IBEW Aptitude Free Practice Exam
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The IBEW Aptitude Test is the first step toward entering an IBEW/NECA electrical apprenticeship program. Administered by local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs), this standardized exam evaluates your math reasoning and reading comprehension skills. There are no experience requirements to sit for the test — you just need a high school diploma or GED and to be at least 18 years old. Scoring well is essential, as your results directly determine your ranking on the apprenticeship selection list.
The exam consists of two main sections: math (algebra and number series) and reading comprehension. The math section tests your ability to work with equations, fractions, decimals, and pattern recognition, while the reading section measures how well you can understand and interpret written passages. You'll have about 90 minutes total, and a score of 4 out of 9 is typically the minimum to qualify — but competitive programs often require a 6 or higher to receive an interview invitation.
Dakota Prep gives you the tools to score high with IBEW aptitude practice exams, targeted math drills, and reading comprehension exercises designed to mirror the real test. Our prep materials build your speed, accuracy, and confidence so you can walk into test day fully prepared. Start with a free IBEW aptitude practice exam today and take the first step toward your electrical apprenticeship.
If 3x² - 10x - 8 equals zero, what are the possible values of x?
The correct answer is
Factor: 3x²-10x-8=0. a=3, b=-10, c=-8. Product ac=-24. Find factors that add to -10: -12 and 2. Rewrite: 3x²-12x+2x-8. Factor by grouping: 3x(x-4)+2(x-4)=(3x+2)(x-4)=0. Equate each factor to zero and solve for x using algebra. Solutions: x=4 and x=-2/3
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Factor: 3x²-10x-8=0. a=3, b=-10, c=-8. Product ac=-24. Find factors that add to -10: -12 and 2. Rewrite: 3x²-12x+2x-8. Factor by grouping: 3x(x-4)+2(x-4)=(3x+2)(x-4)=0. Equate each factor to zero and solve for x using algebra. Solutions: x=4 and x=-2/3
Over the past decade, many cities have invested heavily in bike-sharing programs as a way to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. These systems allow users to rent bicycles for short trips, often through mobile apps. While supporters argue that bike-sharing promotes healthier lifestyles and decreases reliance on cars, critics point out that the programs can be expensive to maintain and are not always accessible in lower-income neighborhoods. Despite these challenges, several studies show that cities with well-planned bike-sharing networks experience modest but measurable improvements in air quality. What is the main idea of the passage?
Bike-sharing programs are too expensive for most cities to operate.
Bike-sharing has both benefits and challenges, but can improve air quality.
Mobile apps are the most important part of bike-sharing systems.
Lower-income neighborhoods benefit the most from bike-sharing programs.
The correct answer is
The passage explains both the benefits and problems of bike-sharing. It says supporters believe it promotes healthier lifestyles and reduces car use, but critics argue it is expensive to maintain and not always accessible. The final sentence adds that, despite these challenges, studies show improvements in air quality. Because the passage presents pros, cons, and a positive outcome, the main idea is best summarized by B.
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The passage explains both the benefits and problems of bike-sharing. It says supporters believe it promotes healthier lifestyles and reduces car use, but critics argue it is expensive to maintain and not always accessible. The final sentence adds that, despite these challenges, studies show improvements in air quality. Because the passage presents pros, cons, and a positive outcome, the main idea is best summarized by B.
Simplify 3/4 + 2/5
The correct answer is
Find the lowest common denominator by finding the smallest number that both denominators can be divided into. For example, both 4 and 5 are factors of 20. There is no smaller number that they both can divide into. Therefore we can turn the denominator into 20, and re-write the fractions as equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the same factor. For the first fraction, the denominator is multiplied by 5, so we multiply the numerator by five, which results in 15/20 (which is equivalent to 3/4). For the second denominator we multiply both by 4 which leaves 8/20 which is equivalent to 2/5. In combination, we have (15/20)+(8/20) which leaves us with 23/20 or 1 and 3/20. In summary, find the common denominator (20): 3/4 = 15/20, 2/5 = 8/20. Add: 15/20 + 8/20 = 23/20 or 1 3/20
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Find the lowest common denominator by finding the smallest number that both denominators can be divided into. For example, both 4 and 5 are factors of 20. There is no smaller number that they both can divide into. Therefore we can turn the denominator into 20, and re-write the fractions as equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the same factor. For the first fraction, the denominator is multiplied by 5, so we multiply the numerator by five, which results in 15/20 (which is equivalent to 3/4). For the second denominator we multiply both by 4 which leaves 8/20 which is equivalent to 2/5. In combination, we have (15/20)+(8/20) which leaves us with 23/20 or 1 and 3/20. In summary, find the common denominator (20): 3/4 = 15/20, 2/5 = 8/20. Add: 15/20 + 8/20 = 23/20 or 1 3/20
Solve for x: 2x + 3(x - 4) = 5(x + 2)
The correct answer is
Expand parentheses: 2x + 3x - 12 = 5x + 10. Combine like terms: 5x - 12 = 5x + 10. Subtract 5x from both sides: -12 = 10. Since -12 ≠ 10, there is no solution.
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Expand parentheses: 2x + 3x - 12 = 5x + 10. Combine like terms: 5x - 12 = 5x + 10. Subtract 5x from both sides: -12 = 10. Since -12 ≠ 10, there is no solution.
Simplify: 3x² + 4(x + 2)² when x = 3
The correct answer is
Substitute x=3: 3(3²)+4(3+2)²=3(9)+4(5²)=27+4(25)=27+100=127
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Substitute x=3: 3(3²)+4(3+2)²=3(9)+4(5²)=27+4(25)=27+100=127
What is the 40th number in this sequence: 3, 7, 11, 15, 19...
The correct answer is
Pattern: Add 4 each time, arithmetic sequence. a = 3, d = 4, n = 40. Substitute the values into the general formula for the 40th term xn = a + d(n−1), xn = 3 + 4(40−1) = 159. The 40th term is 159
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Pattern: Add 4 each time, arithmetic sequence. a = 3, d = 4, n = 40. Substitute the values into the general formula for the 40th term xn = a + d(n−1), xn = 3 + 4(40−1) = 159. The 40th term is 159
Solve the system of equations: y = x - 3, 2x + y = 15
The correct answer is
Substitute y=x-3 into second: 2x+(x-3)=15, 3x-3=15, 3x=18, x=6. Then y=6-3=3. Solution: (6,3)
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Substitute y=x-3 into second: 2x+(x-3)=15, 3x-3=15, 3x=18, x=6. Then y=6-3=3. Solution: (6,3)
x/3 = 4y + 1. If y = 2, which of the following statements is not true?
The correct answer is
Substitute y=2: x/3=4(2)+1=9, so x=27. Check statements: x=27 is positive ✓, equals 27 ✓, divisible by 3 ✓, but 27 is odd, not even ✗
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Substitute y=2: x/3=4(2)+1=9, so x=27. Check statements: x=27 is positive ✓, equals 27 ✓, divisible by 3 ✓, but 27 is odd, not even ✗
Identify the function of the graph that passes through points (0, 3) and (2, 7)
The correct answer is
Find slope: m = (7-3)/(2-0) = 4/2 = 2. Y-intercept is 3 (point (0,3)). Equation: y = 2x + 3
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Find slope: m = (7-3)/(2-0) = 4/2 = 2. Y-intercept is 3 (point (0,3)). Equation: y = 2x + 3
