The lineman climbing test

Union programs: after selection

• NEAT: pass/fail climbing test in the first 40 hours of Boot Camp (6–8 weekends, unpaid). Fail it and the apprenticeship agreement is cancelled.
• MSLCAT: 3–5 day unpaid orientation including climbing wooden poles and a math check. You must complete all of it.
• Cal-Nev: an orientation/climbing class after selection: wood pole and steel tower climbing, rigging, pole-top rescue.
• SWLCAT: an eight-day orientation in Bosque Farms, NM that you must pass to be indentured (SWLCAT doesn’t say what it tests).
• Mo Valley: orientation week, where you earn a “Qualified Climber” card.
• NW Line: climbing is taught at Camp Rilea once you’re in.

Utilities: part of hiring

• Southern California Edison: Groundman and Lineman Physical Performance tests and a 35-foot pole climb test, alongside CAST.
• PG&E: the Assessment for Lineworker Progression, five hands-on events including a pole climb and aerial lift. You can practice up to six times; it isn’t a race, but taking too long disqualifies you.
• Seattle City Light: three physical tests (chin-ups, upright rows, grip strength) plus a hands-on test.

How to get ready

You can’t practice climbing a pole safely without training and gear, and we won’t pretend otherwise. What you can do: get fit for it (grip, legs, core, carrying weight), get comfortable with heights, and know the weight limits. Northwest Lineman College, for example, requires students to weigh no more than 270 pounds. Line schools teach climbing before you ever face a program’s test; see line school vs going straight in.