The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) apprenticeship is one of the best paths to becoming a licensed electrician. You'll earn while you learn, graduate debt-free, and join the largest electrical union in North America. This guide covers everything you need to know—from application to journeyman card.
What is the IBEW?
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is the largest union of electrical workers in North America, with over 775,000 members. Founded in 1891, IBEW represents electricians in construction, utilities, telecommunications, manufacturing, and more.
IBEW apprenticeships are run through JATCs (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees)—partnerships between IBEW locals and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association). Each local union has its own JATC that recruits and trains apprentices.
Types of IBEW Electricians
- Inside Wiremen - Commercial and industrial electrical work (most common)
- Residential Wiremen - Home electrical work
- Outside Linemen - Power lines and utility work
- Telecom/VDV - Voice, data, and video systems
- Installer Technicians - Equipment installation and maintenance
This guide focuses on the Inside Wireman apprenticeship, the most popular track for commercial and industrial electricians.
Requirements to Apply
Requirements vary slightly by local, but most IBEW JATCs require:
Basic Requirements
- Age 18+
Must be 18 by the time the apprenticeship begins
- High School Diploma or GED
Official transcripts required during application
- One Year of High School Algebra (C or better)
Or equivalent college algebra with passing grade
- Valid Driver's License
Required for traveling to job sites
- Reliable Transportation
Job sites change frequently; you need to get there
- Physically Capable
Ability to perform physical labor, climb ladders, work at heights
Helpful But Not Required
- Prior electrical experience - Helps but not required; you'll learn everything
- Construction experience - Shows you understand the work environment
- Technical education - Trade school credits may count toward classroom hours
- Military service - Veterans often receive preference and may get credit for training
Application Process
The application process varies by local but generally follows these steps:
Find Your Local JATC
Visit the IBEW website or electriciantrainingprogram.com to find JATCs in your area. Each local covers a specific geographic region.
Check Application Periods
Most JATCs only accept applications during specific windows (often once or twice a year). Sign up for notifications or call the JATC office.
Submit Application & Documents
Complete the application form and submit required documents: high school transcripts, proof of algebra, driver's license, birth certificate, DD-214 (if applicable).
Take the Aptitude Test
Schedule and complete the NJATC aptitude test (algebra and reading comprehension). You need a minimum score to qualify for an interview.
Interview with the Committee
If you pass the test, you'll be scheduled for an interview with the JATC committee. This determines your ranking on the eligibility list.
Wait for Placement
Qualified applicants are ranked and called in order as positions open. Wait times vary from weeks to over a year depending on your area's demand.
IBEW Aptitude Test Guide
The NJATC (National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) aptitude test is a crucial step. It's not designed to trick you—it tests basic skills you'll need as an electrician.
Test Format
Algebra & Functions
- • 33 questions, 46 minutes
- • Basic algebra (solve for X)
- • Fractions, decimals, percentages
- • Word problems
- • Reading graphs and charts
- • Number sequences
Reading Comprehension
- • 36 questions, 51 minutes
- • Read passages and answer questions
- • Identify main ideas
- • Draw conclusions from text
- • Vocabulary in context
- • Follow written instructions
How to Prepare
- Review algebra fundamentals - Khan Academy offers free courses covering everything on the test
- Practice word problems - Many questions are practical scenarios requiring algebra
- Take practice tests - Several study guides are available online
- Brush up on fractions - Electricians use fractions constantly (1/2", 3/4", etc.)
- Read technical material - Practice reading and comprehending dense text
Test Day Tips
- Get good sleep - Don't cram the night before
- Arrive early - Being late may disqualify you
- Bring required items - Usually two forms of ID, pencils provided
- No calculators allowed - Practice mental math and working without one
- Pace yourself - Don't spend too long on any one question
- Answer every question - No penalty for guessing
Interview Tips
The interview is your chance to stand out. The committee wants to see that you're serious, reliable, and will complete the 5-year program.
What They're Looking For
- Commitment - Will you complete the full 5-year program?
- Reliability - Will you show up on time, every day?
- Work ethic - Are you willing to do physical labor?
- Attitude - Can you take direction and work with others?
- Interest in the trade - Why do you want to be an electrician?
Common Interview Questions
"Why do you want to be an electrician?"
Tip: Be specific about what draws you to the trade. Mention hands-on work, problem-solving, or long-term career stability. Avoid 'just for the money.'
"Why IBEW specifically?"
Tip: Mention the quality of training, earning while learning, benefits, and being part of a brotherhood. Show you've researched the union.
"Tell us about a time you worked on a team."
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Emphasize communication and collaboration.
"How do you handle criticism?"
Tip: Show you're coachable. Mention that you welcome feedback as a way to improve. Give an example if possible.
"What would you do if asked to do something unsafe?"
Tip: Emphasize safety is non-negotiable. You'd respectfully speak up and involve your journeyman or foreman.
"Are you willing to travel for work?"
Tip: Be honest, but understand that flexibility helps. Electrical work often requires traveling to different job sites.
Interview Do's and Don'ts
Do
- • Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
- • Arrive 15 minutes early
- • Bring extra copies of your documents
- • Make eye contact with committee members
- • Ask thoughtful questions at the end
- • Send a thank-you note afterward
Don't
- • Show up late or unprepared
- • Badmouth previous employers
- • Focus only on money and benefits
- • Be vague about your commitment
- • Lie or exaggerate your experience
- • Check your phone during the interview
The 5-Year Apprenticeship Journey
IBEW Inside Wireman apprenticeships are typically 5 years (10,000 OJT hours + classroom instruction). Here's what to expect each year:
First Year: Learning the Basics
40-50% of journeyman scale
You'll spend a lot of time organizing materials, running for parts, and learning how job sites work. Focus on being reliable and eager to learn.
Second Year: Building Skills
50-60% of journeyman scale
You'll start doing more hands-on electrical work under supervision. Conduit bending becomes a major skill to develop.
Third Year: Taking On More
60-70% of journeyman scale
You're trusted with more complex tasks. Many apprentices start working with less direct supervision on routine work.
Fourth Year: Near-Journeyman Work
70-80% of journeyman scale
You're doing journeyman-level work with minimal supervision. Focus on mastering the NEC (National Electrical Code).
Fifth Year: Final Stretch
80-90% of journeyman scale
You're preparing for your journeyman license exam while handling complex work independently. Many start mentoring 1st and 2nd years.
Pay & Benefits
IBEW apprentice pay is based on a percentage of the local's journeyman wage. As you progress, your percentage increases.
Sample Pay Progression
Based on a hypothetical local with $45/hour journeyman scale:
| Year | % of JW | Hourly | Annual (2,000 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Period | 45% | $20.25 | $40,500 |
| 2nd Period | 50% | $22.50 | $45,000 |
| 3rd Period | 55% | $24.75 | $49,500 |
| 4th Period | 60% | $27.00 | $54,000 |
| 5th Period | 65% | $29.25 | $58,500 |
| 6th Period | 70% | $31.50 | $63,000 |
| 7th Period | 75% | $33.75 | $67,500 |
| 8th Period | 80% | $36.00 | $72,000 |
| 9th Period | 85% | $38.25 | $76,500 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $45.00 | $90,000 |
*Actual pay varies significantly by local. Major cities often have higher scales.
Benefits Package
IBEW benefits are typically excellent and include:
- Health Insurance - Medical, dental, vision for you and family
- Pension - Defined benefit pension plan (increasingly rare)
- Annuity/401(k) - Additional retirement savings
- Paid Training - All classroom education is free
- Vacation Pay - Paid time off accrual
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get into the IBEW?
It varies widely by location. From application to starting work can take 6 months to 2+ years. Apply to multiple locals if you're flexible on location.
Is the aptitude test hard?
It's challenging but passable with preparation. The math is high school algebra level. Most people who study for 2-4 weeks pass on their first attempt.
Do I need prior experience to apply?
No. The apprenticeship assumes you're starting from zero. While prior experience helps, it's not required. The program teaches you everything.
What's the difference between IBEW and non-union?
IBEW typically offers higher pay, better benefits (especially pension), more structured training, and union representation. Non-union may have shorter wait times.
Can I do IBEW apprenticeship part-time?
No. The Inside Wireman apprenticeship is full-time: 2,000 hours/year on the job plus evening/weekend classes. It's designed to be your primary occupation for 5 years.
Ready to Apply?
Your Action Plan
- 1Find your local JATC
Visit electriciantrainingprogram.com
- 2Check application dates
Call the JATC office or sign up for notifications
- 3Gather your documents
Transcripts, birth certificate, driver's license
- 4Study for the aptitude test
2-4 weeks of focused study is usually enough
- 5Apply when the window opens
Submit early—some locals fill up quickly
The IBEW apprenticeship is a life-changing opportunity. You'll earn while you learn, graduate debt-free with a valuable skill, and join a brotherhood of electrical workers. With preparation and persistence, you can make it happen.