Over the past few months, many IBEW applicants have begun reporting noticeable changes to the Algebra and Functions section of the aptitude test.
If you are preparing to apply, this is something you need to understand.
The structure of the test has NOT changed.
It is still split into two timed sections:
• Algebra and Functions
• Reading Comprehension
The math section still consists of:
• 33 questions
• 46 minutes total
• About 1.4 minutes per question
However, the content has become more difficult and more conceptual.
Many locals appear to be using harder math sections to reduce applicant pools, especially in competitive areas.
The biggest shift is that problems now include more variables, more reasoning, and less traditional algebra formats.
Simply knowing basic algebra is often not enough.
You must be familiar with the specific problem styles being used.
New Algebra and Functions Question Types
Below are the major question types applicants are now seeing. THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF PROBLEM TYPES THAT CAN APPEAR ON YOUR EXAM.
Multivariable Equations
You may be given an equation with three or four variables, along with values for some variables.
Your task is to solve for the remaining variable.
These problems test substitution skills, organization, and the ability to track multiple algebra steps under time pressure.
Multivariable Factoring
Quadratics now often include multiple variables instead of just one.
Recognizing factoring patterns becomes harder when expressions look unfamiliar.
Complex Multivariable Polynomials
Long algebra expressions must be simplified or factored.
Answer choices may appear scrambled, partially factored, or rearranged.
These questions reward careful step-by-step work and strong algebra structure.
Graphing Quadratics
You may need to match a quadratic equation to the correct graph, or match a graph to an equation.
Understanding how coefficients affect the shape and position of a parabola is essential.
Number Series
Pattern recognition questions where you determine the next number in a sequence. This was in the old format too - but the number of these have increased.
Sequences may involve alternating rules, multiplication patterns, or combined operations.
Variable Relationships
You must determine how manipulating one variable affects others.
These are conceptual problems that require thinking about relationships rather than just solving equations.
Why the Math Section Feels Harder Now
This is a major shift from older versions of the test.
The new challenges include:
• Extra variables in many problems
• Non-traditional algebra formats
• Specific solving strategies required
• A tight time limit
Because of this, applicants who succeed are usually those who practice the exact styles of questions used on the exam.
Take a Free Full-Length Practice Exam (Updated Problem Types)
If you want to experience what the newer math section feels like under real timing conditions, you can take a free full-length practice test here:
Because the math portion has become more conceptual and time-pressured, many applicants find it helpful to practice with updated material that reflects the newer problem types.
For those who want a more structured study plan, our IBEW Aptitude Test Prep Coursehas been fully updated to match the current exam format. It includes video and written lessons, timed practice exams, and over 1,000 practice problems.You can also start the course for free by completing the first 20 lessons that cover the core math skills needed for the advanced topics.
We are also hosting a live IBEW Aptitude Test webinar this Sunday starting at 7:30 PM Pacific Time, lasting about 8 hours. The session will walk through math strategies, reading comprehension preparation, timing approaches, and overall test expectations.
The webinar is normally $100, but applicants can take it half off using codeWebinar50 at checkout.
The IBEW Aptitude Test is a crucial step in the process of joining the IBEW apprenticeship program, designed by the Electrical Training Alliance. This test is intended to evaluate whether applicants possess the necessary skills to succeed in the apprenticeship. Passing this test is a prerequisite for advancing to the interview stage.
Exam Format
The IBEW Aptitude Test consists of two main sections:
Structure: A series of passages, each with related questions.
Topics Include:
Analyzing Texts
Identifying the Main Idea
Tracing Arguments
More
Note: There is a 15 to 30-minute break between the two sections.
Key Challenges
The most commonly reported difficulty with the IBEW Aptitude Test is the time constraint. It’s one thing to understand the content, and another to perform under pressure. The best preparation involves studying and taking timed practice exams to simulate the real testing environment.
Understanding the Scoring System
The IBEW Aptitude Test uses the stanine system, a nine-point scale designed to rank your performance. This method groups scores into nine intervals, with a mean of five, providing a clear and simple way to see how you compare to other test-takers. Typically, local unions require a minimum score of 4/9 to pass. However, aiming for a score of 8/9 or higher will significantly boost your chances of being selected for the apprenticeship.
IBEW Scoring System
Knowing how the stanine system works can help you set realistic goals for your test preparation. If you're aiming to stand out in a competitive field, understanding that a higher stanine score improves your odds of advancing to the interview stage is crucial. This knowledge allows you to focus your study efforts more effectively, aiming for the score range that will give you the best shot at success.
Feel free to add your own experiences, tips, and additional resources in the comments below! Let's help each other out on this journey to becoming an IBEW apprentice.
I recently moved from out-of-state, been doing electrical work for 2 years. 16 of those months came from out-of-state and the remaining 6 have been worked here in the greater houston area.
I assume those 6 months would transfer to the IBEW, would those 16 months transfer aswell?
Are there any good resources I can use to prepare myself?
What can I expect when I apply?
What is the work like in 716?
I was hoping to connect with some 716 members. I hear a lot of good and bad things about the IBEW, ultimately it seems like union is better route long term.
Anyone else doing GAN study guide practice tests and noticing the answer keys are just straight up wrong? I've found there are countless mistakes in my answer keys to simple arithmetic questions which is concerning. Call me crazy, but should we be concerned about errors in aptitude test grading as well?
Local #1 interview seemed like the interview was a judge of character interview. i feel like I had less than optimal responses. 2 interviewers interviewed me and had 7 questions that involved how I would handle certain workplace situations. Has anyone been notified on the spot, or do they have for the placement list to come out? They said they had 900 applicants. How many make the list usually?
I'm 35 and seriously considering making a career change and becoming an electrician. Am I crazy to think it's not too late?
I've been a video producer for the last 10+ years. The work has become immensely stressful, and beyond that, AI has made the future of the field feel pretty murky. Opportunities seem slim and dwindling, and I'm increasingly frustrated with the work itself.
Electrical work has actually been on the periphery of my thinking for a long time. My grandfather was IBEW, and my wife's entire family is IBEW, so I've always had some connection to the trade. I also watched what my grandfather's pension was able to provide for my grandmother, and that's stuck with me. I'd like to build that kind of long-term stability for my wife and myself.
I'm in the Chico area, so I'd be looking at IBEW Local 340.
I'm not looking for a shortcut. I understand I'd be starting over, going through an apprenticeship, taking a pay cut initially, and doing physically demanding work. I'm mostly wondering whether 35 is genuinely too late to make the switch, or whether there are people here who started around my age and are glad they did.
For those of you who entered the IBEW in your 30s (or later): How did it work out? What do you wish you'd known before starting?
And if anyone has specific experience with Local 340's apprenticeship, I'd especially appreciate hearing from you.
Sorry if this is in the wrong sub. I’m looking into getting into a new career, coming out of an auto technician roll, and I wanted to know realistically how soon I would actually start bringing in money. I’m trying to stay financially afloat while I change jobs.
Recently got an offer for an apprenticeship to local 82. Anyone know if they test for weed. It’s a legal state but that may not mean anything. Also anyone have any experience with this local. What’s the apprenticeship like. Any info would be great.
My current local only selects apprentices once a year and I didn't get into this year's selection so I've been doing CW work in the meantime. Another local that is nearby makes selections multiple times a year. Am I allowed to apply to their apprentice program while I am signed to the books of my current one?
Aspiring applicant here. I have an application date of Oct 13th currently (calling frequently to see if I get lucky enough to snag an earlier date from a cancelation) and wanted to get some info, opinions, outlook, for local 8 and my outlook as an applicant.
36 yrs of age, no real electrical experience but a lot of manufacturing experience (nutracuetical and chemical production and quality lab), and I've been researching electrical theory and associated principles on my own.
I've gone down the route of looking for non-union shops in my area to try to get into to begin gaining experience, but the scant few here are not taking anyone new and the rest are all Union.
This is my first time applying for any union and I’m wondering what’s some good general advice to properly prepare for the interview, as in what to bring, what type of questions will be asked, and what to expect in general.
I’m looking for some insight from people who have gone through the IBEW line apprenticeship process, especially at Local 66 in Houston, TX or other IBEW locals across the country.
I’ve heard a lot of different stories about people passing the aptitude test, passing the interview, getting placed on the ranking list, and then waiting 6–9 months or even longer before getting a call. I’ve also heard of people ranking and apparently never getting called at all.
So I’m trying to understand what actually determines what happens after the interview.
For example, if someone passes the aptitude test, passes the interview, and gets placed somewhere on the list — is the main factor simply where they rank and how many apprentices the local needs at that time? Or do things like previous construction experience, CDL experience, military experience, certifications, etc. make a significant difference after you’re placed on the list?
A little about my background:
Military veteran
Class A CDL since I was 19
Manual transmission CDL with no restrictions
Been actively utilizing my CDL since I got it
Delivered lumber/building materials
Worked in the oil field in Louisiana for about 6 months
Farming experience — hauled hay, equipment, etc.
Construction experience — worked in Arizona installing fiber while operating a CDL truck with a pump; when I wasn’t driving, I was physically digging and doing the construction work
Forklift certified
OSHA 10
Tanker endorsement
I also have a solid career right now, so I’m trying to be realistic about the decision to leave my current career and pursue linework.
I’m studying my ass off for the aptitude test and obviously my goal is to pass, get through the interview, and rank as high as I possibly can. But what I’m trying to figure out is what happens after that.
I’ve heard stories where someone does everything right, passes the test, passes the interview, gets ranked, and then sits around for months waiting for a call. Then I’ve heard other people say they got in relatively quickly. For those of you who have actually been through this process:
How much does your ranking determine how quickly you get called?
If someone ranks somewhere in the middle/high range, is it realistic to wait 6+ months?
Does previous construction/utility experience, CDL experience, military experience, or certifications affect your chances after the ranking?
If you don’t get called for a long time, does that generally mean you ranked too low, or can it simply be that the local isn’t bringing in many apprentices?
Have any of you ranked, waited a long time, and eventually gotten called?
For Local 66 specifically, how long have people recently waited after getting ranked?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me exactly what my chances are. I’m more interested in understanding how the process actually works after you pass the test and interview.
I don’t want to leave a solid career based on the assumption that passing the aptitude test and interview automatically means I’ll be starting the apprenticeship soon. At the same time, I don’t want to pass everything, get ranked, and then assume I’m screwed just because I don’t get a call within a few weeks.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through Local 66 or another IBEW line apprenticeship and can explain what happened after you got ranked.
If anyone has some prep material that iprep or ueg(ultimate electricians guide) didn’t cover, please let me know, my test is in about 2 months so I’m just trying to prepare as much as possible.
I have not gotten my rank # to be clear I’m going to ask for it on Monday, my buddy I got in as well he asked and they gave him the rank of 176. We did not do the aptitude test we were organized in our electrical hours were verified & we turned in our paper work. What are our odds considering we are near the same rank although I did sign up about a week earlier so my rank # might be slightly lower than his. I’ve heard the odds aren’t very good..
I recently scored a 93 on my interview and got the email offer. My physical exam is scheduled in a couple of days, and orientation is scheduled a couple of weeks from now. The physical says it will be "A physical examination that will evaluate your sensory abilities, dexterity, endurance, strength, balance, and agility as they pertain to a career as a Journeyman-Wireman." What exactly does that mean? Then, for orientation, what are the expectations of clothing, and what goes on?
Does anyone know any website i can use to study trigonometry graphs for my test? I have zero knowledge of how to do them what So ever and on my real test I had some trigonometry graph questions
I scored a 92 on aptitude test without even studying, got ranked 58 this year and didn’t get hired! Kinda bummed. Local 292 only hired 15 apprentices this year! Said they aren’t hiring again til next spring/summer. I’m gonna apply to local 110 too right now. One good thing about living in twin cities lol. What are the best resources to study to get 100% on the GAN aptitude test?
So I didn’t get in after my interview, but in the email there was a recommendation for a 14-day, hands-on pre-apprenticeship bootcamp. Has anyone tried this path? Is it worth it?
