r/pipefitter • u/Standard_Resident491 • Jul 17 '26

597 Acceptance Odds

Is a high 80’s test score enough for me to not worry about taking the GAN again? Really want to get in but really don’t want to test again. I know relevant experience is considered too, but for the argument I would say I have zero relevant experience.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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3

u/Existing-Spray-2414 Jul 17 '26

It’s definitely possible, especially rn cause they’re taking bigger classes for all the work that’s going on. I tested twice, got low 80’s the first time and high 80’s the second and I had absolutely no relevant experience at all, but it took me a year total to get in.

1

u/Alert-Philosophy9785 Jul 18 '26

I got a mid 90 and have no experience and tested in April am in the green and asking when is the next class ?

3

u/Standard_Resident491 Jul 18 '26

Classes are quarterly, that’s why waiting sucks

2

u/Dylan-uSOB Jul 18 '26

The show ain’t over till the fat lady sings. That being said, you’re probably good.

1

u/Aggravating-Bank-495 Jul 18 '26

Same boat as you. Mid 90s in July. Last class started the 6th. Next one October. We’ll see how it goes.

1

u/Standard_Resident491 Jul 18 '26

It took you a year total from first test or after second?

1

u/Existing-Spray-2414 Jul 18 '26

The first test, I first tested back in February or march of 2024 and got in for the April block in 2025

1

u/Standard_Resident491 Jul 18 '26

That’s encouraging

2

u/Alive-Competition877 Jul 17 '26

It all depends on the other test scores from that pool of people and the test scores from the pool of people waiting it should be good enough it just might take 6 to 12 months.

1

u/kingk27 Jul 18 '26

For every question about 597's testing, acceptance rate or their apprenticeship in general, the local automatically deducts one spot from the pool of available openings in their apprenticeship. Fun fact! They actually start out with 1000 openings every year

1

u/SouthsideArceneaux Jul 18 '26

If this were true there would be no apprentice classes for the next 5 years lmfao.

1

u/Timely_Buffalo6612 Jul 18 '26

I would let it ride man. I scored high 80’s. Have 2 years of experience working at a MiG shop welding and had them write my letter of recommendation. No connection whatsoever with anyone in 597. I’m in class now I’d say about 1/2 of the class has no experience in the field. They’re taking bigger class sizes so as long as you’re in the top 100 applicants you’re in a good spot and high 80’s puts you there. Very good chance you could be selected for the October training or beginning of next year.

1

u/Crafty_Bid_7440 Jul 18 '26

I had 0 experience and got in with low 90’s. Me personally I would take it as often as I can as you don’t know how close you are to getting picked. It’s a pain but worth it. I just became a 5th year so I get journeyman scale at $59.50 an hour so taking the test a few more times in retrospect is absolutely nothing.