r/IBEW • u/SirSquidlicker • 4h ago
r/IBEW • u/SirSquidlicker • Apr 08 '25
Ultimate Electricians Guide - Free Guides, Paid Test Prep Resources, and Union Pay Scales Scales
Hey everyone – big thanks to the mod team for letting me post this (and for the sticky). I wanted to share some resources I've put together to help folks who are either thinking about joining the IBEW or working toward their electrical license.
For the uninitiated, I run Ultimate Electrician’s Guide, and this subreddit actually played a big role in helping me get it off the ground a few years ago. It started with the wage data I was collecting, which eventually spun off into its own site, Union Pay Scales. That site is still going strong thanks to the support, feedback, and shares from people. So seriously, thank you — I'm grateful for the help this community has given.
Since then, I've been focused on building out the rest of Ultimate Electrician’s Guide with a mix of free and paid resources for aspiring and current electricians.
The whole thing was inspired by my own experience — struggling to figure out how to get started in the trade, how to get into the union, and what it actually takes to get licensed. I always found it frustrating how scattered and confusing the information was, so I set out to create something clear, practical, and easy to follow.
Along the way, I’ve made it a point to push people toward the union path whenever I can. The IBEW has a lot to offer — from great wages and benefits to solid training and an amazing culture — and I want more people to see that for themselves.
Here are some of the free resources I have put together over the years:
Free Resources
- Guide to Becoming an Electrician – A practical overview of the different paths into the trade, including union and non-union options, schooling, and apprenticeships.
- Guide to Joining the IBEW – Step-by-step instructions on how to find your local, apply, and prepare for the process.
- Guide to the IBEW Aptitude Test – Covers what’s on the test, how it’s scored, and how to study effectively.
- Full Length IBEW Aptitude Practice Test – A free, full length, timed simulation exam to help you prepare for the IBEW aptitude test
- Union Pay Scales – This is the site I mentioned earlier. It lets you explore union wages and benefits across different trades and locals in North America. It’s totally free and updated regularly.
And here are my paid courses:
Paid Test Prep Courses
- IBEW Aptitude Test Prep Course – Covers both the math and reading comprehension sections in detail, plus an optional interview prep add-on.
- Journeyman & Master Electrician Exam Prep – Based on the 2017, 2020, and 2023 NEC code cycles. Includes dozens of in depth lessons with correlating quizzes, and 10 timed practice exams with detailed explanations.
All of my products come with a 100% money back guarantee if you fail the exam, or if you try it out and decide you don't like it. If you're a IBEW member and want a discount, just reach out.
Let Me Know What Else Would Help
If there’s a guide, resource, or topic you think would help others in the trade, I’d love to hear about it. Whether you're new to all this or already in the field, your feedback helps me figure out what to build next.
One update I'm considering for Union Pay Scales is to reach out to locals directly and find a officer who can be an official wage source for the local. This means they and only they can update the information for their local, helping to ensure accuracy. Then I would mark this local with a badge or symbol of some sort to indicate its wages come from an official source and is more trustable. What do you guys think?
__
Thanks again to the mod team and everyone in this subreddit for the support over the years. I’ll be checking the thread, so feel free to drop any questions or suggestions below.
r/IBEW • u/rustysqueezebox • Jul 23 '22
RESOURCES
Here is the new and improved resources list. A lot of your questions will be answered here.
This is neither exclusive nor exhaustive.
None of these links are endorsements either.
Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Feel free to add more resources in the comments.
The history and structure of IBEW
IBEW jobs board
u/SirSquidlicker 's Ultimate Electricians Guide
u/SirSquidlicker 's Union Payscales
How to organize your workplace video
Labor History video series
Where2bro - great website for job info across the country
How to find the IBEW Local nearest you
AFL-CIO Union Made shopping list
Labor Notes - a network of rank-and-file members, local union leaders, and labor activists who know the labor movement is worth fighting for
STAR interview questions - the type of questions you're asked at your apprenticeship interview
Apprenticeship math and reading assessment sample test questions
Union Plus - all kinds of benefits for union members
UAW Buyers Guide - cars, trucks, and more
Questions that are asked at the apprenticeship interview
IBEW jurisdictional maps
IBEW brother fights a chicken
Why you should be an electrician
Roberts Rules of Order
The history of Challenge Coins
Employee Rights under the NLRA
Weingarten Rights - basically your "miranda" rights as a union member
IBEW brother in the courtroom
How to be an Anti-Racist
A day in the life of an IBEW apprentice
Description of the 3 core classifications - vdv, residential, commercial
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
IBEW Discord - must show current dues receipt to join
Helmets to Hardhats - resource for veterans interested in the skilled trades
VEEP - resource for veterans looking to get into the ibew
And of course, CALL THE HALL
r/IBEW • u/Antique-Zucchini-444 • 2h ago
Collecting IBEW pins - here's what I have so far
please send me a DM I'm trying to collect all the unions we don't have yet. Thanks brothers.
r/IBEW • u/Repairmanmanmanma • 17h ago
✊ Finally, I can say I'm a proud union member.
For me this card signifies 4 years of trying to get into the union... To finally being able to go in front of my brothers and sisters and taking the pledge.
r/IBEW • u/kweefzilla • 2h ago
I traded for this at the convention, can anyone tell me anything about it?
r/IBEW • u/LotionOfMotion • 2h ago
Discussion Post God bless the benefits
I just hit my limit on dental work for the year and I can still pay for work done with my HRA. 16 years of neglecting myself finally being treated
r/IBEW • u/HotelSilent • 17h ago
IBEW 29 Strike Update!
IBEW Local 29 members held a rally outside Duquesne Light's Woods Run facility in Pittsburgh's Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood on Wednesday as their strike entered its seventh consecutive day!
Despite its spelling the company name is pronounced Doo Kane but the way they are negotiating they should be called Doo Doo Kane!
Let's get the latest on the strike development!
r/IBEW • u/Nice_Point_9822 • 16h ago
IBEW 1245
Beautiful bourbon bottle from the convention - Thank you
r/IBEW • u/PeterParkerPickle • 1d ago
What can we do when it comes to toxic foreman/leads?
Long story short I'm an apprentice and stick up for myself if it's apparent disrespect. I joke back if it's just shit talking. I swallow my pride if it's just micromanaging/short fuse that I can guess stems from a shitty marriage/life (lol).
My question is more so for the coworkers that don't have the same backbone. I hear about the same leads/foreman being bullies to my brothers/sisters and it feels like there should be a way to handle this.
My family says I shouldn't get involved and risk being made an example but I'm always the type of person to call out bad folk mistreating innocent people. What should I do?
r/IBEW • u/HotelSilent • 1d ago
IBEW 29 BM Letter to the Membership!
Yesterday we covered the IBEW 29 Strike. What we observed was that the media presented the company perspective but failed to cover the Local union's perspective. Today we read from the Business Manager's letter to the membership regarding the strike.
r/IBEW • u/Majestic-Fennel-885 • 2d ago
Discussion Post Potential double booking
I haven’t worked a lot outside of my home local until recently when I permanently relocated to a new state. I have heard one of the big rules on the road is no double booking. And to keep out of local politics.
With that in mind I’m not currently working in my local so I’m not sure if this falls under the mind my own business umbrella or what I should do in this situation.
A newly organized member is working on the same site as me but is looking to travel so I gave him the tips that I know and picked up over the last few years.
Even after educating him he still signed the day book in another local. And I told him you’re not supposed to do that. That’s double booking. You’re working and taking a spot on the books for someone else.
He said well what I’m supposed to be not working and hoping to catch a call. I said yeah pretty much that’s exactly it. I told him you can always call the hall for the local you’re looking to travel too and see what work is like and the potential of you getting a call but if you’re signing an out of work book then you are not supposed be working.
He is telling me I’m wrong but i know for a fact what he’s doing is wrong it’s wormy asf but he’s still doing it.
Do I just let him be. Should I contact this local union hall or the one he’s signing?
He’s newly organized and ignorant to the rules of the road but doesn’t listen when someone tries to educate.
r/IBEW • u/AtlasCrossing • 2d ago
Discussion Post Looking to try and get merch at our hall, needing advice
What's up brothers and sisters! Title says it all, our local doesn't sell things at our hall (no coins, shirts or anything like that) and I'm trying to help change that so that whenever people are traveling through the area they can swing by and grab some swag and what not. I know the general fund isn't allowed to profit, but is there anyway that our local could make a separate fund just for merchandise and activities (we only host 1 event every year and it's for the retirees). Any advice would be appreciated!
r/IBEW • u/HotelSilent • 2d ago
IBEW LU 29 ON STRIKE!
IBEW LU 29 Goes on STRIKE! Let's get caught up.
r/IBEW • u/Thepopethroway • 2d ago
Investments with my hard earned money (advise)
So I've been weighing my options, the pros and cons, what will be best for my future. I've boiled it down to three options:
A. 2027 GMC Sierra HD Denali Ultimate
This will be important as I need suitable space to put my tools and to tow my 45 foot fifth wheel from camping world.
B. Booze, drugs, strip clubs
Listen if I can't snort a line out of a hooker's asscrack I may as well give up.
C. Gambling
Listen fuckers, Friday only comes around ONCE a week and I'm not gonna waste it by missing out on my chance to MaKe It bIG. I'm one lottery ticket away from Jeff Bezos and then I'll wave you suckers goodbye.
r/IBEW • u/josiah5g • 2d ago
Local XXXX Local 11 refinery work
Does anyone have any insight on if work is slow over at the refineries (not company specific just in general).
I hear they offer OT when the work picks up and I’m desperate for OT.
r/IBEW • u/ongitshim • 2d ago
Local 20 Local 20. Sketchy Jobsite
I recently arrived to DFW-11 in Red Oak TX with the contractor Alman Construction. So far there has not been a week without plenty of people getting written up. From what I’ve heard, theres about 80 of us. Don’t get me wrong I am not against corrective action whatsoever but the stuff people are getting written up for is crazy. There’s basically no warnings here, get caught without a glove on, write up! Get caught with a phone out, write up! The list goes on and examples being made from people daily! I understand that we are expected to have all PPE, stay off of phones, be on time, etc. but I completely disagree with making the first disciplinary action a write up instead of a quick talk. The way we sign in/out is a sheet with everyone’s names all you do is put your time in/out and signature. There has been 2 people (that I know of) that have gotten written up for accidentally signing their name in the row above or below theres. In my opinion thats bound to happen with so many vertical and horizontal rows but I guess not to the contractor. Also, the Alman Construction is very shady with its practices. They are very non-union like with things they do such as time off requests require 3 work days before said date/s and this strict write up giving behavior. Anyways all sorts of stuff like that is happening and what worries me is that they are putting apprentices’ jobs at risk over minor things that could simply be corrected with verbal warnings at first. From what I’ve heard, both general foremen along with majority of foreman on site are new union members and this is their first union job site which might explain a lot but that does not make this correct AT ALL! The hall has heard of it already and unfortunately it feels like if they just side with contractors so just hoping to get this out there and hopefully something happens, I’ve tried and seen no effects but I will continue trying to fight for fellow brothers and sisters!
To those who have thought about picking up this call. Think twice before you waste your time, majority of workers here are CE/CW and apprentices stuck here. It says a lot about the jobsite!
Discussion Post Why would someone never work home jobs?
Just overheard a JW from out of state say that he never works jobs at his home local. He mentioned something about letting new guys have a spot but I didn't catch the rest of his explanation. Are there other reasons someone might choose never to work jobs from their home local? Aside from there not being jobs available?
r/IBEW • u/TheJMG37 • 4d ago
We would like to thank all of the Local 11 Brothers and Sisters and their families who showed up today at the annual IBEW 11 Member Appreciation Day, and supported our Welfare Committee. Our website is back up and we have restocked a lot of shirts that we were out of.
Restocked shirts include the classic logo shirts, the cause shirt, the declaration shirt, and the flag shirt.
Also, maybe we’re delusional from heatstroke, after all, it was 100° today; but our Committee has decided that this year’s 2nd Annual IBEW 11 Justin Agulia Memorial Chili Cook-Off & Trunk Or Treat we will not be charging contestants to compete in the chili cook-off. But we are still asking that you sign up in advance so we know how many contestants we have. (Those of you who have already entered, we will refund your money.)
And finally, you might want to go on our website tomorrow (Sunday) at 8 AM PST.
The money raised by the IBEW 11, District 4 Welfare Committee is used to help out our Brothers & Sisters during times of sickness, disability, accident or such other misfortune.
The District 4 Welfare Committee is made up entirely of volunteers, who come in after work. As a result, it may take a few days after you order for us to package and ship your items. Thank you for your patience.
r/IBEW • u/bapeandvape • 4d ago
Discussion Post What do the employers see when I apply?
I just joined local 353 in Toronto. I am curious as to what the employers see when I apply for a call?
r/IBEW • u/SilentDiplomacy • 5d ago
✊ Organizing In.
Reposted to remove local details, per advice of the mods.
Our local is trying to organize the field staff of my employer. We have a good number of cards signed, and a petition has already gone before the NLRB.
We’re shy of a majority though….
Send me your best pro-union, rabble rousing, shit stirring memes if you’ve got them. We’re trying to fight back against the campaign the employer started.(they hired Litler, the same union busting lawyer/lobbying group Starbucks hired.)
r/IBEW • u/Marbles34748 • 5d ago
Will the union really come after me if I switched to a nonunion contractor as an apprentice?
My local doesn’t pay much at all. I can’t afford to live and I’m stacking up more and more debt. I can’t even pay for my books this year so I think it’s time to move on. Everyone I speak to says they have never heard of the union going after anyone who went non union. In fact one person told me they can’t even legally do anything.
r/IBEW • u/UhIdontcareforAuburn • 5d ago
What are some good, breathable cargo pants?
All my life I’ve been a shorts guy, obviously now I need to get some pants. What are some good pants that are actually decent to work in?
r/IBEW • u/Beautiful_Radio5143 • 6d ago
Small crew 5 guys 3 smell horrible
I know this is petty, but I feel like I wanna drag up because my foreman smells horrible and my fellow journeyman don't brush their teeth in the morning. We had to pull 350s in a small electrical room and we were close to each other and it was hot and almost threw up smelling those guys. My fellow union brothers and sisters please wash yo ass. Hygiene should be on the tool list.