Your trade program sent you a WBST link.
Here's how to pass both sections.
The Wonderlic Basic Skills Test checks your English and math before a trade program, apprenticeship, or job. It is not a trick test. A few focused hours on the right material is usually all it takes. Here is exactly what is on it and how to prepare.
Submit passing scores on both sections to start your program. Both required
Two sections, two different skill sets.
The WBST is really two tests in one, scored separately. Some programs require a minimum on each, so prepare for both.
Verbal (WBST-VS)
Job-ready English: word knowledge, grammar and usage, sentence construction, and reading comprehension. Measures how well you read and communicate on the job.
Quantitative (WBST-M)
Job-ready math: arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, basic algebra, and word problems. Measures the everyday calculations a role requires.
7-day full refund guarantee, no forms, no explanation needed. If the course doesn't prepare you, you get your money back.
The WBST gates your start date, not just a grade.
For most trades, the WBST stands between you and enrollment or an apprenticeship intake. Clear it and you move forward. Miss it and you wait for the next cycle.
If you walk in cold
Guess at the question types, run out of time on the math, and a retake can push you to the next enrollment window. The skills are basic, but the format still trips people up.
If you prepare first
See both section formats, refresh the math you have not used in a while, and practice the question types. Most people clear the WBST with a few focused hours, not weeks.
What score do you actually need? It depends on the program.
There is no universal passing score. Each program or employer sets its own minimum, often as a grade-level equivalent, and the Verbal and Math scores are reported separately. These are typical benchmarks; confirm yours.
| Context | Typical minimum | Stronger |
|---|---|---|
| Entry workforce / employer screen | Grade 8–9 | Grade 10+ |
| Trade / vocational program | Grade 9–10 | Grade 11+ |
| Apprenticeship (skilled trades)10 | Grade 10–11 | Grade 12+ |
| Healthcare / technical programs | Grade 11–12 | Grade 12+ |
What's actually on the WBST
Here are sample questions in the WBST style for each section. These are original practice items, not real test questions. The course has the full set with step-by-step solutions.
Verbal (English)
Word knowledge
Closest meaning
Answer: plentiful
Grammar & usage
is / are / were
Answer: is
Sentence construction
Clear, complete sentence
Reading comprehension
Short passage questions
Quantitative (Math)
Percentages
No calculator
Answer: 30
Fractions
Add and simplify
Answer: 3/4
Word problems
Applied math
Answer: 9 hours
Decimals
Everyday arithmetic
Answer: 50
Practice the full WBST format, both sections. The course has complete Verbal and Math practice sets with worked solutions.
Get WBST Prep, $77See exactly which section is costing you the pass.
After each practice set you see your Verbal and Math performance broken down by skill, plus a clear plan for what to fix first.
Quick diagnostic maps both sections
Find out where you stand on Verbal and Math before you study, so you spend your time on the section that needs it.
Pinpoints the skills costing you points
Like fractions and percentages in the math section, or grammar in the verbal section. You fix the exact thing, not everything.
Tracks your predicted result
Your predicted score for each section updates as you practice. When both clear your program's minimum, you know you are ready.
They got into their program. Here's what they said.
"I'm starting a new career and this helped me get back into my program. It actually contributed to my passing. I'd recommend it to anyone, young or starting over."
New career · enrolled"This helped me in a crunch. I had two days before the test. I quickly learned the shortcuts and greatly improved my time."
2 days · improved"Very user friendly to begin with, and the practice actually helped me improve my score by at least 5 to 10 points."
+5–10 points"I doubled my score from just a week of studying. They show very easy ways to get to the solution. Would recommend to anyone who has to take this test."
Score doubled"As an adult learner, I found it a wonderful test-taking resource. The math explanations were genuinely helpful."
Adult learner"This prep helped me get a better test grade that helped me get my program admission."
Admitted
Built by Michael Lerner, 25+ years of psychometric expertise
The WBST prep, the math shortcuts, the grammar refreshers, and the AI coaching logic were built by Michael Lerner over 25 years of helping people perform on tests they had not seen before. He built it because the existing resources were not honest about the format, or what it takes to clear a program's minimum on both sections.
Full profile & methodology →Instant access. Start preparing within minutes. WBST Prep, $77 one-time payment. No subscription.
Get WBST Prep, $77Common questions
Clear the WBST, start your program.
The people who get in are the ones who showed up prepared for both sections. A few focused hours is all it takes. That's your advantage.
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