--- title: "IBEW Aptitude Test: What Is On It and How to Pass" description: "The IBEW aptitude test explained: 33 algebra and 36 reading questions, time limits, the 1 to 9 score, retest waits, plus free practice questions." url: https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/ibew-aptitude-test/ updated: 2026-10-11 site: ShapeMyCareer --- Test prep ยท IBEW # IBEW aptitude test 69 questions, no calculator, scored 1 to 9. Electrical apprenticeship entry test If you apply to a union electrical apprenticeship, this test is usually your first real hurdle. It is written by the Electrical Training ALLIANCE, the training arm of the IBEW and NECA, and it rewards people who have practiced algebra recently. In short The IBEW aptitude test has two timed sections: 33 algebra and functions questions in 46 minutes, then 36 reading comprehension questions in 51 minutes. Calculators are not allowed. Scores are reported on a 1 to 9 scale, and many locals require at least a 4 to move on to the interview, though competitive locals rank higher scorers first. If you fall short, most locals make you wait several months to retest. **Sources checked October 11, 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. **On this page** 1. [ The algebra section](#s-the-algebra-section) 2. [The reading section](#s-the-reading-section) 3. [A four-week plan](#s-a-four-week-plan) 4. [Straight answers](#s-faq) ### Test at a glance Algebra and functions 33 questions, 46 minutes Reading comprehension 36 questions, 51 minutes (four passages) Calculator Not allowed Score 1 to 9 scale; 4 is a common minimum for an interview Guessing No penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question Retest Waiting periods vary by local, often three to six months ## The algebra section Expect formulas where you substitute values, solving equations for one variable, reading tables to find a pattern, number sequences and simple functions. The Electrical Training ALLIANCE posts sample questions on its [test preparation page](https://www.electricaltrainingalliance.org/SamplePage/PreparingfortheTest). Try these first. ## The reading section You get technical or general passages and answer questions about main ideas, details and what the passage implies. Read the questions first, then skim the passage for the answers. Do not bring in outside knowledge; answer from the text. ### Want to learn the trade before you test? A short electrical course can sharpen your math too. Tell us your ZIP to see programs. [Find training near me](#smc-form) ## A four-week plan 1. Week 1: take the official sample questions cold and note what you missed. 2. Week 2: drill order of operations, fractions, negative numbers and solving for x by hand. 3. Week 3: functions, tables, patterns and slope; timed sets of 10 questions. 4. Week 4: two full timed practice runs, plus reading practice with technical articles. ## Straight answers ### What score do you need on the IBEW aptitude test? Many locals require at least a 4 out of 9 to be interviewed. In competitive areas, applicants with higher scores are usually ranked ahead. ### Can you use a calculator on the IBEW test? No. Practice all the math by hand. ### How long do you wait to retake the IBEW aptitude test? It depends on the local. Some make you wait three months and others six. Ask your training center. ### Is the IBEW aptitude test hard? It is manageable with practice. Most people who struggle have not done algebra in years and run short on time. ## Where this comes from - [Electrical Training ALLIANCE: Preparing for the Aptitude Test (sample questions)](https://www.electricaltrainingalliance.org/SamplePage/PreparingfortheTest) - [Electrical Training ALLIANCE (IBEW and NECA)](https://electricaltrainingalliance.org/) ## Keep looking - [Electrician apprenticeship](https://shapemycareer.com/apprenticeships/electrician/) - [Mechanical aptitude test](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/mechanical-aptitude-test/) - [Ohm's law](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/ohms-law/) - [Test prep](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/) - [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/) - [Trade math](https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/trade-math/) --- Canonical page: https://shapemycareer.com/test-prep/ibew-aptitude-test/