IBEW Aptitude Test PracticeFree Timed Diagnostic
This IBEW aptitude test practice runs on the real exam's clock: algebra and functions, then reading comprehension, no calculator. Most people walk in never having worked at test speed. Try a short version at the real pace and see where you stand.
- Questions
- 24
- Time
- 34 min
- Calculator
- None
- Result
- 1–9 est.
Diagnostic · 24 questions · 34 min
- 01Algebra and functions12 Q/17:00
- 02Reading comprehension12 Q/17:00
Before you start
- No calculator. Scratch paper and a pencil only, like test day.
- Guess if you must. Only correct answers count. A blank scores the same as a wrong answer.
- The clock is real. When a part hits 0:00, it ends. There is a break between parts.
Keyboard: A–D to answer · Enter for next question
Passage
The outlet with two buttons
1Most people have seen the small outlet with two buttons marked TEST and RESET, usually near a sink or on an outside wall. It is a ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, and its job is narrower than many homeowners think.
2In a normal circuit, the current that flows out along the hot wire returns along the neutral wire. The two amounts should match. A GFCI constantly compares them. If some current is missing on the return path, it has found another route to ground, and that route may be a person standing on a wet floor. When the difference reaches a few thousandths of an ampere, the device cuts power in a fraction of a second, quickly enough to prevent most serious injuries from that kind of shock.
3That speed is the whole point. An ordinary circuit breaker protects the wiring, not the person. It trips when the current is far larger than the circuit was built to carry, such as during a short circuit or an overload. The amount of current that can stop a human heart is much smaller than that, so a breaker may never notice it.
4A GFCI also has limits. Because it watches for a difference between the hot and neutral wires, it cannot detect a shock in which current passes through a person from one wire to the other without leaking to ground. It does not replace the breaker, either. The two devices guard against different dangers.
5For these reasons, electrical codes require GFCI protection in places where water and electricity are likely to meet, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages and outdoor outlets. Pressing the TEST button once a month is a simple way to confirm that the device still works.
Passage
Apprentice, journeyman, master
1Long before trade schools and union training centers existed, skilled work in European towns was organized by guilds. A guild was an association of craftsmen in a single trade, such as weavers, bakers or masons, and it controlled who could practice that trade within the town.
2A young person usually entered a craft as an apprentice, often in the early teens. The apprentice lived in the master's household for a term that commonly lasted around seven years, though the length varied by trade and place. In exchange for food, lodging and instruction, the apprentice worked without wages. The arrangement was set down in a written contract, sometimes called an indenture, which listed what each side owed the other.
3When the term ended, the apprentice became a journeyman. The word comes from the French journée, meaning a day, and it reflects the fact that a journeyman was paid by the day. Journeymen could work for any master who would hire them, and many traveled from town to town to learn different methods.
4To become a master, a journeyman typically had to produce a piece of work judged by the guild's leaders. This was the original meaning of the word masterpiece: not a famous work of art, but proof that a craftsman had reached the standard of the trade. A master could open a shop and take on apprentices of his own.
5The guild system faded as factories and free-market laws spread in the 1700s and 1800s. Its basic structure did not disappear, however. Modern apprenticeships still combine work with instruction, still move through stages and still end with a test of competence. The difference is that today's apprentices are paid while they learn.
Passage
The aluminum wiring problem
1Almost all the wiring inside American homes is copper, but from the mid-1960s into the 1970s, when copper prices rose sharply, some builders used aluminum wire for ordinary household circuits instead. The choice seemed reasonable. Aluminum is lighter and cheaper, and it conducts electricity well, though not as well as copper. To carry the same current, an aluminum wire must be somewhat larger.
2The trouble appeared at the connections, not in the wire itself. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper as it heats and cools, and under the steady pressure of a screw terminal it slowly changes shape, a behavior called creep. Over years of heating and cooling, a connection could loosen. Aluminum also forms a thin oxide layer on its surface that resists the flow of current. A loose, oxidized connection produces heat, and heat makes the problem worse. In some homes, these connections overheated enough to start fires.
3The response came in several forms. Manufacturers developed new aluminum alloys that creep less, and outlets and switches were tested and labeled for use with aluminum. Electricians who work in older homes may repair aluminum circuits by attaching short copper leads with connectors specifically approved for joining the two metals.
4None of this means aluminum is unsafe in every use. Utilities rely on it for overhead power lines, where its light weight is a major advantage, and aluminum conductors are still widely used for large service and feeder cables. The lesson electricians draw is narrower: a material is only as reliable as the way it is connected.
Part 01 complete
Breaker reset. Take a breath.
- Answered
- 0/12
- Time used
- 0:00
Next: Reading comprehension, 12 questions in 17 minutes. Each passage stays on screen next to its questions. The clock starts when you press the button.
- Est. score
- –/9
- Range
- –
- Correct
- 0/24
- Algebra and functions0/12
- Reading comprehension0/12
This is an estimate, not an official score. The real test is scored against other applicants, and that scale is not public. Many programs invite applicants with a 4 or higher to interview, but each local sets its own rules. Twenty-four questions can only point you in a direction.
Your study work order
Clean sweep. Next, take a full-length timed test to see if you can hold this pace for 69 questions.
- Linear equations, inequalities and formulasMissed 0 of 3Algebra 1, Unit 2: Solving equations & inequalitiesKhan Academy · free ↗
- Slope and graphs of linesMissed 0 of 1Algebra 1, Unit 4: Linear equations & graphsKhan Academy · free ↗
- Systems of equationsMissed 0 of 1Algebra 1, Unit 6: Systems of equationsKhan Academy · free ↗
- Functions and function notationMissed 0 of 2Algebra 1, Unit 8: FunctionsKhan Academy · free ↗
- Number sequencesMissed 0 of 1Algebra 1, Unit 9: SequencesKhan Academy · free ↗
- Exponents and radicalsMissed 0 of 1Algebra 1, Unit 11: Exponents & radicalsKhan Academy · free ↗
- Factoring polynomialsMissed 0 of 2Algebra 1, Unit 13: Quadratics: Multiplying & factoringKhan Academy · free ↗
- Quadratic graphs and equationsMissed 0 of 1Algebra 1, Unit 14: Quadratic functions & equationsKhan Academy · free ↗
- Main idea, details and inferenceMissed 0 of 89th grade reading: Key ideas and detailsKhan Academy · free ↗
- Word meaning in contextMissed 0 of 29th grade reading: VocabularyKhan Academy · free ↗
- Author's purpose and structureMissed 0 of 29th grade reading: Craft and structureKhan Academy · free ↗
Review every question
01Solve for x: 3(x − 4) + 5 = 2x + 7
Your answer: none
Correct answer: C. 14Distribute: 3x − 12 + 5 = 2x + 7, so 3x − 7 = 2x + 7. Subtract 2x and add 7: x = 14.
02Which inequality describes every solution of −2x + 5 > 11?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: B. x < −3Subtract 5: −2x > 6. Dividing by a negative number flips the sign: x < −3.
03The formula A = ½h(b + c) gives the area of a trapezoid. Which expression equals b?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: D. 2A ÷ h − cMultiply both sides by 2: 2A = h(b + c). Divide by h: 2A ÷ h = b + c. Subtract c: b = 2A ÷ h − c.
04Which equation matches the line in the graph?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: A. y = −2x + 2The line crosses the y-axis at 2. Slope = (−4 − 2) ÷ (3 − 0) = −6 ÷ 3 = −2. So y = −2x + 2.
05If 2x + 3y = 12 and x − y = 1, what is the value of x?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: B. 3From the second equation, x = y + 1. Substitute: 2(y + 1) + 3y = 12, so 5y = 10 and y = 2. Then x = 3.
06If f(x) = 2x2 − 3x + 1, what is f(−2)?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: D. 152(−2)2 − 3(−2) + 1 = 2(4) + 6 + 1 = 15. Squaring −2 gives positive 4, and −3 times −2 is positive 6.
07Which set of ordered pairs represents a function?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: C. {(2, 5), (3, 5), (4, 5)}A function gives exactly one output for each input. Only the third set never repeats an x-value with a different y-value. Different inputs may share the same output.
08What is the 20th term of the sequence 3, 7, 11, 15, …?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: A. 79Each term adds 4. The nth term is 3 + 4(n − 1), so the 20th term is 3 + 4(19) = 79.
09Simplify: (x3y2)2 ÷ (x2y)
Your answer: none
Correct answer: D. x4y3A power of a power multiplies exponents: (x3y2)2 = x6y4. Dividing subtracts them: x6−2y4−1 = x4y3.
10Which is the factored form of x2 − 5x − 24?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: B. (x − 8)(x + 3)You need two numbers that multiply to −24 and add to −5: −8 and 3. Check: (x − 8)(x + 3) = x2 + 3x − 8x − 24 = x2 − 5x − 24.
11Factor completely: 4a2 − 9b2
Your answer: none
Correct answer: C. (2a − 3b)(2a + 3b)This is a difference of squares: (2a)2 − (3b)2 = (2a − 3b)(2a + 3b). The middle terms −6ab and +6ab cancel.
12A parabola opens downward and crosses the x-axis at x = −1 and x = 3. Which equation could it have?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: A. y = −(x + 1)(x − 3)A zero at x = −1 comes from the factor (x + 1), and a zero at x = 3 from (x − 3). A negative sign in front makes the parabola open downward.
13Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: B. A GFCI protects people by detecting current that leaks to ground, but it does not guard against every danger.The passage explains what a GFCI detects, why that matters, and what it cannot do. The other choices either overstate the passage or say things it never claims.
14According to the passage, a GFCI cuts power when
Your answer: none
Correct answer: D. the current on the hot and neutral wires stops matching.Paragraph 2: the GFCI compares the current on the hot and neutral wires and trips when some is missing on the return path. Tripping on very large current describes the circuit breaker.
15Based on the passage, which situation would a GFCI be least likely to detect?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: C. A person standing on a dry rubber mat touches the hot and neutral wires at the same time.Paragraph 4 says a GFCI cannot detect current that passes through a person from one wire to the other without leaking to ground. In the other three cases, current escapes to ground.
16In paragraph 1, the word narrower most nearly means
Your answer: none
Correct answer: B. more limited in scope.The author is saying the GFCI does fewer things than people assume, which the rest of the passage explains. It is not about the size of the device.
17The author's main purpose in this passage is to
Your answer: none
Correct answer: A. describe how the guild system trained craftsmen and show its link to modern apprenticeships.Most of the passage walks through the stages of guild training, and the last paragraph connects them to today. The other choices are either not argued or only mentioned in passing.
18According to the passage, the word journeyman reflects the fact that a journeyman
Your answer: none
Correct answer: C. was paid by the day.Paragraph 3 says the word comes from journée, a day, because journeymen were paid by the day. Many did travel, but the passage does not give that as the origin of the word.
19Which list shows the stages of guild training in the order the passage describes?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: A. Apprentice, journeyman, masterAn apprentice became a journeyman when the term ended (paragraph 3), and a journeyman became a master by producing a masterpiece (paragraph 4).
20Based on the passage, how does a modern apprentice differ from a guild apprentice?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: D. A modern apprentice is paid while learning.Guild apprentices worked without wages (paragraph 2), and the last paragraph says today's apprentices are paid. The other choices describe things the two systems share.
21As used in paragraph 2, creep refers to
Your answer: none
Correct answer: C. the gradual change in shape of metal held under pressure.The sentence defines it: under the steady pressure of a screw terminal the aluminum "slowly changes shape, a behavior called creep." The thin surface layer is the oxide, a separate problem.
22According to the passage, why did some builders use aluminum wire in homes?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: A. Copper prices had risen sharply.Paragraph 1 says builders switched "when copper prices rose sharply." The passage also says aluminum conducts less well than copper, not better.
23The author would most likely agree with which statement?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: B. The problems with aluminum in homes came mainly from how it was connected.The passage says the trouble "appeared at the connections, not in the wire itself," and ends with "a material is only as reliable as the way it is connected."
24What is the main function of the final paragraph?
Your answer: none
Correct answer: D. It keeps the reader from over-generalizing by showing where aluminum works well.After two paragraphs of problems and fixes, the last paragraph limits the conclusion: aluminum is still used safely in power lines and large cables.
How does this practice test compare with the real one?
The format below comes from the Electrical Training Alliance and matches what local training centers publish.1 Some commercial practice tests add a mechanical reasoning section. The electrical aptitude test does not have one.
| Real test | This diagnostic | |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra and functions | 33 questions, 46 minutes | 12 questions, 17 minutes |
| Reading comprehension | 36 questions, 51 minutes | 12 questions, 17 minutes |
| Calculator | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Wrong answers | No penalty | No penalty |
| Score | 1 to 9 | Estimated 1 to 9 |
The tests take about two and a half hours with the break, and the Electrical Training Alliance suggests planning on about three hours at the center. Each local administers the test itself, so the fee, the location and whether you test on paper or a computer depend on where you apply. For test day rules, scoring and retakes, see our guide to theNJATC aptitude test, the test's original name.
What is on the algebra and functions section?
It is first-year algebra, done by hand and fast. The diagnostic covers these topics, each tied to the Khan Academy unit that teaches it. For the order to study them in, the arithmetic to review first and a six-week plan, see ourIBEW aptitude test study guide.
- Linear equations, inequalities and formulas: Algebra 1, Unit 2: Solving equations & inequalities
- Slope and graphs of lines: Algebra 1, Unit 4: Linear equations & graphs
- Systems of equations: Algebra 1, Unit 6: Systems of equations
- Functions and function notation: Algebra 1, Unit 8: Functions
- Number sequences: Algebra 1, Unit 9: Sequences
- Exponents and radicals: Algebra 1, Unit 11: Exponents & radicals
- Factoring polynomials: Algebra 1, Unit 13: Quadratics: Multiplying & factoring
- Quadratic graphs and equations: Algebra 1, Unit 14: Quadratic functions & equations
Some prep companies and recent test takers report that the math has become more conceptual: factoring expressions with two variables, matching a parabola to its equation, and judging whether statements about functions are true. The Electrical Training Alliance has not announced a change, but those question types are cheap to practice, and this diagnostic includes them.
What is on the reading comprehension section?
You read short passages, often technical, scientific or historical, and answer questions about them. The questions test a few skills again and again:
- Main idea, details and inference: 9th grade reading: Key ideas and details
- Word meaning in context: 9th grade reading: Vocabulary
- Author's purpose and structure: 9th grade reading: Craft and structure
Every answer is supported by the passage itself. The most common trap is a choice that sounds true, or even is true, but is not what the passage says. When two choices look right, go back to the paragraph and find the words that decide it.
How is the estimated score calculated?
The real test reports a score from 1 to 9 that compares you with other test takers. That conversion is not public, so no practice test can reproduce it exactly, including this one. The estimate here converts your share of correct answers to a 1 to 9 scale shaped like the real one: few people at the ends, most in the middle. Treat it as a range, not a number, and treat the list of topics as the useful part.
Many programs invite applicants with a 4 or higher to interview, but the cutoff, the ranking and how long a score stays valid are set by each local.1 If you score low, you can usually retest after 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the real IBEW aptitude test?
No. Every question here is original, written to match the published format of the test: algebra and functions plus reading comprehension, timed, with no calculator. Charbelia is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Electrical Training Alliance, the IBEW or NECA.
Can you use a calculator on the IBEW aptitude test?
No. Calculators are not allowed on either section, so practice the arithmetic by hand, including fractions, negative numbers and exponents. This diagnostic assumes the same rule.
What score do you need on the IBEW aptitude test?
There is no single passing score. Results are reported on a scale from 1 to 9, and many programs invite applicants with a 4 or higher to interview. Each local sets its own rules, and some simply rank applicants by score, so ask the program you are applying to.
Is there a penalty for guessing?
No. Only correct answers count toward your score, so a blank answer and a wrong answer are worth the same. Answer every question, even when the clock is about to run out.
How soon can you retake the aptitude test?
Programs generally require you to wait 90 days before testing again. Some locals have their own rules, such as retesting every year to stay on the list, so confirm with the program where you applied.
Is Khan Academy enough to prepare?
Khan Academy covers the math and reading skills the test measures, and it is free. What it does not do is tell you which units matter or put you on a clock. Use the results above to pick units, then practice under time pressure.
Sources
- Electrical Training Alliance, Applying for an apprenticeship and Preparing for the test.
Charbelia is independent. This practice test is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Electrical Training Alliance, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) or the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). All questions are original.