IBEW Apprenticeship Aptitude Practice
10 original algebra and functions questions at a time, each with a worked solution. No calculator, no sign-up.
These are original practice questions written by SparkShift, not the real test. SparkShift is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IBEW, NECA or the Electrical Training Alliance. Check your JATC's own instructions before you test.
Test facts checked November 7, 2026
Inequalities
Solve for x: −3x + 2 ≥ 14
Work it out on paper, pick one answer, then press Check answer.
What is on the IBEW apprenticeship aptitude test?
The Electrical Training Alliance describes two timed tests: Algebra and Functions (33 items in 46 minutes) and Reading Comprehension (36 items in 51 minutes). The session takes about two and a half hours with a short break, calculators are not allowed, and pencils and all other materials are provided. You are told whether you got a qualifying score, not your exact score. Not every JATC uses this test, so read your own program's instructions.
- Algebra and Functions
- 33 items, 46 minutes
- Reading Comprehension
- 36 items, 51 minutes
- Calculator
- Not allowed
- Your result
- Qualifying score or not; exact scores are not given
- Retest
- After at least 90 days; some JATCs set a longer wait
- Math pace
- About 84 seconds an item (our arithmetic)
How to use this practice
- Work every question on paper. The real test does not allow a calculator.
- Watch your pace. 46 minutes for 33 items is about 84 seconds each; the results card shows yours.
- Read the worked solution on every miss, then try 10 new questions on the same skills.
- Do the Electrical Training Alliance's own sample questions too, so the real format is familiar.
You must wait at least 90 days after your last test to retake it, and some JATCs set a longer wait.
Not every JATC gives this test. Los Angeles's Electrical Training Institute lists one 2-hour-20-minute test on mathematical reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension, mechanical reasoning and paper folding, with a study guide sold through GAN. Detroit EITC names GAN Testing Systems as its testing partner. This practice covers algebra and functions only.
Once you are in, your hours are your record. Log them from day one, free.
Aptitude test questions people ask
Is this the real IBEW aptitude test?
No. These are original practice questions SparkShift wrote for algebra and functions without a calculator. None are copied from the real test, from the Electrical Training Alliance's sample items or from questions people say they remember. SparkShift is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IBEW, NECA or the Electrical Training Alliance.
How many questions are on the IBEW aptitude test?
The Electrical Training Alliance lists two timed tests: Algebra and Functions, 33 items in 46 minutes, and Reading Comprehension, 36 items in 51 minutes, with a short break between them. The whole session takes about two and a half hours. Some JATCs use a different test with its own format.
Can you use a calculator on the IBEW aptitude test?
No. The Electrical Training Alliance says you will not be able to use a calculator. Pencils and all other materials are provided; bring a photo ID. There is no penalty for guessing, and if you do not finish, only the questions you answered are scored.
Do you get your score on the aptitude test?
Not an exact score. The Electrical Training Alliance says your local JATC gets the results about two to four weeks after the test, and you are told whether you received a qualifying score. Applicants with a qualifying score are interviewed by a committee representing NECA and the IBEW.
How long do you have to wait to retake the IBEW aptitude test?
At least 90 days (three months) after your most recent test, according to the Electrical Training Alliance, whose page also says a six-month rule applies after later retakes. Some JATCs set a longer wait: Puget Sound Electrical JATC's program standards set six months for Inside Wireman applicants below its qualifying score. Retesting early gives an invalid score and a new 90-day wait.