnia is described as a sleep malfunction where you have difficulty falling asleep. Doctors and psychologists comment that insomnia is both a medical condition on its own and a symptom of other medical or psychiatric malfunctions.

Insomnia is a malfunction that people of all ages suffer. It’s extremely common amongst the elderly population. Unhappy people can suffer from insomnia for many years. Depression, irritability, and even a slip in memory can be caused by Insomnia.

This passage’s main idea is that:

A. Getting adequate sleep is the best treatment for insomnia
B. Insomnia is a sleep malfunction
C. Insomnia is common amongst the elderly
D. Insomnia can have side effects

Answer

The answer is B. You need to ensure that this statement summarizes the whole passage when asked for the main idea. In this case, which is answer B, ‘insomnia is a sleep malfunction’ is the best summary. The other answers are details that support the main idea.

Question 4

What number comes next in the sequence?

60, 30, 15…

Answer: 7.5

You need to work out what the sequence is to find the answer. In this case, to get the next number you need to halve each number.

Conclusion

The IBEW aptitude test is tough and full of competition. For that reason, you need to prepare thoroughly for the test in order to score higher.

The test will seem difficult when you don’t give it adequate preparation; try to answer as many sample questions as you can.

The more you get familiar with the IBEW aptitude test by way of working with practice questions and answers, the easier the actual test becomes.

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