NJATC Aptitude Test 2025: Guide and Tips
Jul 14, 2025
The NJATC aptitude test is designed to be used as a pre-screening tool for individuals who are applying for electrical apprenticeships.
What Is the NJATC Aptitude Test?
If you are hoping to work as an electrician in the US, it is likely that you will want to join an apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn the skills that you will need to work professionally within a trade.
Before you can be accepted onto an apprenticeship course, it is likely that you will need to have first passed the NJATC.
This is an assessment that is designed to help narrow down the field of candidates before you begin apprenticeship interviews.
The test is approved by both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) apprenticeship programs, and passing the test is required before joining an accredited apprenticeship scheme.
Prepare for the NJATC Test with JobTestPrep
Other Names for the NJATC Aptitude Test
Like many other tests, the NJATC aptitude test is also known by a number of other names.
These include:
- IBEW Aptitude Test
- JATC Test
How Is the NJATC Exam Formatted?
When you take the NJATC, you will find that it is made up of two sections:
- Algebra and functions test – You will need to display basic math skills such as subtraction and multiplication, as well as your ability to use algebra and solve equations.
- Reading comprehension – You will be shown a series of passages. Each passage will have a question that needs to be answered.
The test contains a total of 69 multiple-choice questions. This is a timed assessment.
You will have a total of 97 minutes to complete the test but you are allowed to take a break between each section.
Most people find that they need to allocate around three hours to complete the test; this allows for delays in test administration and breaks between sections.
You will not be allowed to use a calculator during the math section of the test but you will be given paper if you wish to write down your calculations.
Unlike many other assessments, you cannot complete the NJATC Aptitude test online at home. You will be required to attend a designated assessment centre where you will complete the test under the supervision of an adjudicator.
Prepare for the NJATC Test with JobTestPrep
What Are the Minimum Requirements for Taking the NJATC Exam?
You are not required to have any specific skills or knowledge of electricals before taking the assessment, but there are a few minimum requirements:
- You must be at least 17 years old when you apply for the test and at least 18 when you take it.
- You must have a GED.
- You must have completed at least one year of algebra within your education.
- You must have a valid photo ID – in some states, this must be a driver’s licence.
- You must be generally in good health.
NJATC Aptitude Test Scoring Standards
Once you have completed the test, your answers will be sent off for evaluation.
You will be given a score between one and nine. In most cases, you will require a score of at least four to move on to the interview stages.
You are only scored on the number of correct answers that you give, so it is important to answer as many questions as possible, even if you aren’t sure of the answer.
Generally, the higher your score is, the better your chance is of being successful, so you should always try to score as highly as possible.
When your score has been calculated, you will usually receive an email telling you whether or not you have passed. If you have been successful, you will move to the next stage, which is generally in-person interviews.
If you have not achieved the required score, you will need to wait at least six months before you can take the NJATC aptitude test again.
Prepare for the NJATC Test with JobTestPrep
NJATC Practice Test Questions – Algebra and Functions
Below are four NJATC Aptitude Test sample questions to give you an idea of what sort of content will be on the exam.
1. Complete the sequence:
5 | 9 | 13 | __ | 21
a) 17
b) 18
c) 16
d) 19
The correct answer is: a)
The pattern to add four to each number to get the subsequent number.
So 13 + 4 = 17 (and 17 + 4 = 21)
2. Calculate the answer:
What is 7 x 12?
a) 77
b) 80
c) 84
d) 91
The correct answer is: c)
3. Solve the problem:
If X = 4 and Y = 5, what is (XY) – 3?
a) 20
b) 19
c) 18
d) 17
The correct answer is: c)
This is because XY – 3 can be translated as (4 x 5) – 3
You should always complete the sum within the brackets first, so you would calculate that 4 x 5 is 20 and then deduct 3 from the answer, giving the solution of 17.
4. Complete the sequence:
__ | 17 | 25 | 33 | 41
a) 9
b) 0
c) 10
d) 5
The correct answer is: a)
The pattern is to subtract 8 from the previous number, so 17 – 8 = 9.
Prepare for the NJATC Test with JobTestPrep
NJATC Practice Test Questions – Reading Comprehension
1. Jenny didn’t like running. She didn’t like the way that it made her face red and puffy. She much preferred walking.
Which words are adjectives?
a) 'running' and 'walking'
b) 'she' and 'her'
c) 'red' and 'puffy'
d) 'didn’t' and 'made'
The correct answer is: c)
‘Didn’t’ is a verb; ‘made’ is an adverb; ‘running’ and ‘walking’ (in this instance) are nouns; ‘she’ and ‘her’ are pronouns.
2. When you are making a cake, the first thing that you should do is measure out your ingredients. Then, you begin by beating together the butter and sugar in a bowl. Once this is done, you should add your eggs once at a time before adding vanilla extract. You should add the flour last and this should be done gradually. The ingredients should be beaten together until they form a smooth batter.
What is the third thing that you should do when making a cake?
a) Add the flour
b) Add the eggs
c) Measure the ingredients
d) Put the butter and sugar in a bowl
The correct answer is: b)
The first thing is to measure out your ingredients; the second (denoted by the word ‘then’) is to mix the butter and sugar, which leaves the third step, which is to add the eggs.
3. When John looked around the shop, he couldn’t find what he was looking for. His mother had sent him to purchase a very specific blue telephone with a duck print on the back. His mother loved ducks and was keen to add it to her collection. He assumed that the store owner must have already sold it, but he was too nervous to ask. He found himself wandering aimlessly around the store in the hope that the telephone would appear. He must have looked rather odd in his big, brown overcoat, clutching a $20 bill in his hand. He couldn’t go home without it, mother would be rather cross. But where else could he possibly find a telephone matching the description he had been given?
Using the information given in the text, which emotion would you say John was feeling?
a) Excited
b) Angry
c) Anxious
d) Sleepy
The correct answer is: c)
It is fair to deduce that John may be feeling anxious, as the text says he couldn’t go home without the item as his mother would be ‘rather cross’. The text also says that he was too nervous to ask the store clerk.
4. Although the exact date is unknown, it is widely believed that the first printing press was invented around 1436. The invention of the printing press changed the way that people accessed information throughout the world. Suddenly it was much less expensive to produce texts, which meant that more people could afford to own them. This led to an increase in literacy, whereas previously reading had been a skill reserved for priests and the very wealthy.
When was the printing press invented?
a) Around lunchtime
b) Around 1459
c) Around 12BC
d) Around 1436
The correct answer is: d)
The first line of text states that ‘it is widely believed that the first printing press was invented around 1436’.
Prepare for the NJATC Test with JobTestPrep
How to Prepare for the NJATC Aptitude Test in March 2025
While there are no specific minimum requirements, it can help to boost your confidence if you do NJATC Aptitude test prep before the big day.
This, in turn, can help you to perform to the best of your ability on the day.
Take NJATC Practice Tests
One of the best things that you can do is to take NJATC Aptitude practice tests.
NJATC Aptitude test sample questions can help, but they won’t give you a broad enough spectrum of the questions you may face in the real test.
By taking these NJATC Aptitude practice tests, you will find a much wider variety.
You will also be able to pinpoint any particular questions that you find harder. This will then mean that you can focus your revision in these areas.
Practice Being Timed
You will have a total of three hours to complete both sections of the test. Because of this, it is important to make sure that you are used to working within a time limit.
This is where NJATC Aptitude test study guides and practice tests come in handy. Try timing yourself when you are answering practice questions, and remember that accuracy is just as important as being able to complete the test.
Look After Yourself
It may sound obvious, but it is important to look after yourself ahead of any test.
This will include things like making sure that you get enough sleep, eating a filling breakfast on the morning of the assessment and practicing mindfulness or calming techniques if you feel nervous.
Prepare for the NJATC Test with JobTestPrep
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NJATC aptitude test?
The NJATC test is a two-part assessment that is required to join an accredited electrician apprenticeship scheme in the US.
What online tools can I use to prepare for the NJATC aptitude test?
There are a number of options for practice questions and other tools online that can help you to prepare. Websites such as JobTestPrep can provide you with information and practice questions. There are also NJATC Aptitude test study guides available online.
How many questions are there on the NJATC aptitude test?
There are 69 questions in total, which are split into two sections.
What jobs require passing the NJATC aptitude test?
If you wish to be an electrician, you will need to have passed the NJATC aptitude test. This test is required for all electrical apprenticeships in the US.
What are the requirements to be eligible for the NJATC aptitude test?
There are a number of requirements to take the NJATC, including:
- Candidates must be aged over 18.
- Candidates are required to hold a GED and have completed at least one year of algebra within their education.
- Candidates must have a valid photo ID.
- Candidates will need to ensure that they are generally fit and healthy.
What is a passing score on the NJATC aptitude test?
In most situations, you will be required to score at least four. However, the higher your score is, the more chance you have of being successful, so you should always aim for the highest score you can.
Can I retake the NJATC aptitude test if I fail?
Yes, you can retake the test as many times as you want, but you must wait at least six months in between attempts.
What is the next step after taking the NJATC aptitude test?
Once you have completed the assessment, you will be sent an email with your results. If you have achieved the required score, then you will move through to the next stage of the process. This is usually in-person interviews.
If you have not been successful, then you will need to wait at least six months before you can try again.
Prepare for the NJATC Test with JobTestPrep
Final Thoughts
A career as an electrician has a broad scope for progression, which makes it appealing for those who enjoy a challenge.
If you are considering becoming an electrician, then it is likely that you will be considering apprenticeships as your way into the industry.
Before you can begin any apprenticeship, you will be required to undertake an interview process that is designed to make sure that the best possible candidates are able to reach their potential.
The NJATC aptitude test is an essential part of this process, and passing this assessment is required to successfully move onto the next stage.
Taking the time to understand what the assessment is expecting of you and the style of questioning that you may face can have a significant impact on how well you are able to perform on the day.
Being able to perform to the best of your ability can help you to reach your career goals easier.
