GAN Aptitude Test Study Guide
The GAN aptitude test is the first hurdle between you and a union apprenticeship at dozens of programs across the country. This guide covers what GAN HR is, which trades rely on its testing, exactly what is on the exam, how it is scored, and the most efficient way to prepare — so you walk in with a plan instead of a guess.
Take the free GAN HR aptitude practice testWhat is GAN HR?
GAN Human Resources Associates is a third-party testing and human-resources services company that specializes in the skilled trades and construction industries. GAN HR partners with Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) — the joint labor-management bodies that run union apprenticeship programs — to design, administer, and score aptitude tests for applicants. Rather than each JATC building its own exam from scratch, they contract GAN HR to provide a standardized, legally defensible screening process. GAN HR handles test scheduling, proctoring, scoring, and often the structured oral interview component as well. The company works with more than 50 programs across the United States.
Which trades and unions use the GAN test?
GAN HR administers aptitude tests for apprenticeship programs across multiple major trades. IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) locals use GAN testing for inside wireman and related electrical apprenticeships. UA (United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters) locals use it for plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter apprenticeships. UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners) locals use it for carpenter and millwright apprenticeships. Other building trades programs — including some HVAC and sheet metal programs — also work with GAN HR. The specific testing provider used by a particular local can change, so always confirm with the JATC you are applying to that GAN HR is their current provider before you prepare for a specific exam format.
What is on the GAN aptitude test?
The GAN aptitude test is divided into four sections. Numerical Computation covers basic arithmetic — fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percentages — without a calculator. This section rewards accuracy and speed; a few minutes of daily fraction drills in the weeks before your test will pay off more than any other single preparation activity. Numerical Reasoning tests your ability to apply math to real-world situations: converting units, solving ratios and proportions, working through basic algebra, and interpreting applied word problems the way a tradesperson would. Reading Comprehension presents two to four short technical passages — drawn from topics like safety procedures, apprenticeship agreements, blueprint conventions, or code definitions — followed by multiple-choice questions. Answer strictly from what the passage says; outside knowledge can lead you to the wrong answer if the passage frames something differently. Spatial Visualization (paper folding) asks you to mentally fold and unfold flat shapes to identify the resulting 3D object. Because this section requires diagrams, practice tests use number sequences instead, which test the same underlying pattern-recognition ability.
How is the GAN test scored?
GAN HR converts your raw score on each section into a scaled or percentile score. The written test score is typically combined with a structured oral interview score to produce a final rank score. Most programs require a minimum written score to move forward — commonly around 4 out of 9 on a scaled score, or roughly 70% correct — but simply reaching the minimum puts you near the bottom of the list. In competitive markets with many applicants, a score in the top tier is what gets you selected in the current round rather than the next. Applicants who meet the minimum but are not selected are often kept on an eligible list for one to two years and may be called as spots open.
Study tips for the GAN aptitude test
Fractions first: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers without a calculator is the highest-return skill you can drill before the test. Most applicants who fail the math sections do so because fraction fluency slowed them down under time pressure. Algebra second: two-step equations (solve for x) appear in the reasoning section and are straightforward once the mechanics are automatic. For reading comprehension, practice reading a short paragraph and answering a question from it — the key discipline is ignoring what you know from experience and answering only from the text. For mechanical reasoning, review lever systems (force × arm length), pulley mechanical advantage, gear ratios, hydraulic pressure multiplication, and thermal expansion. For sequences, practice identifying arithmetic progressions (constant difference), geometric progressions (constant ratio), triangular numbers, and decreasing-difference patterns. Take at least two full timed practice tests before your exam date so the pace feels familiar.
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Start the practice test →Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the GAN aptitude test?
The math is roughly high-school level — fractions, percentages, basic algebra, and ratios — but no calculator is allowed and the test is timed, so fluency matters as much as accuracy. The mechanical reasoning section is the hardest for applicants with no prior trades exposure. Most people who prepare seriously for two to four weeks see meaningful score improvement, particularly on the math sections.
Can I retake the GAN aptitude test if I don't score high enough?
Retake policies are set by each individual JATC, not by GAN HR. Most programs allow retesting after a waiting period — commonly six months to one year. If you are already on the eligible list, check with your local JATC about whether you can retest to improve your rank. Treat every attempt as your best shot.
Is this practice test the actual GAN HR exam?
No — this is a free practice test that mirrors the format and difficulty of the GAN aptitude test. The real exam is a proprietary instrument administered in person at a JATC testing site. Our questions reflect the actual sections (numerical computation, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension, and pattern recognition) and difficulty level so you can prepare effectively.
More free practice tests on the practice tests hub.