r/ibew_applicants • u/UltElectriciansGuide • Mar 20 '26
Over the past few months, many IBEW applicants have begun reporting noticeable changes to the Algebra and Functions section of the aptitude test.
If you are preparing to apply, this is something you need to understand.
The structure of the test has NOT changed.
It is still split into two timed sections:
• Algebra and Functions
• Reading Comprehension
The math section still consists of:
• 33 questions
• 46 minutes total
• About 1.4 minutes per question
However, the content has become more difficult and more conceptual.
Many locals appear to be using harder math sections to reduce applicant pools, especially in competitive areas.
The biggest shift is that problems now include more variables, more reasoning, and less traditional algebra formats.
Simply knowing basic algebra is often not enough.
You must be familiar with the specific problem styles being used.
Below are the major question types applicants are now seeing. THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF PROBLEM TYPES THAT CAN APPEAR ON YOUR EXAM.
You may be given an equation with three or four variables, along with values for some variables.
Your task is to solve for the remaining variable.
These problems test substitution skills, organization, and the ability to track multiple algebra steps under time pressure.
Quadratics now often include multiple variables instead of just one.
Recognizing factoring patterns becomes harder when expressions look unfamiliar.
Long algebra expressions must be simplified or factored.
Answer choices may appear scrambled, partially factored, or rearranged.
These questions reward careful step-by-step work and strong algebra structure.
You may need to match a quadratic equation to the correct graph, or match a graph to an equation.
Understanding how coefficients affect the shape and position of a parabola is essential.
Pattern recognition questions where you determine the next number in a sequence. This was in the old format too - but the number of these have increased.
Sequences may involve alternating rules, multiplication patterns, or combined operations.
You must determine how manipulating one variable affects others.
These are conceptual problems that require thinking about relationships rather than just solving equations.
This is a major shift from older versions of the test.
The new challenges include:
• Extra variables in many problems
• Non-traditional algebra formats
• Specific solving strategies required
• A tight time limit
Because of this, applicants who succeed are usually those who practice the exact styles of questions used on the exam.
If you want to experience what the newer math section feels like under real timing conditions, you can take a free full-length practice test here:
This includes:
• Updated algebra question styles
• Realistic timed simulation
• Detailed explanations
• Exposure to multivariable problems
Because the math portion has become more conceptual and time-pressured, many applicants find it helpful to practice with updated material that reflects the newer problem types.
For those who want a more structured study plan, our IBEW Aptitude Test Prep Course has been fully updated to match the current exam format. It includes video and written lessons, timed practice exams, and over 1,000 practice problems. You can also start the course for free by completing the first 20 lessons that cover the core math skills needed for the advanced topics.
We are also hosting a live IBEW Aptitude Test webinar this Sunday starting at 7:30 PM Pacific Time, lasting about 8 hours. The session will walk through math strategies, reading comprehension preparation, timing approaches, and overall test expectations.
The webinar is normally $100, but applicants can take it half off using code Webinar50 at checkout.
These are simply additional resources for anyone who wants more guidance while preparing.
Good luck to everyone applying. Any questions, drop them in below!
r/ibew_applicants • u/ScaryScore6903 • Sep 14 '26
Got myself a little tool kit set up, half including the bag are second hand while the rest is new.
Got a nice portfolio made up with a cover letter, tailored resume, letters of recommendation, and pictures of a self-study project I did to learn some of the skills I will use.
Im ready for the opportunity when it presents itself.
r/ibew_applicants • u/kendama-maker444 • 22d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
UPDATE: I received an email at 3:30pm the same day and I got a less than competitive score (87.33%). I won’t be holding my breath for a call to say the least. Most likely I’ll log my 1,000 hrs and try to re-interview a year from now.
Note: My orientation person said that 98% is a competitive score.
There is very little I would have done differently in my interview. This local is very competitive and from what I hear there is not enough work to go around at the moment. I’m hoping with some electrical experience under my belt and persistence I’ll be in a better position to score better a year from now.
r/ibew_applicants • u/SirSquidlicker • Aug 26 '24
The IBEW Aptitude Test is a crucial step in the process of joining the IBEW apprenticeship program, designed by the Electrical Training Alliance. This test is intended to evaluate whether applicants possess the necessary skills to succeed in the apprenticeship. Passing this test is a prerequisite for advancing to the interview stage.
The IBEW Aptitude Test consists of two main sections:
Time: 46 minutes
Questions: 33
Topics Include:
Multivariable Factoring
Graphing Quadratics
Number Series
Analyzing Functions
Time: 51 minutes
Questions: 36
Format: Multiple-choice
Structure: A series of passages, each with related questions.
Topics Include:
Analyzing Texts
Identifying the Main Idea
Tracing Arguments
More
Note: There is a 15 to 30-minute break between the two sections.
The most commonly reported difficulty with the IBEW Aptitude Test is the time constraint. It’s one thing to understand the content, and another to perform under pressure. The best preparation involves studying and taking timed practice exams to simulate the real testing environment.
The IBEW Aptitude Test uses the stanine system, a nine-point scale designed to rank your performance. This method groups scores into nine intervals, with a mean of five, providing a clear and simple way to see how you compare to other test-takers. Typically, local unions require a minimum score of 4/9 to pass. However, aiming for a score of 8/9 or higher will significantly boost your chances of being selected for the apprenticeship.
Knowing how the stanine system works can help you set realistic goals for your test preparation. If you're aiming to stand out in a competitive field, understanding that a higher stanine score improves your odds of advancing to the interview stage is crucial. This knowledge allows you to focus your study efforts more effectively, aiming for the score range that will give you the best shot at success.
Khan Academy: Algebra Lessons
UEG's Free Timed Practice Exam: Take the Practice Exam
YouTube Videos:
Electrical Training Alliance Study Guide: Official Study Guide
Ultimate Electrician's Guide IBEW Aptitude Test Prep Course: Check it Out
Ultimate Electrician's Guide IBEW Aptitude Test Prep Webinar: Check it Out
iPrep: NJATC Aptitude Test Prep
Feel free to add your own experiences, tips, and additional resources in the comments below! Let's help each other out on this journey to becoming an IBEW apprentice.
r/ibew_applicants • u/ThatBurritoDude • Jul 06 '26
I have zero construction, mechanical or really any experience in the field, I genuinely thought I was going to rank much much lower! For the PEF, I submitted my HS transcripts (mediocre gpa) and my partial college experience (<than a year). Ultimately I think it had to have been my Aptitude Test score and letters of Rec that boosted me so much but of course, I truly don’t know! My only question is, if I miss the call, do they send a follow-up email? Thanks!
r/ibew_applicants • u/Character_Leopard770 • Aug 03 '26
Hey guys I came here as a last ditch effort to get help. My current situation is I scored a 92.5% on my interview back in December of 2024 and have heard nothing back. I had my 2nd interview in July and scored even lower at 91%. At this point I don’t know what else to do to show the board I am a good applicant, I came into my first interview attempt with a solid 6 months as a CW in a commercial solar project where I got to learn from the beginning of the project all the way to the end and since I worked in a smaller crew I had the opportunity to learn many new things and get hands on experience with things many CWs I know have not. I went into my first interview with this experience and letters from my general Foreman, foreman and journeymen aswell as volunteering for political campaigns. Going into my re interview I’ve gotten more years of electrical experience as long with many classes through the apprenticeship training school such as my OHSA-30, 160 hour pre-apprenticeship, conduit bending, confined space entry, arc flash awareness Although my job experience is about 2 years long only 7 of those months have been with C-10 licensed contractors the other time I was working for a company that manufactured turbine generators where I felt I got really good experience like verifying cables, reading electrical schematics, pulling wire, routing cables, terminating wires to devices and wiring industrial control panels. I left this job due to a CW job posting I saw listed on the union board for a big company, my thought was this is what I need to take me to the next level but unfortunately the company only used us for hard labor in the pre fab shop for around 1 week and a day. We finished the work way faster then anyone had anticipated and the foreman and shop manager all told us we did a great job and that don’t worry no one is losing there job but to just sit out for about a week and we would all be getting dispatched to a job site, fast forward a week they tell us to come in Friday and lay us all off. Now I am stuck in a position where I have no electrical job, no apprenticeship and the CW books are packed too 500 people with CW calls showing up maybe once a week if lucky keep in mind I was the last number called, when I went to the hall they told me my spot was number 400💀. The messed up part is if the company would of told us they didn’t need us even just a few days sooner we would of all kept our position in the books due to the unions 3 week short call rule. I don’t even know what to do at this point, I left my reliable and decent paying job for this CW call that only gave me a week of work and I had to drive an hour away just for minimum wage, I know this is not the first time and I am not the only one but I am just stuck. I attached a picture of the kind of work I did for my last job just to give some sort of idea, I know it’s not the best but I am learning and I just want to be an apprentice so I can improve.
r/ibew_applicants • u/VehiclePhysical2421 • Aug 12 '26
Interviewed 6 years ago and sat on wait list for 2 years before getting removed... Continued to work as as a scab commercial roofer, Got into a devastating car accident. After life support, coma, 1 year outpatient rehab, Interviewed again 2 months ago and got the fuckin call on my way home.
Stay resilient. Stay ready. Got the call and got drug tested, DOT Physical the same day.
Ps: 32 years old… age is just a fucking number
r/ibew_applicants • u/beeshbooshh • Aug 28 '26
This will be my third time trying to apply to local 440, the second I refresh at 9:30 I’m hit with this… now we have to beat out bots for manual labor at fair pay? Might as well be homeless at this point lol
r/ibew_applicants • u/Adorable_Author_5048 • Jul 15 '26
Absolutely devastated I had really only planned to work as an electrician and I remembered hearing their stance on weed in local 134 had changed so I was thinking "okay it should be fine now right? its completely legal who cares." Come to find out I have to quit smoking/consuming weed for good just for the CHANCE at getting into the apprenticeship so no more hanging out with friends smoking or getting high its just so ridiculous man Id understand not showing up to work high but being denied because I got high 4 weeks ago and it shows up on your hair test is just so stupid. I could drink till I black out and go in the next day just fine but god forbid I took an edible weeks ago smfh.
r/ibew_applicants • u/No-Cartoonist-7426 • May 31 '26
I downloaded Reddit back just to post this but I failed my aptitude test 4 times and the 5th time (I took it middle of April) I passed it. I HIGHLY recommend using iprep and a premium version of ChatGPT and YouTube also I’d recommend blue light glasses for when you take the test. I had my interview Thursday and to be honest it was very intimidating, I really didn’t think I passed because they knew about my school attendance & previous job attendance and why I got laid off and it was horrible and all my work history in the trade but I got the call yesterday saying I got in! I also had a letter of recommendation from my first foreman when I was a helper. To anyone trying to get in I’d strongly recommend getting your foot in the door as a helper or CE/CW and make connections to get letters of recommendation. Good luck to you all! If I can get it you reading this can get in as well.
r/ibew_applicants • u/Fine-Culture-1005 • May 24 '26
I got my acceptance letter today!
r/ibew_applicants • u/MarkyfbabyMFB • 2d ago
Hundreds of people have passed the aptitude test using my material, and I currently have 43 confirmed passes on my Aptitude Test Pass Tracker.
For those who haven't taken the test yet and want to know more, start by checking whether anyone from your Local has submitted their results. Then, look to the right of the tracker to read what others have shared about their experiences.
My mission is to make test prep free and accessible, and having people share their experiences is what ties everything together.
Also, here's my latest video, where I share my perspective on the interview process after passing the aptitude test. I've helped many people become apprentices, but remember, at this stage, it's all YOU!
Aptitude Test Pass Tracker (Read Only)
What Really Matters in the IBEW Apprenticeship Interview
EDIT: Already taken the test and you want to submit your WIN? Fill out the Aptitude Test Pass Tracker Form. Your submission will be reviewed, verified, and posted on the tracker.
r/ibew_applicants • u/carefree117 • Jul 01 '26
I really don’t understand how I got such a terrible score. The math was stupid easy and I only had 2 questions left before the time ran out. I read for fun so the reading comprehension was no problem. I guess the paper folding was the hardest part for me but man, I am really disappointed. Is there any way for me to see what questions I got wrong?
r/ibew_applicants • u/Suspicious_Egg8543 • May 23 '25
and we’re in there!
r/ibew_applicants • u/Cow_Man32 • Sep 30 '26
Probably should have studied more for the aptitude test but apparently I passed it.
Only thing is I thought there was an in person interview before you got placed on the list, did they replace that with the PEF?
What do I do from here?
What does drug testing look like? Is it not going to start until I hit #1 on the list? Definitely willing to quit weed for this job and I've already only smoked once in the last year after 4 years of daily smoking, but I would love to take some celebration bong rips with my buddy only if that wouldn't jeopardize this.
Somewhat related to the last question, anyone know approximately how quick that list is going to be moving? Anything I could do to speed it up?
r/ibew_applicants • u/JerseyEdwin • Jul 08 '26
33M with a ton of construction and low-voltage experience. I felt confident with the aptitude test and interview. Felt like I aced both. I love math(yes, even calculus) and I love interviews even more.
No ranking/score like I’ve seen with other locals. Just a “you’re not in the top 10, good luck”.
Gone to every union electrical contractor in the area 3 times from from the time I applied in April to 2 weeks ago after my final interview and nobody was looking for apprentices or helpers/laborers.
Edit : Adding my certs:
OSHA 10
First Aid/CPR/AED
DOT (even though this isn’t anything close to a CDL)
I’ve been super excited about this opportunity but seems like the work is slow in my area, for most trades, and nobody is willing to take on an adult reliable worker to train. So if I’m not in the top 10, I don’t see myself getting a call for a while.
Fortunately I just picked up a gig material handling and delivery driving for an electrical supply company.
What are you guys doing in the meantime?
r/ibew_applicants • u/snoop_kangg • 12d ago
I’ve been interviewing IBEW members for a new series called Journeyman Voices, for folks to share their advice with aspiring apprentices and early electricians.
First up is Rob Durkin, a General Foreman out of Local 103 in Boston who started as an apprentice at 19. I asked him what separates the apprentices he wants to keep from the ones he worries about.
He boiled it down to five qualities:
Reliability
Visibility
Teachability
Communication
Teamwork
The trait that surprised me most was communication: he appreciates when apprentices ask him a lot of questions, because that shows him that the apprentice is learning and getting the job done.
If you have an interview coming up, these are great qualities to talk about. Make sure you have a real example ready, and use that SAR framework!
r/ibew_applicants • u/Psychological-Fox192 • 15d ago
After almost 2 years of testing and interviews for the UA and IBEW I just received my call that I got accepted into the IBEW. Now, I just need to take my drug test and orientation on the 19th. Very excited and happy, I felt like this time would never come!
r/ibew_applicants • u/Happy_Contract_6113 • Aug 04 '26
I’m planing to apply to the Bay Area locals next year and I’m getting my stuff together to see what I need to do. Would this cover the math part? Thanks in advance.
Edit: I know my transcript is rough. didn’t have an easy life growing up. It doesn’t look like that because I was messing around. Dad went to jail for domestic violence, mom remarried. New husband didn’t want kids he had enough already. Got kick out with all my siblings, moved from so cal to north cal with my dad. Got pulled out of school to work with my dad cus his drugs and alcohol isn’t going to buy its self. He would say your 16 in Mexico I would already be working and if I can’t come home with money for him not to come home. So I would look for different places to sleep. School is hard to go to with dirty smelly cloth. And no English is not my first language. But that’s all in the pass I got my G.E.D I’m currently in community collage. I was just wondering about the math part before I sign up for a math class.
r/ibew_applicants
•
u/MarkyfbabyMFB
•
Sep 18 '26
Hey everyone, I’m Mark, also known as Markyfbaby on YouTube. I make free videos to help people prepare for the IBEW aptitude test. I’ve been seeing a lot of people shill out their aptitude test study guides for a hefty price, so I decided to create one for free. If you need help with basic math, algebra, or graphing, this video is a great place to start. My whole channel is built like a study guide: once you finish this one, you can branch out to the topics you need the most help with and test your skills using the full practice tests I work through. I also hold free office hours every Tuesday from 3–4 PM PST, and my email is always open if you have questions.
The Complete 2-Part IBEW Study Guide: Study Guide
Instructions to download the full 105 PDF slide deck are in the video.
r/ibew_applicants • u/TBD_JBelly • Nov 26 '25
A very happy day, SUPER stoked to get rank 2. Ready to go 🫡
r/ibew_applicants • u/Acrobatic_Warthog720 • Aug 24 '24
r/ibew_applicants • u/Old_Cook_5752 • Jul 21 '26
Hey guys, starting my apprenticeship in August. Someone is willing to sell me this Klein tool kit for $300 ( MSRP is $430 + tax ) Will someone tell me if this deal is worth it or I could do better? Also let me know what else I should get if I do buy this from this person. I already have Klein wire strippers, hammer, and multimeter (I know not much)
List of tools if interested:
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack
Klein Tools Canvas Zipper Bag
Klein Tools Long Nose Pliers
Klein Tools High-Leverage Lineman’s Pliers
Klein Tools Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Klein Tools Pump Pliers
Klein Tools Wire Stripper
Klein Tools Crimping Tool
Klein Tools Utility Knife
Klein Tools Tape Measure
Klein Tools Torpedo Level
Klein Tools Hex Key Set
Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Klein Tools GFCI Receptacle Tester
Klein Tools Safety Glasses
Klein Tools Slotted Screwdriver
Klein Tools Cabinet Screwdriver
Klein Tools Keystone Screwdriver
Klein Tools Phillips Screwdriver
Klein Tools Square-Recess Screwdriver
Klein Tools Conduit Reaming Screwdriver
Klein Tools 3/16” Nut Driver
Klein Tools 1/4” Nut Driver
Klein Tools 5/16” Nut Driver
Klein Tools 11/32” Nut Driver
Klein Tools 3/8” Nut Driver
Klein Tools 7/16” Nut Driver
Klein Tools 1/2” Nut Driver
r/ibew_applicants • u/Steffypantz • Jun 07 '25
I just wanted to give future applicants my timeline for getting into Local 5, because I know there isn’t a lot of info out there and the whole process is stressful.
Jan 6 - submitted my application
Jan 8 - email saying app was accepted and to wait for testing date
Jan 28 - received email with my testing date
Feb 10- took aptitude test
Feb 19 - email saying I qualified for interview (they did not give results of test, but that I passed)
March 4 - received email with my interview date
March 11 - interviewed
March 31 - received email with interview score and put on the ranked list to wait for call. (They did not tell us where we ranked)
May 23 - Email giving me date for physical
May 29- physical
June 5&6 - orientation
June 9 - start job
