GAN Aptitude Test – What You Need to Know

After submitting your application and completing the Personal Experience Form (PEF), you will be scheduled to take the GAN Aptitude Battery Test at the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship office.

What is the GAN Aptitude Battery Test?

The GAN Aptitude Battery Test is designed to measure the skills and abilities that are essential for success in the electrical trade. Unlike the previous test, this is not pass/fail—your score will help determine your ranking on the eligibility list.

The test evaluates:

• Math Skills – Numerical computation and reasoning
• Reading Skills – Reading comprehension
• Spatial Skills – Visualizing and manipulating shapes
• Mechanical Reasoning – Understanding physical and mechanical principles

Test Structure

The GAN Aptitude Battery Test consists of five sections:

1. Paper Folding – Tests spatial visualization skills.
2. Numerical Computation – Basic arithmetic (whole numbers, fractions, decimals).
3. Numerical Reasoning – Logical thinking and pattern recognition.
4. Reading Comprehension – Understanding and interpreting written material.
5. Mechanical Reasoning – Knowledge of physical and mechanical principles.

Time: Approximately 2½ hours
Location: Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship Office
Format: Computer-based (instructions provided before test day)

Important Test Rules

• Bring a valid photo ID. Your ID will be checked before the test.
• Arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrivals cannot be admitted.
• No calculators allowed.
• Pencils and scrap paper will be provided.
• If you cannot attend your scheduled test date, contact us immediately to reschedule.

How Your Score is Used

• Your score will help determine your score on the ranked list.
• Rankings remain valid for one year from the date you received your ranked score.
• There is no oral interview—your ranking is based on the PEF and GAN test combined.

How to Prepare

• Review basic math skills: arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and pattern recognition.
• Practice reading comprehension: focus on understanding and interpreting written passages.
• Explore spatial reasoning exercises (e.g., paper folding or shape manipulation).
• Brush up on mechanical principles (basic physics concepts like levers, pulleys, gears).

Helpful Resources:

• Free practice problems and study guides are available online.
• Paid and free test-prep programs can help you strengthen your skills.