Minimum requirements for local JATCs may include any of the following:

• Minimum age requirement
• Show evidence of successful completion of one full year of high school algebra with a passing grade, or one post high school algebra course with a passing grade.
• Be at least a high school graduate, or have a GED, or in lieu of a high school diploma or GED, have a two-year Associate Degree or higher
• Provide an official transcript for high school and post high school education and training. If applicable, GED records must be submitted

Minimum requirements can be waived if you have been working in the electrical construction industry and meet specific work hour requirements (you must provide undisputable documentation of work hour experience).

If you meet the basic requirements, you will be scheduled to take the NJATC aptitude test battery – if required. The test battery consists of two tests. It will take approximately two and a half hours to complete. The number of items and the amount of time allotted for each test are shown below:

Number of Name of Test Number of Items Minutes
Algebra and Functions 33 46
Reading Comprehension 36 51

You will take a short break between the Algebra and Functions Test and the Reading Comprehension Test.

Approximately two to four weeks after you take the test battery, your local JATC will receive the results. They will subsequently notify you concerning the disposition of your application. A full six (6) months must elapse before you may retake the test. The six month rule remains in effect after each subsequent retake of the test. PLEASE NOTE: WILLFUL ATTEMPTS TO VIOLATE THIS RULE MAY RESULT IN PERMANENT DISQUALIFICATION.

If you obtain a qualifying score on the test battery, you will be scheduled for an oral interview. You will be interviewed by a committee representing both NECA and the IBEW. Based on the interview, and a review of your qualifications, you will
receive an overall ranking. Your name will be placed on an eligibility list for two (2) years. As new positions become available in the apprenticeship program, names will be taken off the respective eligibility list in order of the ranking score. If you are not selected to begin an apprenticeship during that two-year period, you will need to reapply if you are still interested.

Some apprenticeship programs have additional basic requirements such as drug testing, a physical examination, security background check, or a valid driver’s license.