IBEW Apprenticeship Waiting List — What to Do While You Wait
You passed the aptitude test, nailed the interview, made the eligibility list — and now you wait. Here's how the waiting list works, what affects your rank, and what to actually do with the time.
How Long Is the Wait?
Wait times vary dramatically. Smaller locals might call you within 6 months. Larger urban locals (Chicago Local 134, NYC Local 3, LA Local 11) can have 1-3 year waits.
What Affects Your Ranking
- Aptitude test score — math weighted more heavily
- Interview score — combined with aptitude for composite
- Veteran status — most locals award bonus points
- Local relations: some locals award points for related experience
What to Do While Waiting
- Pre-apprenticeship programs — community college or trade school courses look good on your file
- Electrical helper jobs — non-union contractors hire helpers; you get real experience
- OSHA 10 certification — free or low-cost, shows initiative
- NEC study — get a 2026 NEC and start reading Articles 200-250, 300-310, 400
- Retake the aptitude test — if your score isn’t competitive, retake after the waiting period
Can You Retake to Improve Your Ranking?
Yes — and you should if your current score isn’t calling-list competitive. Most locals only count your highest score. A retake can move you significantly up the ranking.
Want to improve your rank?
Take the free practice test, drill your weak areas, and retake the NJATC when eligible.
Take the Free Practice TestFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the IBEW apprenticeship waiting list?
Waiting list length varies dramatically by local — anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. Larger urban locals tend to have longer waits. Your rank on the list (based on aptitude + interview score) determines how soon you get called.
What can I do while waiting for my IBEW call?
Pre-apprenticeship programs, electrical helper jobs, NEC study, or retaking the aptitude test to improve your score and ranking can all increase your odds and prepare you for the apprenticeship when the call comes.
Can I retake the IBEW aptitude test while on the waiting list?
Yes, after the waiting period (typically 6 months to 1 year). Most locals only count your highest score, so a retake can improve your ranking. Confirm policy with your specific JATC.
Does the IBEW waiting list expire?
Most locals keep applicants on the eligibility list for 1-2 years before requiring a fresh application. The clock resets if you reapply.
Related Resources
Michael B.
IBEW Local 134 Journeyman Electrician · Licensed Electrical Contractor
Michael is a licensed electrical contractor and IBEW Local 134 journeyman with years of field experience. He built Sparky AI after ChatGPT gave him wrong NEC code information on a job — costing him $800 in callbacks. Every answer in Sparky AI is verified against the actual NEC.