Direct Answer
Most IBEW locals require a minimum aptitude test score of 4 out of 9 to qualify for an interview. However, in major markets like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, a score of 6 or above is needed to be competitive for a spot. Your rank on the eligibility list — determined by your combined aptitude test and interview score — is what determines whether and when you get called.
IBEW Aptitude Test Score Requirements by Local
Written by Michael Briglio, IBEW Local 134 Journeyman Electrician — Chicago, IL.
This guide covers the minimum qualifying score, what “competitive” actually means in your market, how the composite ranking is calculated, and score thresholds for 32 major IBEW locals. Tiers are based on metro market size, union density, and typical applicant volume — not official IBEW publications, which rarely disclose specific score cutoffs.
Minimum Score
4 / 9
Most locals
Competitive (Tier 1)
6–7+
Major metros
Test Scale
1–9
NJATC scoring
The Difference Between Qualifying and Being Competitive
Every IBEW local sets a minimum score threshold. Score below it and you’re disqualified — no interview, no ranking, no spot. Score at or above it and you receive an interview invitation and a place on the eligibility list. This is where most applicants make a critical mistake: they conflate “qualified” with “going to get in.”
In a Tier 3 market like Cleveland or Kansas City, a score of 4 or 5 may place you high enough on the list to receive a call within one or two apprentice classes — typically 6 to 18 months. In a Tier 1 market like New York City or San Francisco, a score of 4 qualifies you technically but places you near the bottom of a list that may have hundreds of applicants ahead of you. You could wait five or more years and never get called before the list expires.
At a glance
Below 4
Disqualified
Cannot proceed. Must retake in a future enrollment period.
4
Eligible (barely)
Interview granted, but rank will be near the bottom in competitive markets.
5–6
Eligible (viable)
Competitive in Tier 3 markets. Borderline in Tier 2. Needs a strong interview in Tier 1.
7–8
Competitive
Strong rank in most markets. Tier 1 locals expect scores in this range.
9
Excellent
Maximum test score. Combined with a strong interview, near the top of any eligibility list.
How the Composite Ranking Works
Your position on the IBEW eligibility list is not determined by your aptitude test score alone. It is a weighted composite of two scores:
40–60%
Aptitude Test Score
Your 1–9 score from the NJATC-administered aptitude test. Normalized across all applicants in that enrollment cycle.
40–60%
Interview Score
Scored by a panel of union representatives and training coordinators. Covers communication, electrical knowledge, work history, and motivation.
The exact weighting varies by local and can change between enrollment cycles. Local 134 in Chicago, for example, has historically weighted the interview and aptitude test roughly equally — meaning a candidate who scored a 7 on the test and an 8 on the interview (on a 10-point scale) produces a composite roughly equivalent to: (7 × 0.50) + (8 × 0.50) = 7.5 composite.
A candidate who scored 6 on the test but 9 on the interview would produce: (6 × 0.50) + (9 × 0.50) = 7.5 composite — the same rank. This illustrates why interview preparation matters as much as test preparation.
Important caveat
Exact weighting formulas are not publicly disclosed by most locals. The figures above (40–60% each) reflect commonly reported ranges from applicant forums and JATC staff. Your local JATC is the authoritative source — ask them directly what weighting they use.
Score Requirements by Local — Competitiveness Tier
The 32 IBEW locals below are grouped into four competitiveness tiers. Tiers reflect typical applicant volume and market conditions — they are not official IBEW designations and can shift as construction activity changes.
“Target score” is the aptitude test score (1–9) needed to be a realistic candidate for an apprenticeship within one to two enrollment cycles under normal construction conditions.
Tier 1 — Very Competitive
Score 6+ to be competitive. Score 7+ is a strong candidacy. High applicant volume year-round.
Local 3
New York, NY
Target Score
7+
Highest volume in the country. Interview process extremely selective.
Local 6
San Francisco, CA
Target Score
7+
Bay Area tech construction inflates demand. Spots fill fast.
Local 11
Los Angeles, CA
Target Score
7+
LA metro draws massive applicant pools every enrollment period.
Local 26
Washington, DC
Target Score
6+
DC metro. Federal infrastructure projects sustain year-round competition.
Local 46
Seattle, WA
Target Score
6+
Seattle. Data center and EV infrastructure boom elevated demand.
Local 103
Boston, MA
Target Score
6+
Boston. Dense union market, limited apprentice seats each cycle.
Local 134
Chicago, IL
Target Score
6+
Chicago. Michael Briglio's local. Union density keeps competition high.
Local 332
San Jose, CA
Target Score
7+
San Jose / Silicon Valley. Extremely high construction wages draw applicants from across the state.
Tier 2 — Competitive
Score 5–6 to be competitive. Construction booms add slots but the applicant pool stays large.
Local 22
Denver, CO
Target Score
5–6
Denver. Population growth drives consistent construction demand.
Local 48
Portland, OR
Target Score
5–6
Portland. Growing market; tech sector construction raised the bar.
Local 98
Philadelphia, PA
Target Score
5–6
Philadelphia. Solid union market; construction activity tied to manufacturing rebounds.
Local 357
Las Vegas, NV
Target Score
5–6
Las Vegas. Resort and convention center construction sustains the market.
Local 429
Phoenix, AZ
Target Score
5–6
Phoenix. Rapid metro growth; semiconductor fabs created a hiring surge.
Local 520
Houston, TX
Target Score
5–6
Houston. Petrochemical and industrial construction creates consistent openings.
Local 569
San Diego, CA
Target Score
5–6
San Diego. Steady defense and biotech construction keeps the pool full.
Local 716
Dallas, TX
Target Score
5–6
Dallas. Right-to-work state but strong union work in commercial high-rise.
Tier 3 — Moderate
Score 4–5 may qualify. A strong interview can compensate for a borderline test score.
Local 1
St. Louis, MO
Target Score
4–5
St. Louis. Mid-size market; interview score weighs heavily on final rank.
Local 5
Pittsburgh, PA
Target Score
4–5
Pittsburgh. Reviving commercial sector but overall volume is moderate.
Local 38
Cleveland, OH
Target Score
4–5
Cleveland. Smaller applicant pool than Tier 1; interview matters a lot.
Local 58
Detroit, MI
Target Score
4–5
Detroit. Automotive facility construction drives cyclical demand.
Local 76
Tacoma, WA
Target Score
4–5
Tacoma. Benefits from Seattle spillover; more accessible than Local 46.
Local 100
Kansas City, MO
Target Score
4–5
Kansas City. Consistent but moderate pace; a 5 with a great interview is viable.
Local 112
Atlanta, GA
Target Score
4–5
Atlanta area. High construction growth; check enrollment windows carefully.
Local 257
Nashville, TN
Target Score
4–5
Nashville. Fast-growing market; tier may rise as the city expands.
Local 349
Miami, FL
Target Score
4–5
Miami. Strong market but seasonal variation in construction hiring.
Local 613
Atlanta, GA
Target Score
4–5
Atlanta metro. Overlaps market with Local 112; separate JATC process.
Local 640
Phoenix, AZ
Target Score
4–5
Phoenix (East Valley). Distinct from Local 429; covers Scottsdale/Mesa area.
Local 683
Tampa, FL
Target Score
4–5
Tampa. Commercial and residential mix; verify current enrollment status.
Local 824
Orlando, FL
Target Score
4–5
Orlando. Theme park and resort construction creates periodic demand spikes.
Local 915
Tampa, FL
Target Score
4–5
Tampa Bay area. Separate JATC from Local 683; confirm which covers your county.
Tier 4 — Standard
Minimum requirements apply. Verify current thresholds directly with the local JATC.
Local 99
Providence, RI
Target Score
4+
Providence, RI. Minimum requirements apply; contact the JATC for current info.
Local 102
Paterson, NJ
Target Score
4+
Paterson, NJ. Verify directly with JATC — enrollment windows vary.
How Construction Demand Affects Your Odds
The tiers above reflect typical market conditions, but construction cycles can move a local up or down by a full tier in just 12–18 months. Here’s why:
Infrastructure spending booms
Federal infrastructure bills, semiconductor fab construction, data center buildouts, and clean energy projects (solar farms, EV charging networks) all require massive amounts of union electrical labor. When projects like these are awarded in a local's jurisdiction, the JATC may run two to three apprentice classes per year instead of one. More classes = more spots = more applicants called = easier to get in even with a lower rank.
Economic slowdowns
When commercial real estate stalls, interest rates rise, or federal spending contracts, locals reduce the number of apprentice classes. An eligibility list that would have placed you in the second class during a boom year might not reach your rank for three or four years during a downturn. This is when having a 7+ score rather than a 5 is the difference between getting in and aging off the list.
How to track local activity
Call the JATC and ask: "How many apprentice classes did you run last year and how many are you planning this year?" A local running two classes of 30 = 60 new slots per year. If there are 200 people ahead of you on the list, that's a three-year wait. If they're running four classes of 40 due to a major project, you could be called in 18 months.
How to Find Your Local’s Exact Requirements
IBEW locals do not publish minimum score cutoffs publicly — the information below is the most reliable way to get the actual number for your area.
Find your local's JATC website
Search for your local number at NJATC.org or go directly to your local union website and find the apprenticeship or JATC link. Most JATC sites have a “How to Apply” or “Apprenticeship Requirements” page that lists the current minimum qualifying score.
Call the JATC office during business hours
Call and ask these specific questions: “What is the current minimum qualifying score on the aptitude test?” and “When is your next open enrollment period?” JATC staff are generally helpful — this is a routine question they answer regularly. Note: some locals only open enrollment once or twice a year.
Check Apprenticeship.gov
The Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship.gov lists registered apprenticeship programs including IBEW locals. While it does not always have the current minimum score, it will confirm whether a program is actively enrolling and provide contact information for the JATC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum IBEW aptitude test score?▾
Most IBEW locals require a minimum aptitude test score of 4 out of 9 to qualify for an interview. Scoring below 4 disqualifies you from that enrollment cycle — you will need to retake the test during the next open enrollment period. Qualifying with a 4 does not guarantee an apprenticeship; it means you advance to the interview and are placed on an eligibility list ranked by your composite score.
What score do I need for Local 134 — Chicago IBEW?▾
Local 134 in Chicago is a Tier 1 highly competitive market. The minimum qualifying score is 4 out of 9, but to be realistically competitive you need a 6 or higher. A score of 7 or above puts you in a strong position. The composite ranking combines your aptitude test score (weighted roughly 40–60%) with your interview score (40–60%). Applicants who score a 6 on the test and perform excellently in the interview can outrank someone who scored a 7 but interviewed poorly.
What score do I need for Local 3 — New York IBEW?▾
Local 3 in New York City is one of the most competitive IBEW locals in the country due to the sheer volume of applicants. The minimum qualifying score is 4 out of 9, but candidates routinely need a 7 or higher to receive an interview invitation within a reasonable timeframe. Scoring an 8 or 9 maximizes your ranking points and gives you the best shot at being called in the first or second apprentice class after your enrollment.
Can I improve my ranking after a low test score?▾
Yes — to a meaningful degree. Your final composite rank is a weighted combination of your aptitude test score and your interview score. If your test score is a 5 (borderline in most markets), an exceptional interview can bring your composite rank high enough to be competitive at Tier 3 and some Tier 2 locals. However, in Tier 1 markets like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, a sub-6 test score is very difficult to overcome even with a perfect interview, because the applicant pool contains many candidates with both strong test scores and strong interviews.
What if my test score is above 4 but I never get called?▾
This is common — especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets during economic slowdowns. Your eligibility list position is fixed after your test and interview, but how many applicants are called depends on how many apprentice classes the local runs each year. During slow construction periods, a local might take only one class of 20–30 apprentices. If you ranked 80th on the list, you may wait years. Options: (1) Check whether you can retake the test to improve your score in a future enrollment cycle. (2) Consider applying to a neighboring local with lower competition. (3) Contact the JATC to understand where you rank and how many classes they expect to run.
About this guide
Written by Michael Briglio, an IBEW Local 134 journeyman electrician in Chicago, IL. Competitiveness tiers reflect applicant-reported outcomes, JATC staff conversations, and trade forum data — not official IBEW publications. Score thresholds shift with construction activity. Always verify current requirements with your local JATC before applying. Last reviewed June 2026.