A qualifying score usually gets you to the interview, not into a class. In the ALLIANCE process, a committee from NECA and the IBEW interviews you, and the interview plus a review of your qualifications gives you an overall ranking. Seats are then offered in rank order. So the weeks after the test are for interview practice and for making your file as strong as you can.
What the programs say happens next
- Results. Scores reach the program about two to four weeks after the test. Ask your program how it shares results.
- Interview. Austin’s panel is made up of members from labor and management. San Antonio interviews applicants who score 4 or higher, usually monthly on the fourth Tuesday.
- Rank. Austin says your interview score decides your rank on the list. San Antonio ranks each applicant after the interview.
- Offers. Austin fills new classes in rank order until they are full. San Antonio makes offers monthly from the ranking list.
- How long you stay on the list. The ALLIANCE page says your name stays on an eligibility list for two years. Ask your program what its own rule is.
Free tool: the weeks after the test
Tick each step as you finish it. Nothing is saved.
While you wait for results
Before the interview
After the interview
Practice for the test and the interview
Made by Tsai Electro. The kit includes 20 interview answers and a mock interview to help you prepare for the interview stage. Independent study material, not affiliated with or endorsed by IBEW, NECA, the electrical training ALLIANCE or any JATC.
Electrical Apprenticeship Aptitude Test and Interview Kit (U.S. Edition)
Five PDFs, US$39 once, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
A printed practice book for a retest
Applying to a program that uses an aptitude test or an interview? The Electrical Apprenticeship Aptitude & Interview Kit (U.S. Edition) has 6 timed aptitude simulations based on the published test format, 20 interview questions with a weak and a strong answer each, and an 8-question timed mock interview with a scoring sheet. US$39, one payment, full refund within 30 days if not downloaded.
Useful if you need to qualify for an interview or your program confirms that a retest could help your application. These books are independent and are not official ALLIANCE material. The official sample questions are free on the ALLIANCE site, linked in the sources.
Electrician Apprentice Secrets Study Guide (Mometrix), IBEW aptitude test prep
As an Amazon Associate, Tsai Electro earns from qualifying purchases.
See the Mometrix study guide on AmazonPrices and stock change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy.
Track this skill and the rest of your route with ET Member
ET Member tracks your skill progress on the career map, keeps an apprentice hours log in your account, and shows your weakest exam topics.
Monthly: 7-day free trial, then US$14.99 a month. Yearly: US$99 a year. Cancel anytime from your account.
Log your Texas Journeyman hours free. A free Tsai Electro account keeps your supervised hours, your online practice scores and your exam date in one place. Start with a five-question check to see which topic to practice next.
Sources
- electrical training ALLIANCE, Applying for Apprenticeship
- Austin Electrical Training Alliance, Apprentice Program
- South Texas JATC, Selection Process
Book details come from each Amazon listing, checked October 16, 2026. Prices and editions change, so check the listing.
