Criticall Test Preparation – 911 Dispatcher Practice Tests

The main topics of this test are:

Attention to Detail

• Data Entry – You will be given addresses, phone numbers, names, etc. and you will need to enter them into the correct data field. During this time you may be asked to answer decision making questions in order to assess your multi-tasking skills. Additionally, there is an audio section with simulated calls where you will have to enter the data into the correct tables. However, you will not always be given the data in the same format. Currently, we do not offer a solution to the multi-tasking part of the exam. However, we offer exercises to every other aspect of it, including Data Entry.
• Cross-Referencing – This section of the test includes address books where you will be required to enter the requested data into the correct table. Additionally, you may be asked to verbally enter data via audio recordings or tests. Regardless of the method, it is extremely important to enter the correct data.
• Character Comparison – There will be two tables of similar data, that look nearly identical and you will need to comb through the data and find where they are not similar.

Dispatcher Skills

• Decision-Making – It is important for a dispatcher to know which emergency service(s) to send to a scene; therefore, you will be tested on whether you can send the correct units to a scene. Additionally, there is a vocal component, so instead of entering the answer into the computer, you will be speaking into a microphone.
• Memory Recall – Memory is such a vital component of being an emergency dispatcher. So, to assess your memory, you will be shown phrases, letters, or numbers and need to recall the information based off of your memory. Additionally, you will need to do the same for information given in various audio segments.
• Prioritization – A big task of being a dispatcher is knowing which emergency is most severe. Therefore, you will be given scenarios where you have to rank the urgency of the calls.
• Probability – There will be times where you can't 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 a map so they can correctly send emergency units to the right scene. You will need to choose the best route(s), while still obeying basic traffic laws, so emergency services get to the scene legally.

Basic Skills – Reading and Writing Comprehensions & Math

• Call Summarization – For this section, you will listen (audio portion) to either short stories or call simulations, summarize what happened, and then enter the correct addresses into the data field(s).
• Vocalization Summary – You will listen to a simulated call and then answer questions based off of your memory of the call.
• Reading Comprehension – As a dispatcher, you will encounter various reading material; whether its reading training materials, data from incoming calls, or from public safety services.
• Spelling – When sending messages to different emergency services it is important for you to send it with the correct spelling, this way there won't be any confusion and the appropriate units will be sent out and informed of the situation. This section can also be administered via audio tests. 
• Sentence Clarity – As a form of reading comprehension you will be given different passages that convey the same message and then you will choose the passage that makes the most sense.
• Math –  This portion is important because as a dispatcher you will need to be able to keep track of responding units, how many units are in each district, the number of people in each emergency, and the total number of emergency responders that are at a scene.

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.

Attention to Detail

Dispatcher Skills

Basic Skills