---
title: "Trade Test Prep: Aptitude Tests and Practice Quizzes"
description: "Free prep for the tests between you and a trade: apprenticeship aptitude tests, mechanical reasoning, Ohm's law and trade math, with practice quizzes."
url: https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: ShapeMyCareer
---

Test prep · Overview

# Trade test prep

The tests are passable. Practice is what moves your score.

Practice before the real thing

Almost every route into a trade has a test somewhere: an aptitude test to get into an apprenticeship, a mechanical reasoning test for a plant job, a license exam at the end. None of them are mysteries. Here is what each one covers, with free practice.

In short

Apprenticeship aptitude tests usually measure algebra, reading comprehension and sometimes mechanical reasoning. Most people improve a lot with a few weeks of practice on the specific question types. This section explains what each common test covers, how it is scored and how long to wait if you need to retest, and gives you free practice quizzes and calculators to work with.

**Sources checked October 9, 2026** Pay, training and outlook come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay is the middle (median) figure nationally; your first paycheck in the trade will usually be lower.

## Guides and practice

[

### CDL permit test

Free CDL permit practice test: 10 general knowledge questions on stopping and following distance, tires, hazards and cargo, explained.
Open ](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/cdl-permit-test/)[

### Conduit bending

How to bend EMT conduit: take-up for 90s, offset multipliers and shrink, back-to-back bends and three-point saddles, with a quick reference table.
Open ](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/conduit-bending/)[

### EPA 608 practice test

Free EPA 608 practice test: 10 core questions on ozone depletion, refrigerant types, venting rules, recovery cylinders and safety, explained.
Open ](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/epa-608-practice-test/)[

### IBEW aptitude test

The IBEW aptitude test explained: 33 algebra and 36 reading questions, time limits, the 1 to 9 score, retest waits, plus free practice questions.
Open ](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/ibew-aptitude-test/)[

### Mechanical aptitude test

Free mechanical aptitude practice test: 10 questions on gears, levers, pulleys and springs, with explanations and tips for trade and plant hiring tests.
Open ](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/mechanical-aptitude-test/)[

### Ohm's law

Free Ohm's law calculator for volts, amps, ohms and watts, plus the formulas, worked examples from real circuits and how electricians use it on the job.
Open ](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/ohms-law/)[

### Trade math

The math the trades use every day: fractions to decimals, the 3-4-5 rule, pipe offsets, drain slope, concrete yards and area, with worked examples.
Open ](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/trade-math/)

## How to study in the weeks before

1. Find out exactly which test your program uses and how long each section is.
2. Take one practice set cold to see where you stand.
3. Spend most of your time on your weakest area, usually algebra for many applicants.
4. Practice under a timer. Many people know the material but run out of time.
5. Sleep well the night before and bring the ID the program asks for.

### Thinking about a school program first?

Some programs build test prep in. Tell us your trade and ZIP to see options.

[Find training near me](#smc-form)

## Straight answers

### What is on a trade apprenticeship aptitude test?

Usually algebra and functions, reading comprehension, and in some trades mechanical reasoning or spatial questions.

### Can you use a calculator on apprenticeship tests?

Often not. Check with your program, and practice the math by hand.

### How long should I study for an aptitude test?

A few weeks of steady practice helps most people. Start earlier if you have not done algebra in years.

## Where this comes from

- [Electrical Training ALLIANCE (IBEW and NECA)](https://electricaltrainingalliance.org/)
- [NFPA 70: National Electrical Code](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-standard-development/70)

## Keep looking

- [How to get in](https://shapemycareer.com/apprenticeships/how-to-get-an-apprenticeship/)
- [Apprenticeships](https://shapemycareer.com/apprenticeships/)
- [Trades](https://shapemycareer.com/trades/)
- [CDL permit test](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/cdl-permit-test/)
- [Conduit bending](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/conduit-bending/)
- [EPA 608 practice test](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/epa-608-practice-test/)
- [IBEW aptitude test](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/ibew-aptitude-test/)
- [Mechanical aptitude test](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/mechanical-aptitude-test/)

---
Canonical page: https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/