Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1: Complete an application and submit all requirements
Step 2: Pass the Aptitude Test
Step 3: Attend an Oral Interview
Step 4: If selected, attend Orientation

Applicants Apply Online

For additional assistance, applicants may also stop by the Sacramento JATC to apply between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm Monday – Friday.

Show evidence of successful completion of one full year (2 semesters) of High School Algebra or one semester of College Elementary Algebra with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent or provide evidence of having successfully completed the Electrical Training ALLIANCE Tech Math Course (available online at http://www.electricaltrainingalliance.org/Learning/OnlineTechMath). Pre-Algebra does not meet this requirement.

Your transcripts must indicate that you completed an algebra course or any course above Algebra 1. If your transcripts specify that you completed a Math course, you must attach an additional letter from the school stating the description of the Math course. The description must specify that the Math course consisted of Algebra 1.

No. An Associates, Bachelors, or Master’s degree will only qualify for the diploma requirement. You must submit Official Transcripts from the school where you completed the algebra course to fulfill the algebra requirement (If you transferred schools, the credits transfer but not the courses; therefore, new transcripts won’t show your Algebra completion).

One option is to enroll at your local college and complete an Algebra course. Or the second option is to complete the Electrical Training ALLIANCE Tech Math Course (available online at http://www.electricaltrainingalliance.org/Learning/OnlineTechMath).

If you have successfully applied, you will be notified by mail of the next step in the application process. For further information, contact the contact the Sacramento Electrical Training Center by calling (916) 646-6688 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. See our application flow chart.

Only official sealed transcripts are accepted. Copies are not accepted and will not fulfill the requirement. The Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center must have an official transcript on file for you to be a complete applicant.

Foreign transcripts are accepted as long as they are translated into English.

No. You must be a High School graduate, have a G.E.D., or have a two-year Associate Degree or higher.

Individuals who can verify (by providing undisputable documented evidence) that they have worked a minimum of one-thousand two hundred (1,200) hours specifically in the telecommunications industry, will qualify for a direct interview by the JATC to be considered along with other qualified applicants. To qualify under this provision all other prior qualifications must have been met.

Individuals who can verify (by providing undisputable documented evidence) that they have worked a minimum of two-thousand four hundred (2,400) hours specifically in the telecommunications work experience, shall submit a written Industry recommendation and may qualify for either direct interview or direct entry; as determined by the JATC if apprenticeship opportunities are available. The JATC will use standard means of evaluation for individuals who may qualify for direct entry or direct interview. To qualify under this provision all other prior qualifications must have been met

Upon approval of industry related experience, you will be invited to sit for the electrical industry’s aptitude test developed and validated by the American Institutes for Research. To qualify under this provision all other prior qualifications must have been met.

Contact IBEW Local 340 at (916)927-4239 to inquire about joining the Union.

Please notify the Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center prior to being scheduled for the aptitude test. Reasonable accommodations will be made.

Yes, you will need a valid driver’s license when applying.

We require your transcript to have a school stamped official transcript on the outside of the envelope and never been opened.

If you DO NOT open the envelope and it meets the requirements on the above question, you may either bring it to our office or mail it to our office.

You will be scheduled to take the aptitude test battery. Once an aptitude test battery date has been established, you will be notified of the time, date, and location via email.

Aptitude tests are scheduled as needed.

The aptitude test consists of reading comprehension and algebra.

When you receive your aptitude test notification letter, you will also receive a booklet with additional information and sample questions.

Please plan on spending approximately 3 hours at the Technology Training Center on your scheduled test day.

If you have tested within the last two years after submitting an application, please notify the Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center.

You must provide written documentation stating why you won't be able to attend. Please submit documents no later than 72 hours prior to your scheduled test date. You may be excused from the test based upon the Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center approval and re-scheduled.

Unfortunately, late arrivals will not be permitted. Therefore, arriving late will stop your application process and you will need to reapply and wait for the next scheduled test date.

You will receive an email within 2 business days of taking your aptitude test.

You will be scheduled for an oral interview once an interview date has been established. You will receive an interview notification letter by mail indicating the time, date, and location of your oral interview. A pamphlet will also be attached informing applicants of what to expect at the interview.

You may request consideration for an additional interview one (1) year after your first interview. You are required to submit documentation that you have gained at least 1,000 hours of electrical construction work experience or successfully completed two or more post-secondary, and trade-related classes. Requests will be reviewed by the Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center to determine if another interview would be warranted based on the information submitted.

You will receive an email within 2 business days of your interview date with your score.

Your rank score is valid for up to two (2) years. Please keep in mind all ranked applicants may not be selected, and selections are not always made immediately following the interview. Very often, several months may pass before actual selections are made.

Upon selection, you will be contacted by the phone number we have on file. Please keep your contact information up to date with the Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center at all times.

If you accept your offer of Apprenticeship, you will receive an email providing you with a drug screen requisition form and the time and date of your orientation at the Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center. An electronic orientation packet will also be attached to the email.

Orientation is required. If you are unable to attend, please notify the Northern California Sound and Communication Technology Training Center 24 hours prior to your scheduled orientation.

Before being registered as an Apprentice, selected applicants will need to purchase their own hand tools which will cost approximately $350.

Advanced placement is possible. You must request to have your experience assessed in writing in order to be scheduled for the skills assessment exam. This can only be requested by applicants who have submitted and qualified for the 2,400-hour rule.

Applicants cannot be selected by name. Applicants are selected strictly by their rank score.

The needs of the Sound and Communication electrical construction industry drive applicant selection. Therefore, registration dates for new Apprentices vary.

Next semester, respectively, based upon the registration date. Apprentices are notified by mail of their class dates and times.