Pass Your CritiCall Test With Realistic and Accurate Practice Tests [2020]

What Is the Criticall Test?

The Criticall test is a computer-based assessment that ensures applicants possess the necessary skills to perform all the required duties for the 911 dispatcher/call handler role.

The test itself is divided into several different sections, each assessing a specific skill. Many sections of this test mimic actual tasks you will encounter daily within this profession.

To become eligible for a 911 dispatcher role, you will need to pass each section of the test with flying colors.

Learn more about the CritiCall test by watching the following video, with sample questions and expert tips.

The Structure of the Criticall Test

The Criticall test varies from county to county (or state to state) and includes many sections, such as data entry, multi-tasking, decision-making, and more. There are various question types; some are interactive, audio-based, and multiple-choice.

You can jump straight to some practice questions and get a taste of the real thing.

The main topics on this test are:

Attention to Detail:

• Data-Entry – This section of the test evaluates your ability to take various information segments and place them into the correct data field. This information includes addresses, phone numbers, names, etc. During this assessment, you are also tested on your decision-making and multi-tasking skills. Additionally, you will be required to listen carefully to details on simulated calls and enter corresponding data into the correct tables. Keep in mind that throughout this assessment, you are provided with information in various formats (written, audio, etc.).
• Cross-Referencing – This section includes address books where you are required to enter the requested data into the correct table. Additionally, you may be required to enter data via audio recordings verbally. Regardless of the method, you must make sure to compute the data accurately.
• Character Comparison – In this section, you are given two tables of similar data that look nearly identical. You will need to comb through each to figure out where they differ.

Dispatcher Skills:

• Decision-Making – Dispatchers must know which emergency service(s) to send to a scene; therefore, you are tested on whether you can do so in this section of the test. Part of this section is done vocally, so instead of entering the answer into the computer, you will speak into a microphone.
• Memory Recall – Memory is such a vital part of being an emergency dispatcher. Thus, in this section of the test, you will be shown phrases, letters, or numbers and need to recall the information based on your memory. Additionally, you will need to do the same for information given in various audio segments.
• Prioritization – One major task of being a dispatcher is knowing which emergency is most severe. Therefore, you will be given scenarios and rank the urgency of the calls.
• Probability – There will be times when you won’t be able to hear the caller correctly or the caller is not being clear. To address this, there is a probability section which is designed to see how well you can decipher between potential answers.
• Map Reading – Dispatchers need to know how to read maps so they can send emergency units to the correct scene. You will need to select the best route(s), while still obeying basic traffic laws, so emergency services get to the scene safely and legally.

 Basic Skills:

• Call Summarization – This section of the test is administered via audio. You will listen to short stories or call simulations, summarize what happened, and then enter the correct addresses into appropriate the data field(s).
• Vocalization Summary – You will listen to a simulated call and answer questions based on memory.
• Reading Comprehension – You will encounter various reading material as a dispatcher, whether reading training materials, data from incoming calls, or public safety services. Brushing up on these skills before the exams will be of great benefit to you.
• Spelling – The usage of spelling and grammar is critical in emergency services to avoid confusion and ensure that units are sent out and informed about the situation. This section of the test may be in both written and audio formats.
• Sentence Clarity – This section is similar to the reading comprehension, where you will be given different passages that convey the same message and then need to choose the passage that makes the most sense.
• Math – Being savvy with numbers is an essential part of being a 911 handler/dispatcher. In this field, you are required to keep track of responding to units, the number of units in each district, the number of people at the emergency, and the number of emergency responders at a scene.

The Criticall Typing Test

The Criticall Test will assess your typing skills in different sections of the test:

Data entry, Call Summarization, and Vocalization Summary.

In the Data entry section, the required typing speed is 60 KPM (Keystrokes Per Minute), while the audio data entry is 28 KPM. Usually, a good typing speed for the Criticall test is around 35 WPM (Words Per Minute).

In our full PrepPack™, you will get a comprehensive typing test with score reports to know how much practice you need. In addition, you'll get specific drills designed to skyrocket your typing speed.

Passing Scores of Criticall Exam

Different sections of the Criticall exam have different passing requirements, so it is important to prepare for this exam while keeping the test standards in mind. Below you will find the passing scores for each of the different sections you will encounter on the Criticall Dispatcher test:

Free Criticall Test Sample Questions

Below you will find various sample questions you are likely to encounter when taking the Criticall Dispatcher test.

Criticall Dispatcher Sample Question: Spatial Orientation

Guide Lines:
You will be given a situation, and you must decide which unit should respond to the call according to set regulations.

You will have to consider the status of each unit and the type of call. Additionally, each unit has a status ranging from available to unavailable.
Use the map and the charts to understand which zones the question is discussing.

 

This area of New York is divided into the following four regions. These regions are a part of the entire separation of the local Emergency Medical Services.

Unit 1 – Great Bend | Unit 2 – Hallstead | Unit 3 – Lanesboro| Unit 4 – Susquehanna

Unit Status:

Unit 1 – Available | Unit 2 – Available | Unit 3 – Unavailable | Unit 4 – Available

How do dispatchers read maps

One of the things that assist dispatchers is the following protocol:
The dispatcher's protocol: (To determine which unit to send)

1. Units will be assigned to their own region only unless an emergency call is received.
2. All calls are categorized as non-emergency unless lives are in danger.
3. Emergency calls must first be assigned to all available units in the area.
4. Units that are unavailable may not respond to a call.

Questions:

1. The local dispatcher received an ordinary call from Great Bend about a broken leg.

Which units should be dispatched to the scene?

Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

Correct! The call is categorized as a non-emergency call (no lives are in danger). Due to the type of call, only the regional unit for this area should be assigned.

The regional unit is Unit 1, and therefore this is the unit that should be dispatched.

 

2. After this call, a car accident occurred in Great Bend. Two drivers suffered from head injuries, and one passenger suffered critical blood loss.

Which units should be dispatched?

Units 1, 3 and 4 Units 2, 3 and 4 Unit 3 Units 1, 2 and 4

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

The call is an emergency call (because one of the injured persons is suffering critical blood loss).

Therefore, the regions don’t matter, and all units should be sent.

Unit 3 is currently unavailable, so it cannot be assigned. The correct answer is D- Units 1, 2, and 4 can be dispatched.

 

Get the Full Pack!

Criticall Dispatcher Sample Question: Determination Of Urgency

Criticall Dispatcher Sample Question: Selective Attention Practice

Continue Practicing With The Complete Criticall Preparation Pack

Get instant access to hundreds of practice questions with full solutions, solving tips, study guides and more.

Get Started Now

The 911 Dispatcher Test

The 911 operator exam is designed to evaluate multiple metrics related to successful performance as a dispatcher.

The 911 dispatcher test is comprised of a written test and occasionally a typing test. The test contains a variety of questions and topics, which you can see elaborately right here.

Criticall Dispatcher Test Tips & Hacks

Below you will find several Criticall test tips aimed at helping you pass:

1. Practice before your testing session. – You must strengthen your skills in each area evaluated during the Criticall exam. Build up your speed and accuracy to achieve a higher score during testing. Using our unique test prep materials will allow you to quickly work through each section of the test without a hitch.
   Note: Using the practice questions before each question on the actual test can further improve your chances of success. Even if you have practiced previously, you may still wish to use these sample questions instead of bypassing the preview altogether.
2. Be sure to follow all instructions provided during the test: Each section that you will encounter on the Criticall Dispatcher test will come with its own set of rules. Be sure to read through and understand all the instructions prior to starting each section.
   Note: Learning the Decision Rules prior to your testing day will further increase your speed and accuracy.
3. Keep in mind that the Criticall Dispatcher test uses a negative marking scheme during scoring. – Unless you are informed otherwise in the instructions for each section, you will be penalized if you skip any questions during the test. Practicing beforehand will give you a better understanding of what to expect in each section ultimately increasing your ability to quickly and accurately answer each question.
4. Improve your typing speed and accuracy. – Have a friend or family member read out information to you while you try typing it out. You may also find the use of typing tests useful for improving this skill. We offer a comprehensive Typing Test PrepPack™ to assist you in this area.
5. Keep the “Num Lock” (number lock) key function turned on throughout the duration of the test. – Doing so has been shown to enhance Criticall test takers' ability to work even faster than without this function enabled.
6. Make sure that you view all the information on the page prior to answering the associated question(s). – You may need to use the scroll bars located on the right side of your screen to view any information that may be hidden. Doing so will increase your chances of answering the question quickly and accurately.
7. Be aware of the different question and answer formats. – These formats include data-entry, speaking, and multiple-choice.
8. Improve your short-term and long-term memory recall abilities. – A major part of becoming a 911 call dispatcher is recalling important notes and descriptions regarding each incident. For example, red car, blue boat, green shirt, etc. You should also be able to recall pieces of information that you hear, such as telephone numbers or license plate numbers (for a short period of time).
9. Work on your map reading skills. – It is said that you will not need formal map-reading training prior to taking this test, however, you should have a good grasp on directions (e.g. “left” and “right”). You can also practice by giving instructions from a very simple map. For example, using the terms "left" and "right", as well as "North", "East", "South", and "West". Our prep materials used in conjunction with self-made maps on Google are great places to improve this skill.
10. Improve your reading and writing skills. – Dispatchers must be able to read and write clearly. Work on correctly spelling commonly used words which sound alike, so as not to delay badly needed assistance if they are misspelled, (e.g., “patience” instead of “patients,” etc.). It may also be helpful for you to practice reading to further enhance your skill set.
11. Practice transcribing information you hear. – Have a friend or a family member read and spell out a person’s first and last name from a telephone book. Try to find the address associated with that name on your own. Enter this information into your computer exactly as it appears in the book. Use this exercise consistently until you develop a high degree of proficiency in locating and correctly entering this sort of information.
12. Find videos of the Criticall assessment in use - Finding resources showing this testing system being used will assist you in navigating the actual test on your assessment day. This can boost your ability to complete your exam as quickly and accurately as possible.

Criticall Test FAQs