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IBEW Aptitude
Test Prep.

The exact format of the real test. 33 algebra questions. 36 reading comprehension questions. Scored 1–9 on the stanine scale. Minimum 4 to pass at most locals. Free, no login, no tricks.

33
Algebra questions
36
Reading questions
4
Minimum to pass
How do you want to practice?
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About the real test
The test

69 questions total. Administered by your local JATC — not available to take on your own before applying. Scored on a stanine scale of 1–9.

Passing score

Most IBEW programs require a minimum score of 4. Scores above 6 strengthen your application ranking. Some programs use the score to prioritize the eligibility list.

If you don't pass

Most programs allow a retest after 90 days. Use the time to drill Khan Academy Algebra 1. The test is beatable with 2 weeks of focused prep.

This practice test is based on the format of the NJATC/ETA Electrical Trades Aptitude Test. Questions are original PlumbSquare content for preparation purposes only — not an official IBEW or Electrical Training Alliance product.

What's on the IBEW aptitude test?

Two sections, 69 questions total. Algebra & Functions (33 questions, 46 minutes): order of operations, fractions, percentages, basic algebra, and applied word problems — no calculator. Reading Comprehension(36 questions, 51 minutes): 12 passages on safety procedures, union contracts, NEC excerpts, and workplace policies, with questions on what the passage actually says. You're scored on a stanine scale of 1–9 for each section and combined.

Is the IBEW aptitude test hard?

The math doesn't go past what Khan Academy's Algebra 1 course covers — nothing on it is genuinely advanced. What makes it hard is the clock and being years removed from a classroom. It also helps to know the bar is lower than people assume: most IBEW locals only require a minimum stanine of 4, which sits below the midpoint of the 1–9 scale, not at the top of it.

How do I study for the IBEW aptitude test?

  1. Take this practice test in Practice Mode first — untimed, with an explanation after every question, so you learn the format before you race the clock.
  2. Drill weak topics on Khan Academy Algebra 1 — free, and it covers everything on the math side.
  3. Switch to Exam Mode a few days before your real test to get used to the actual time pressure.
  4. If you don't clear it the first time, most locals allow a retest after 90 days — enough time to close real gaps.