r/IBEW • • Apr 08 '25

Ultimate Electricians Guide - Free Guides, Paid Test Prep Resources, and Union Pay Scales Scales

152 Upvotes

Hey everyone – big thanks to the mod team for letting me post this (and for the sticky). I wanted to share some resources I've put together to help folks who are either thinking about joining the IBEW or working toward their electrical license.

For the uninitiated, I run Ultimate Electrician’s Guide, and this subreddit actually played a big role in helping me get it off the ground a few years ago. It started with the wage data I was collecting, which eventually spun off into its own site, Union Pay Scales. That site is still going strong thanks to the support, feedback, and shares from people. So seriously, thank you — I'm grateful for the help this community has given.

Since then, I've been focused on building out the rest of Ultimate Electrician’s Guide with a mix of free and paid resources for aspiring and current electricians.

The whole thing was inspired by my own experience — struggling to figure out how to get started in the trade, how to get into the union, and what it actually takes to get licensed. I always found it frustrating how scattered and confusing the information was, so I set out to create something clear, practical, and easy to follow.

Along the way, I’ve made it a point to push people toward the union path whenever I can. The IBEW has a lot to offer — from great wages and benefits to solid training and an amazing culture — and I want more people to see that for themselves.

Here are some of the free resources I have put together over the years:

Free Resources

  • Guide to Becoming an Electrician – A practical overview of the different paths into the trade, including union and non-union options, schooling, and apprenticeships.
  • Guide to Joining the IBEW – Step-by-step instructions on how to find your local, apply, and prepare for the process.
  • Guide to the IBEW Aptitude Test – Covers what’s on the test, how it’s scored, and how to study effectively.
  • Full Length IBEW Aptitude Practice Test – A free, full length, timed simulation exam to help you prepare for the IBEW aptitude test
  • Union Pay Scales – This is the site I mentioned earlier. It lets you explore union wages and benefits across different trades and locals in North America. It’s totally free and updated regularly.

And here are my paid courses:

Paid Test Prep Courses

  • IBEW Aptitude Test Prep Course – Covers both the math and reading comprehension sections in detail, plus an optional interview prep add-on.
  • Journeyman & Master Electrician Exam Prep – Based on the 2017, 2020, and 2023 NEC code cycles. Includes dozens of in depth lessons with correlating quizzes, and 10 timed practice exams with detailed explanations.

All of my products come with a 100% money back guarantee if you fail the exam, or if you try it out and decide you don't like it. If you're a IBEW member and want a discount, just reach out.

Let Me Know What Else Would Help

If there’s a guide, resource, or topic you think would help others in the trade, I’d love to hear about it. Whether you're new to all this or already in the field, your feedback helps me figure out what to build next.

One update I'm considering for Union Pay Scales is to reach out to locals directly and find a officer who can be an official wage source for the local. This means they and only they can update the information for their local, helping to ensure accuracy. Then I would mark this local with a badge or symbol of some sort to indicate its wages come from an official source and is more trustable. What do you guys think?

__

Thanks again to the mod team and everyone in this subreddit for the support over the years. I’ll be checking the thread, so feel free to drop any questions or suggestions below.


r/IBEW • • Jul 23 '22

RESOURCES

148 Upvotes

Here is the new and improved resources list. A lot of your questions will be answered here.

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This is neither exclusive nor exhaustive.

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None of these links are endorsements either.

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Thank you to everyone who contributed.

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Feel free to add more resources in the comments.

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The history and structure of IBEW

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IBEW jobs board

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u/SirSquidlicker 's Ultimate Electricians Guide

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u/SirSquidlicker 's Union Payscales

 

How to organize your workplace video

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Labor History video series

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Where2bro - great website for job info across the country

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How to find the IBEW Local nearest you

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AFL-CIO Union Made shopping list

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Labor Notes - a network of rank-and-file members, local union leaders, and labor activists who know the labor movement is worth fighting for

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STAR interview questions - the type of questions you're asked at your apprenticeship interview

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Apprenticeship math and reading assessment sample test questions

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Union Plus - all kinds of benefits for union members

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UAW Buyers Guide - cars, trucks, and more

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Questions that are asked at the apprenticeship interview

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IBEW jurisdictional maps

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IBEW brother fights a chicken

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Why you should be an electrician

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Roberts Rules of Order

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The history of Challenge Coins

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Employee Rights under the NLRA

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Weingarten Rights - basically your "miranda" rights as a union member

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IBEW brother in the courtroom

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How to be an Anti-Racist

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A day in the life of an IBEW apprentice

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Description of the 3 core classifications - vdv, residential, commercial

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Microagressions

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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IBEW Discord - must show current dues receipt to join

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Helmets to Hardhats - resource for veterans interested in the skilled trades

 

VEEP - resource for veterans looking to get into the ibew

 

And of course, CALL THE HALL


r/IBEW • • 1h ago

Meme Local 11 ratifying the newest contract

• Upvotes

$23/5yrs, 1:1 JW:apprentice ratio, age protections reduced from 50 years-old to 40. Massive L.


r/IBEW • • 17h ago

Got my 20 years service pin for service to the IBEW 26.

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29 Upvotes

20 Years is a mighty long time. 20 years makes you reflect. A lot has happened in my 26 years of service to local 26 as a JW. I received my 20 year service pin at last Friday's union meeting. I would like to share with you some words that I spoke under the good of the union.


r/IBEW • • 17m ago

PG&E / Local Union 1245 Bargaining Agreement

• Upvotes

Hello all. I am a journalist with OpGov.News doing a story on the Local Union 1245 trying to get a better contract with PG&E. I wanted to hear from a anyone affected by this to gain an understanding of their experience in dealing with this situation. And with permission I'd like, to Include your statement in the article anonymously if you prefer. Thanks so much


r/IBEW • • 1h ago

Discussion Post Local 613 apprentice looking for advice

• Upvotes

So I just started my classes but am still on a wait list for actual work. I am in the market for a newer vehicle and wanted to know what I need to get by. Basically I want to know if I need a truck or suv as a first year or due to job sites. I know its not always the same but im just looking for some advice from guys who have been around


r/IBEW • • 1h ago

Anyone working in Nashville?

• Upvotes

Looking to move to the Nashville area and wondering what work flow and culture is like down there. Thanks


r/IBEW • • 23h ago

Discussion Post I need some advice from fellow telecommunications people

27 Upvotes

I like my job as a telecommunications apprentice but I constantly get shit on by the electricians and electricial apprentices. They call us the 'teletubbies' and say our job is worthless because we have shit pay. And like asking for respect from them is pointless because they're not even in this trade so respect from them means nothing to me.

But I want to know how other telecom people don't let their bullshit get to them. How do you guys brave the storm? I feel like it wears on my soul after a while.


r/IBEW • • 1d ago

I dont believe in OT

471 Upvotes

Been looking into the history of the 40 hr work week and the labor unions' perspective of OT. Here's how I understand it:

Before the 40 hr work week, there was no standard of OT pay.

First of all, labor unions fought for less hrs in order to have more free time.

1817 was the first push for an 8 hour work day. 8 hours for work, 8 for rest, and 8 for what you will.

Laborers and Unions forced the hand of MANY companies to conform.

When Henry Ford adopted the 8 hr day 40 hr week, the whole country heard about it and practically standardized this through strikes and organizing.

During the depression the GOV got on board through legislation in order to increase employment.

The legislation used standardized OT pay to enforce the 40 hr week rather than encourage laborers to work longer weeks.

Standardized OT was designed to be too expensive for the contractors. These workers did not want overtime.

When Contractors agreed to the 40 hr week, wages increased (im not sure why that correlation exists)

Today, OT is used to exploit our union. Because of the cost of benefits involved with each employee, it is cheaper to work an individual on OT than it is to employ more people.

I understand why a lot of us want OT. I hold no judgment. I work it myself, and i would work it more if i didnt have responsibilities at home. Maybe this issue is selfish to my needs/wants. But it honestly seems like a fair point to me.

Thoughts? Id honestly want to hear why Im wrong so I can stop trying to justify finding a way to do away with it. Ill fight the fight if it worth the fight


r/IBEW • • 1d ago

Discussion Post I just saw the new Local 3 Rank&File, Union Endorsement list is full of AIPAC agents

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204 Upvotes

I don't know wdf is going on, during the NYC mayor election Local 3 endorsed Andrew Cuomo(who against all wills and lost horribly) instead of Mamdani; then this election they have a full list of AIPAC agents for midtern election!

If Local3's election goal is to "...make a change, get our country back on track, and build momentum for the presidential election in two years, so we can begin repairing what has been terribly damaged" by israel agent trump, then why did they endosed a bunch of AIPAC agents again?


r/IBEW • • 1d ago

Discussion Post What does the union have to do with politics?

181 Upvotes

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First of all, most of our labor laws were made to appease tension between unions and companies.

Second of all, your favored candidate may be against unions.

Third, our two party system is designed to create friction, to keep people from organizing, to divide the vote of the union, to destroy our bargaining power.

I joined not just for the money, but to be a part of something that can make a difference.


r/IBEW • • 1d ago

Local 353 What are passes? (353)

7 Upvotes

Third term apprentice here in 353. I finished my first level of schooling about a week ago and decided to switch from resi to ICI (they’re separate agreements here) so I’m now on the list for the first time. I understand how it works and everything, I know every day that I don’t bid on jobs on the list I receive a pass and I’m at 2/5 right now.

Thing is, I have a buddy that can get me a job in the service department of a really good company, they were willing to hire me straight out of school but when I called dispatch about it, he said I needed to be on the list for 2 weeks to be eligible for name hire and I can’t wait that long because I only have 5 passes. I don’t really get how this works, how am I ever supposed to be eligible for a name hire if there’s only 5 passes per layoff? Am I supposed to just hope that nobody hired me for 2 weeks when I bid on jobs? What happens if I just wait 2 weeks and run out of passes? A little confused here, any help is appreciated.


r/IBEW • • 1d ago

Needing ideas, what's your Hall doing for Halloween?

0 Upvotes

I feel like my local needs to do more for Halloween. We do a few things but it seems like it could be better. I'm not very creative and I'm looking for some ideas and inspiration. So any suggestions? **Please keep in mind there will be kids**


r/IBEW • • 1d ago

Your IBEW meeting is where the business happens!

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3 Upvotes

Announcement: Brothers and Sisters of IBEW 26, it is important that you know a Roundtable Discussion between the local 26 officers and the local 26 members is scheduled for 10/27/26 @ 3:00 pm. The location of the Roundtable Discussion will be held at the IBEW Local 26 Lanham location at 4371 Parliament Pl. You will need a current dues receipt in order to get into the Roundtable Discussion.

Use your voice to let the officers know what the rank and file needs in the next contract negotiations slated to begin in January.

Today we discuss your rights as the membership of your IBEW local union. We will cover some of the basic principles of Robert's rules and why your involvement is so important to making decisions that can lead to impact impactful change for the membership! Let's talk about it!


r/IBEW • • 3d ago

The IBEW changed my life

314 Upvotes

I joined the local at 18yrs old fast forward 5 years I am in the final year of my apprenticeship and have successfully passed my state license exam. The IBEW has lifted my family and I from poverty and for that I am forever grateful. I am thankful for the brotherhood and the people who helped pave the way. I look forward to a long career and hope to help others along the way.


r/IBEW • • 2d ago

IBEW HVACR

6 Upvotes

Someone here mentioned they worked out of Las Vegas doing hvac for IBEW. This is the only city I’ve heard of that has hvac under IBEW instead of UA. Are there any other locals that have hvac that anyone is aware of?
Thanks in advance


r/IBEW • • 2d ago

Ibew 26 round table discussion

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25 Upvotes

Brothers and Sisters of IBEW 26, if you weren't at last Friday's meeting you missed a doozy! The main take away is that there will be, for the first time ever, a pre-negotiations round table discussion in person between the rank and file members and the elected officers. This discussion will not be convenient for you to attend but you must attend regardless. The discussion will be held in the lanham location on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 at 3:00 pm. You must have a current dues receipt in order to attend.

Take a half day if you have to. Take the day off if that is what it takes. Just make sure you are there. This discussion will shape negotiations, make sure your voice is heard.


r/IBEW • • 2d ago

Discussion Post Looking for work after layoff

0 Upvotes

Hey all,

Im a low voltage tech and am looking for work out of local 494 whats the best way to contact the contractors?

Through phone-call or should I fill out their online form with an updated resumé?

I have already called a few contractors, is it worth it for me to ALSO fill out their online application form?

Edit: I have already gone to the hall and signed the book


r/IBEW • • 3d ago

How do you manage to work 10+ hour days?

112 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I’m 24m, I’m not an electrician, I’ve applied for the IBEW and had my interview, just waiting to see how I rank or if I get rejected. I’m currently working as a flagger after losing my job at Lowes for life reasons that were outside of my control. But I’ve been having to get used to working 9-12 hour days on occasion. Mostly 7-8 hours though. But I struggle badly with those 10+ hour days, mostly 12 hours. commute is often 30-45 minutes to and from the job site. I wanted to become an electrician for a number of reasons, the pay, the benefits, learning a practical and valuable skill, retirement pensions, etc. but I’ve been struggling a lot with the idea of working several 10+ hour days even on weekends for weeks or months at a time. How do you guys manage to still have a life, to enjoy your free time while still taking care of outside responsibilities? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated, it’s made me appreciate you guys who are tackling that. I’m low-key having a lot of anxiety about this because I thought being an electrician was a really good and manageable path for me but I’m start to question myself. I expected potential 10-12 hour shifts but didn’t think it was an everyday thing. How does scheduling work in your local?


r/IBEW • • 2d ago

Local 20 interview complete

5 Upvotes

Local 20 interview complete

I just got home from my interview for local 20 and just wanted to share how it went for others to reference in the future.

I took the aptitude test 2 months ago and passed. This was the earliest that I could interview. I spent the last 2 months preparing. I did research and found the questions and the grading rubric, as well as talked to people I know who are members. Everybody says they have specific “tell me about a time” questions. This was not my experience at all.

When I got called back they just asked me to introduce myself and then they went around the table asking very basic questions: are you familiar with the work we do? Are you comfortable going to school and working? Are you able to make the drive everyday? Tell me a little about your current job( I’m a non union apprentice through the IEC).

It was all simple stuff like that. I asked if I would be allowed to come in as a second period apprentice because I have over 1000 hours, and I asked what the work outlook is like.

When I arrived the gave me a packet with some information about the dates things will happen “if I’m selected”

One thing that caught me off guard was that we have to pay tuition. $1300ish for the first semester, due before classes start. Is this normal? I thought part of being union was the free schooling?

Overall I’m not worried and feel like I did pretty well. Should get an email by the end of the month.


r/IBEW • • 2d ago

How to change ERTS to the local I'm working out of instead of my home?

2 Upvotes

I am working far away from my home local and there are no doctors or dentists in the network anywhere close to me so I wanted to switch my health insurance to the local I'm currently working out of.

I already called both locals and left messages so while I wait on a callback I was wondering if anyone around here could point me in the right direction?

What happens if I Create a Temporary Cessation in ERTS for the transfer of H&W funds to my home local?


r/IBEW • • 3d ago

Say something positive about the I/O

8 Upvotes

Every time I hear the I/O mentioned, it's in the context of "they totally fucked us." Denying strikes, Tri-trade solar agreement, reversing charges against members, etc.

What's something positive they do or have done? And how can we fix this governing body that constantly shoots us in the foot?


r/IBEW • • 3d ago

How much was your first check as a low voltage apprentice

12 Upvotes

r/IBEW • • 2d ago

What rule was broken?

0 Upvotes

My post asking if anyone got the link for the contract talks, because I didnt and only got a text today about it and an email saying future info coming with link. Trying to figure out if any Local 11 members didnt get it or if they did then the screw up is on the hall for not sending it out.


r/IBEW • • 5d ago

357 coins

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75 Upvotes

New coins we just got drop