The Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT): Free Practice

Anyone hoping for a career within the elevator construction industry is required to undergo rigorous training and assessment.

This process starts before individuals have even started work. Before applying for apprenticeship training programs, candidates are required to pass the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT).

In this article, you will learn more about the EIAT, how it’s administered, how to interpret your results and ways to prepare. You will also find free EIAT practice test questions and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is the EIAT Test?

The EIAT – or Elevator Industry Aptitude Test – is the first stage of the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) apprenticeship application process. It is a compulsory assessment which is sat by every individual hoping for an apprenticeship. 

Overseen by the International Union of Elevator Constructors, the apprenticeship offers entry into the highly skilled world of elevator construction. This trades union is the overall, international body in charge of elevator constructor apprenticeships.

As well as the EIAT, applicants are required to complete a tools recognition assessment before moving on to a final interview. Each stage of the process is scored.

To progress to the later stages of NEIEP apprenticeship applications, a passing score for the EIAT is required. Applicants who fail to achieve the required score will have to wait to reapply in the next assessment period.

Subjects Covered in the EIAT Test

The EIAT is made up of three sections: reading comprehension, mechanical aptitude, and arithmetic.

Each section aims to assess a variety of different skills and will contain a range of multiple-choice questions. 

Reading Comprehension

The reading comprehension section aims to consider your skills in sentence completion and your knowledge of vocabulary:

• Sentence completion – Candidates are required to correctly select missing words and phrases from a selection of different options. 
• Vocabulary – These questions will assess an individual's understanding of specific words by asking them to select the correct meaning.

Elevator Aptitude Test – Example Reading Comprehension Question

Mechanical Aptitude

Many of the questions within this section will include gears, levers, and pulleys.

The aim is to assess how well an individual understands basic concepts around mechanics and the level of knowledge they may already possess. 

Elevator Aptitude Test – Example Mechanical Aptitude Question

A pulley system is used to lift an elevator weighing 1,000 kg. The system consists of a single fixed pulley and a movable pulley.

What is the minimum force required to lift the elevator, assuming there is no friction and the mechanical advantage of the system is 2?

a) 250 kg
b) 500 kg
c) 1,000 kg
d) 2,000 kg

The correct answer is: b) 500 kg

In a pulley system, the mechanical advantage (MA) reduces the amount of force needed to lift a load. The mechanical advantage of 2 means that the force required is half of the load's weight.

Calculate the force required:

$$\text{Force} = \frac{\text{Load}}{\text{MA}}$$
$$\text{Force} = \frac{1000 \text{ kg}}{2} = 500 \text{ kg}$$

Therefore, the minimum force required to lift the elevator is 500 kg.

Arithmetic

The arithmetic section of the EIAT will cover two main question types: basic arithmetic, and fractions, decimals and percentages.

• Basic Arithmetic – As the name suggests, this type of question is designed to assess your ability to compute basic numbers and solve relatively simple calculations.
• Fractions, decimals and percentages – These questions are designed to assess your understanding of more complex mathematical problems. 

Elevator Aptitude Test – Example Arithmetic Question

An elevator technician needs to install new lighting fixtures on each of the 12 floors of a building. Each fixture costs $45, and the technician's labor costs $25 per floor.

What is the total cost of the project?

a) $540
b) $600
c) $720
d) $840

The correct answer is: d) $840

To calculate the total cost of the project, you need to consider both the cost of the lighting fixtures and the labor costs.

Calculate the cost of the lighting fixtures:

$$\text{Cost of fixtures per floor} = 45 \text{ dollars}$$
$$\text{Total cost of fixtures}=45\text{ dollars}\times 12\text{ floors}=540\text{ dollars}$$

Calculate the labor costs:

$$\text{Labor cost per floor} = 25 \text{ dollars}$$
$$\text{Total labor cost} = 25 \text{ dollars} \times 12 \text{ floors} = 300 \text{ dollars}$$

Add the cost of the fixtures and the labor costs:

$$\text{Total cost}=540\text{ dollars}+300\text{ dollars}=840\text{ dollars}$$

Therefore, the total cost of the project is $840.

How the EIAT Test Is Administered

Test Format and Duration

The EIAT is formatted as a paper-based, multiple-choice assessment. Candidates will be required to answer 100 questions in total, split between three papers. 

Calculators are not allowed, and each assessment will have a time limit of 25 minutes.

Testing Environment

The EIAT is taken in a test center environment. 

Candidates will be allocated a specific date, time and location for their Elevator Industry Aptitude Test. This cannot be changed once it has been allocated, and individuals will be required to arrive on time with valid photo ID to prove their identity. 

How to Interpret the Results of Your Elevator Aptitude Test

This is a pass/fail examination, with a minimum passing score of 70%.

Candidates who achieve a passing score will be notified of their success, along with additional information about the next stage of the process. 

Your final score is calculated by combining the individual scores for each section to give an overall performance score which is valid for two years from the time of taking the EIAT test. 

This performance score is used by employers to gauge suitability for a specific role.

Performance scores have four separate tiers:

• 96-100 – Tier one
• 90-95 – Tier two
• 80-89 – Tier three
• 70-79 – Tier four

The higher your performance score is, the more appealing your application will look to potential employers. So, it really does pay to prepare as much as possible ahead of taking the assessment.

If you are unsuccessful in achieving a passing score, but still wish for a career in elevator construction, you will be required to begin the apprenticeship application process again. 

How to Prepare for the Elevator Aptitude Test

A passing score on the EIAT is vital for those wanting an elevator construction apprenticeship. Because of this, preparation is vital. 

Taking the time to work on any areas of weakness and brush-up on skills will ensure that you are able to perform to the best of your ability on the day.

Basic Preparation Strategies

Simple arithmetic 

Take time to practice your basic arithmetic skills. Calculators aren’t allowed during the test, so ensuring that you are able to calculate simple sums is essential. 

Practicing doesn’t have to be intense. Practice adding up your shopping as you walk around the grocery store. Buy a sudoku book to strengthen the skills you already have. 

Ask someone to test you on your multiplication and division recall. All of these things will help you to feel more confident when facing the mathematical section of the assessment.

Read a variety of texts 

As part of the test considers your understanding of language and ability to complete sentences, it’s important to read as much as you can.

This will help you to come across a wider range of vocabulary. Look up any words you’re not familiar with.

Elevator Aptitude Test Practice Tests and Resources

Making use of practice tests and familiarizing yourself using sample questions is one of the best ways to prepare for any kind of assessment.

You can find a wide range of resources online, allowing you to take entire tests and evaluate your performance.

These practice assessments will help to identify any areas which could potentially be weaker, enabling you to focus your attention on the subjects that need it most. 

When taking EIAT practice tests, it’s a good idea to remember that you’re not marked negatively for incorrect answers. If you’re really not sure about a question, it’s better to guess than to leave it blank. 

A blank answer is definitely incorrect, whereas if you answer something even when you’re not sure, there’s a chance you might be right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the EIAT?

There are 100 questions in total. These are split between three papers, with between 30 and 35 questions each. 

What is a good score for the EIAT test?

To pass, candidates much achieve a score of over 70%.

Can I reapply if I fail the EIAT test?

Yes, you can. However, you must wait until the next recruitment period.

What is the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test (EIAT)? 

The EIAT is an aptitude test used to evaluate candidates for positions in the elevator industry, focusing on math, mechanical reasoning, and verbal skills.

Where can I find a comprehensive guide for passing the EIAT test? 

Comprehensive guides for the EIAT can be found on test prep websites, in specialized books, and through training centers or unions. You can also find free EIAT practice tests online. 

What is the EIAT test meant to establish in a candidate? 

The EIAT assesses a candidate's basic skills in math, mechanical reasoning, and verbal abilities, important for success in the elevator industry.

How can I pass the EIAT test? 

To pass the EIAT, study math, reading comprehension, and mechanical principles. Use EIAT practice tests and study guides to prepare.

How hard is the EIAT test? 

The difficulty of the EIAT varies by individual, but it can be challenging, especially without preparation in the relevant areas.

Who can apply for the Elevator Industry Aptitude Test? 

Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must meet any additional requirements set by the local union or employer.

Where do I send my application for the EIAT test? 

Applications for the EIAT test are usually submitted through local elevator constructors' unions or sponsoring organizations.

How much time are we given to pass the EIAT test? 

The EIAT is typically administered within a two-hour time limit.

Where can I find a complete guide and tips on passing the EIAT test? 

Complete guides and tips are available on test prep websites, from unions, and in dedicated study books.

Final Thoughts

If you are hoping for a career in elevator construction, then a NEIEP apprenticeship is one of the best ways to go about it. Before embarking on your journey, making sure you are fully prepared for assessments is essential.

Taking the time to prepare and practice ahead of your EIAT test will help you to feel much more relaxed about the whole process. It will also mean that you are more confident and likely to achieve the required passing score, allowing you to progress to the next stages.

Whether you choose to take practice tests, look at sample questions, or use mindfulness techniques to relieve lingering anxiety, getting this important assessment right is vital in taking one step closer to your dreams.