IBEW Reading Comprehension Skills 5

Question 1

A passage reads: 'The IBEW Aptitude Test is designed to assess a candidate's ability to learn electrical trade skills. It consists of two sections: algebra and functions, and reading comprehension. Both sections are timed.' According to this, what does the test measure?

Accepted Answer

Potential to learn electrical skills, not existing knowledge

Answer

The passage states the test assesses the 'ability to learn' electrical trade skills, indicating it measures potential and aptitude rather than existing knowledge.

Question 2

A job posting reads: 'Applicants must possess a valid state journeyman electrician license. Reciprocal licenses from other states may be accepted at the discretion of the hiring authority.' What does 'reciprocal' mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

A license issued by one state that may be recognized by another

Answer

A reciprocal license is one issued by another state that the hiring state may recognize and accept as equivalent to its own license.

Question 3

An electrical blueprint note reads: 'ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. VERIFY ALL DIMENSIONS IN FIELD BEFORE INSTALLATION.' What should an electrician do FIRST upon receiving these plans?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the actual field measurements before starting work

Answer

The note explicitly instructs workers to 'verify all dimensions in field before installation,' meaning field measurements must be confirmed before starting work.

Question 4

A passage reads: 'When a conductor is installed in a conduit with other conductors, its ampacity must be derated due to the effects of mutual heating. The more current-carrying conductors present, the greater the derating factor applied.' This means that adding more conductors to a conduit:

Accepted Answer

Requires each conductor to carry less current than its rated capacity

Answer

Derating means reducing the allowable current below the conductor's rated ampacity; more conductors cause more mutual heating, requiring greater derating (lower allowable current).

Question 5

A union agreement states: 'Overtime shall be defined as any hours worked in excess of eight (8) hours in a single workday or forty (40) hours in a single workweek, whichever results in the greater total overtime pay for the employee.' An electrician works 10 hours Monday and 6 hours each remaining day (Tue–Fri). How many overtime hours are earned by daily calculation?

Accepted Answer

2 overtime hours

Answer

Only Monday exceeds 8 hours (10 – 8 = 2 overtime hours); all other days are 6 hours, which is below the 8-hour daily threshold.

IBEW - Aptitude Test Practice Test

IBEW - Aptitude Test Practice Test

IBEW Reading Comprehension Skills 5