Sheet Metal Apprentice Aptitude Test Preparation [2026]

What is the Sheet Metal Apprentice Aptitude Test?

The Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Test is given to job seekers seeking a career in sheet metal work. This exam is one of the requirements for recruitment processes around the U.S. and is conducted by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC).

The test is a timed, multiple-choice exam that covers several topics, such as reading, mathematics, and mechanical aptitude. However, the exact composition and structure of the exam will vary depending on the program you are applying to.

Reading Comprehension

The first area that test takers should prepare for is the reading comprehension test. This test will assess your ability to read and comprehend written information as well as your understanding of the English language.

You will need to read several text passages, analyze the information, and answer questions about the conclusions of what you read. The text may cover mechanical concepts, but you will not need outside knowledge to do well on this exam. The text passages will give all the information you need to answer the questions.

Remember that this is a timed exam. Therefore, you must read through all passages and questions quickly while retaining the information. One tip is to read the questions you will answer before reading the corresponding text passage. That way, you will know what to look for when reading.

Mathematics

You will also take an exam on your mathematical reasoning abilities. Mathematics is critical in most technical roles, so you will want to have a solid understanding of basic mathematical concepts before you take the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship exam.

The test will include topics such as:

• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Decimals
• Percentages
• Fractions
• Algebraic equations
• Calculations
• Word problems
• Geometry

Math is a subject that intimidates many people. The best way to improve your mathematical ability is to practice, practice, practice! There are also some tips and tricks that will help you during the exam. For example, if you are unsure of the correct answer, try eliminating answers that you know are incorrect. This technique will help you narrow down the choices, giving you a better chance of selecting the correct answer.

Mechanical Reasoning

The mechanical reasoning test is one of the most important exams you will take. This exam will cover the physical, electrical, and mechanical properties and concepts behind the work that you will do as a sheet metal worker.

Many questions on this test will include images to help illustrate the concept you are being asked about. For example, you may have a single rope laying across several gears and must determine which way each gear will rotate if the rope is pulled from the left or the right side.

Before taking this exam, consider reviewing common principles and concepts that you may encounter.

Abstract Reasoning

The abstract reasoning exam will assess your ability to think logically and critically. This test is often non-verbal and will include questions such as:

• Finding the differences between similar images
• Recognizing patterns
• Completing sequences
• Finding similarities between images

The questions on this exam can often be difficult for test takers who are unprepared because of the exam’s unique nature. Therefore, it is best to prepare for these types of questions by practicing beforehand. While taking the exam, pay attention to details and underlying patterns.

Spatial Reasoning

The last topic covered on the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Exam is spatial reasoning. This test will assess your ability to imagine 2D and 3D shapes in different configurations. The exam will ask you to identify the shape from another point of view or find relationships between different shapes.

For example, you may receive an image of a pile of blocks arranged in a specific way, and you must identify that same pile from a top-down view. To answer this question, you must mentally manipulate the stack of blocks, turning them around in your mind and imagining what it would look like from a different vantage point.

Spatial reasoning is an excellent skill for technical workers to possess, but the questions can be challenging if you are unprepared for them. Therefore, be sure to include spatial reasoning practice in your preparations.

Examples of Popular Exams

While most of the Sheet Metal exams will cover the above topics in some format, each program has its own test that is tailored to their specific needs. To find out the structure of your particular exam, ask the local union or JATC program you are applying to.

Here are a few examples of some popular Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Exams to give you an idea of what to expect for your test.

SMART Local 36 Sheet Metal Test

The Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 36 Sheet Metal Test is the apprenticeship test given in St. Louis, Missouri. This exam only contains four categories:

• Mathematics: The numerical test section will focus heavily on quick calculation abilities.
• Spatial Relations: Also known as spatial reasoning, you must mentally manipulate shapes and find their similarities.
• Problem-Solving: This exam will combine several types of questions, including mathematical, abstract, and verbal reasoning.
• Mechanical Aptitude: This test will focus on your knowledge of mechanical and electrical principles.

Southern California Sheet Metal Test

The Southern California Sheet Metal exam is given to job seekers in Southern California and is one of the most challenging exams in the country. The exam is divided into two main sections.

The first section will be mathematical reasoning. This section will contain 25 questions that you must answer within 15 minutes. The topic areas will focus on basic operations, decimals, fractions, and algebraic equations and will be given as a pass/fail exam.

The second section is a written test that covers three different topic areas:

• Comprehension Test: This exam will focus on your mechanical aptitude.
• Mental Ability: This test is similar to an abstract reasoning exam and will ask about pattern recognition, shape difference and similarities, and similar questions.
• Paper Board Test: This exam is similar to a spatial reasoning test and will assess your ability to visualize and manipulate 2D and 3D figures.

A point system will grade the second exam section. While you must score at least a 30/45 to be considered passing, the higher your score, the higher your priority for open positions.

Western Washington Sheet Metal Test

The Western Washington Apprenticeship Exam is given in Washington state and is comprised of only two sections:

• Reading: This reading comprehension exam will assess your ability to analyze and interpret text passages and come to correct conclusions.
• Math: The mathematics test will cover several topics, from basic mathematical calculations to algebraic equations and geometric problem-solving.

While there are no passing and failing grades on this exam, apprenticeships will be given to the higher-scoring candidates. Therefore, you should do whatever you can to ensure you get as high a score as possible.

How to Prepare for the Sheet Metal Assessment?

Job seekers looking to enter the sheet metal field must take the sheet metal assessment during the application process for an apprenticeship. These positions are highly competitive; therefore, those with higher exam scores are more likely to land the job. In order to receive as high of a score as possible, you must be fully prepared for the exam.

The sheet metal apprenticeship exam can seem intimidating to test takers because of the amount of content. However, it is recommended to prepare for all possible sections you may encounter on the exam to prepare you for whatever structure your local program gives you.

The best way to prepare for the various exam sections is to use online resources such as practice tests and study guides. These resources are great study tools because they give you a better understanding of what types of questions and material to expect on the actual exam.

For example, a practice mathematics test may give several calculations and equations you must solve within a designated time limit. Working through these sample questions will not only let you practice your mathematical ability but will also give you an idea of the difficulty of the questions and help you practice your timing. Practice tests will also provide complete solution guides so that if you answer a question incorrectly, you know the correct answer and what you should have done to come to that answer.

In addition to practice tests, study guides are also a great resource, particularly for the mechanical reasoning portion of the exam. A study guide will give you a review of the common concepts and principles that you will see on the exam and examples of how those are applied in real life and depicted on the test.

Candidates who take the time to sufficiently prepare for the apprenticeship exam score significantly higher on the exam and, in turn, have a great chance of landing an apprenticeship in their desired program. Therefore, be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare for the sheet metal apprenticeship exam and use any resources that are available to you.