Accurate CritiCall Test Simulations - CritiCall Typing Test, Map Reading & More
To achieve your dream of joining the emergency services as a 911 dispatcher, you’ll need to conquer the CritiCall assessment. This rigorous test gauges essential skills and cognitive abilities required for the role. Adequate preparation is key to passing and moving forward in your career.
On this page, we will review all the information you need to know before your exam, and introduce you to our specialized CritiCall test prep - including practice tests and full score reports for every element of the test:
- Decision-Making practice - Improves your knowledge and ability to send the right emergency service to any given incident.
- Data Entry practice - Enhances your data entry skills by helping you enter accurate data under time pressure and while responding to emergency messages.
- Map Reading practice - Improves your ability to read maps quickly and effectively, calculate routes and follow directions.
- Call Summarization practice - Sharpens your ability to pay attention to audio recordings, summarize them and answer relevant questions correctly.
- Typing Test practice - Significantly improves your typing speed (WPM and KPH) and typing accuracy.
- Dozens more practice tests covering every aspect of the CritiCall exam, ensuring that you have the full and in-depth understanding you need to ace the test.
JobTestPrep's CritiCall test prep has recently been upgraded based on expert research and user feedback in order to ensure that you receive the highest quality practice available. You can rely on our experience and expertise to provide you with the tools you need to achive the high score you want.
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This page was researched and written by HL Contreras, a seasoned Public Safety Dispatcher with six years of experience at NCSO and MCCCD. During that time, HL spent four years training new 911 dispatchers and operators, bringing invaluable hands-on expertise to the content.
What to Expect on the CritiCall Test?
The CritiCall test is a competitive assessment for aspiring emergency service professionals designed to filter candidates looking to become 911 dispatchers. It is a computer-based cognitive assessment that evaluates crucial skills related to the job like multi-tasking, typing speed, exceptional communication, and more.
The CritiCall test consists of multiple "modules." Each module is designed to assess specific skills, and every agency can choose the modules that are most important to them.
Additionally, every agency and department can choose its own passing scores for each module.
(More on the CritiCall passing scores later on this page)
The company that made the CritiCall exam, Biddle Consulting (administered by Test Genius), created 25 different modules. However, most agencies choose to use up to 10 modules only, and they are usually similar across departments.
To try your hand at sample questions that will give you a taste of what the CritiCall exam is like, check out our free CritiCall practice test or learn more about how to become a 911 dispatcher. If you are interested in other positions, learn about Civil Service Exams.
Also, Check out our CritiCall tutorial video, where we go over the fundamentals of the test:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/a7tZplH96Zw
JobTestPrep's CritiCall practice tests simulate the most common modules and their test format, so you can rest assured that you'll be fully prepared for anything.
Is the CritiCall Test Hard?
Yes, the CritiCall test is a difficult exam, especially if you've never done anything similar before. It simulates the challenging day-to-day tasks that any dispatcher is required to do, and it does so under immense time pressure.
Despite these difficulties, it's definitely possible to train yourself, improve your skills, and increase your chance of passing this 911 dispatcher test. And the CritiCall preparation pack that’s on this page will be your best companion in this process.
Now, let's go over the most frequently used CritiCall modules so you'll start to get the hang of them.
Quick Navigation Table:
CritiCall Typing Test (Keyboarding)
The CritiCall Typing Test is designed to examine your ability to accurately and efficiently input data, which is a crucial skill for 911 dispatchers.
This is what you can expect from the test:
- The most important thing to practice is your typing speed.
- You'll be allowed five minutes to complete the test.
- You may use the Backspace key but you won't receive credit for the Backspace keystrokes.
- You will also recieve content other than letters, like numbers and symbols.
The minimum typing speed required from a 911 dispatcher and 911 operator candidate is set by the agency you’re applying to. That said, it’s recommended to reach a typing speed in the CritiCall typing test of 35 WPM and above, and to be able to type at this speed for at least 5 minutes.
Our practice pack for the CritiCall typing test includes a unique typing software that follows you as you type and shows your accuracy, WPM, and more. This will help you track how your typing speed and accuracy improve the more you practice.
Here's how it looks:
You can find more typing test practice on our Employment Typing Test Pack or the Kenexa Typing Test.
Ready for the next one? Let's dive into the CritiCall Decision-Making module.
CritiCall Decision-Making Test
This section of the assessment will require:
- Determining which appropriate emergency agency to send to a scene - Fire Department, Police, EMS, or Utility.
- There will be specific instructions to help you decide which appropriate agency you should send (each department might have its own policies).
- This section usually has a 30-minute time limit.
Example from the CritiCall Test:
Example from JobTestPrep's Practice:
The emergency messages on JobTestPrep's CritiCall practice resemble the different scenarios on the actual test and have the same time limits. This allows you to practice with realistic conditions and sharpen your decision-making skills under time pressure.
On to the next! Let's see what the CritiCall Data Entry module has in store.
CritiCall Data-Entry Test
The CritiCall Data Entry test evaluates your ability to correctly enter data, such as names, license plate numbers / VIN numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, and other alphanumeric characters into their appropriate fields.
There are two Data Entry versions: (1) Split screen with the data on one side and empty fields on the other one. (2) An audio recording of an emergency call with a person who says all the details. You’ll need to fill out the boxes only with what you hear.
You'll be graded on the speed and accuracy of the data you enter into the correct boxes. You'll also need to respond quickly to any emergency messages that appear at the bottom of the screen (similar to the Decision-Making section).
Failing to respond to a decision-making message within 15 seconds after the message appears will result in a lower score.
Here's how the first Data Entry version (non-audio) looks in JobTestPrep's practice pack
JobTestPrep’s CritiCall preparation pack includes thorough practice for the Data Entry part, which is one of the most important modules of the exam. This practice will help improve your data entry skills and multitasking abilities (multitasking between data entering and responding to emergency messages).
Moving forward, let's explore the CritiCall Call Summarization module.
CritiCall Call Summarization Test
This part of the CritiCall test involves listening to brief stories or details about specific individuals. Your task is to summarize the key information from the calls and accurately enter it into the designated fields.
This section is available in three different formats, and each agency may select one or more of them:
- Short stories, each followed by a single multiple-choice question about the information presented.
- A caller's personal information and a brief story, followed by multiple-choice questions.
- The same as the second format, with an added challenge of responding to emergency alerts that pop up at the bottom of the screen, similar to the Decision-Making section.
Failing to respond to a decision-making message within 15 seconds after the message appears will result in a lower score.
You’ll be able to write notes on your computer while you listen to the recording. These notes will be helpful afterward when you answer the questions.
The Call Summarization is a vital section on the CritiCall test and appears almost on any agency’s test. That’s why JobTestPrep gave extra focus to this module and created 5 dedicated practice simulations and a thorough study guide.
Ready for more? The CritiCall Cross-Referencing module is next.
CritiCall Cross-Referencing Test
This CritiCall test section measures your ability to understand and enter information from an address book list (names, addresses, phone numbers) or VIN numbers.
There are two versions for this module on the CritiCall test - non-audio and audio. In the audio version, you’ll hear the person’s information instead of reading it.
You'll need to:
- Enter the correct information about a person into the appropriate boxes. Data entered will be scored for accuracy.
- Respond to emergency messages that appear at the bottom of the screen. Failing to respond to a decision-making message within 15 seconds after the message appears will result in a lower score.
Here’s how the practice questions look on JobTestPrep’s prep kit:
*You’ll find six Cross-Ref. practice simulations (three written and three audible) in JobTestPrep’s prep package.
Without further ado, let's tackle the CritiCall Memory Recall module.
CritiCall Memory Recall Test
This module assesses your short term memory and is considered one of the hardest modules on the CritiCall test. It can appear in three types:
First Type:
In the first type, you’ll need to memorize a list with three pairs of words for 15 seconds. Then, you’ll be asked to match one word from the list with the word it was previously paired together.
For example, you may see the following list:
PENNY
GUM
NICKEL
CANDY
DIME
SUCKER
And then might be asked, “The word paired with NICKEL is…”
Second Type:
The second type is audio recall.
For example, you may hear “5-B-3-6-G-1”.
Then, there will be a 2-second pause and you’ll need to type what you’ve just heard.
Third Type:
In the third type, you’ll hear a series of 7-digit phone numbers (e.g “476-9472”) and you’ll need to type what you’ve heard in the exact same order.
* JobTestPrep’s CritiCall prep course includes practice simulations for all three versions.
Other tests like the Police written exam also has a memory skills test.
Important: you must not write down any information or take notes on this module. You must recall the information using your memory only. Writing down anything during this portion of the test will result in immediate failure for the entire test.
Let’s continue with the CritiCall Prioritization module.
CritiCall Prioritization Test
This CritiCall test module assesses your ability to place information in order of priority based on the rules provided in the alternatives.
You’ll see a factual statement and you should choose the BEST priority category for that statement.
In the CritiCall practice kit, you’ll find 5 Prioritization practice simulations that simulate the question types seen on the actual test.
Ready for more? The CritiCall Map Reading module is next.
CritiCall Map Reading Test
The CritiCall test map section is designed to evaluate your ability to use a map to determine the direction of travel as well as the fastest route to reach a destination.
Each map contains a compass that shows the map's directions (north, south, east, and west.
Let's look at an example.
Map Reading Sample Question:
What is the most direct route from the west entrance of the cafe to the intersection of Third Downhill street - while obeying traffic signs?
From the west entrance of the cafe to the intersection of Third and Downhill street, the most direct route would be to turn left (south) on Low street (1-way street), then turn left (east) on First Street (1-way street), and then turn left (north) on Downhill street (2-way street).
JobTestPrep’s map reading questions strive to replicate the actual questions. Practicing them will improve your ability to read maps, calculate routes and follow directions.
Let’s jump right into the next one: the CritiCall Sentence Clarity module.
CritiCall Sentence Clarity Test
In this CritiCall test module, you’ll see two passages, and you must choose the passage that is more clearly written.
Sentence Clarity Sample Question:
Choose the passage below that is most clear:
A. Growling and barking, the dog tore up the coat while the man watched helplessly.
B. Growling and barking, the man watched helplessly as the dog tore up the coat.
JobTestPrep’s practice includes 6 sentence clarity practice simulations to help sharpen your grammar skills and score higher on this module.
On to the next! Let's see what the CritiCall Reading Comprehension module has in store.
CritiCall Reading Comprehension Test
The Reading Comprehension section assesses the candidate's ability to comprehend written information and basic reasoning skills.
Each question includes a 100-150-word passage followed by a multiple-choice question with four answers.
The passages may include two types of content:
- Incoming call recordings, manuals, and training materials used by emergency communications personnel
- Descriptions of tasks, protocols, assignments, and memos.
Job Testprep's CritiCall Reading Comprehension prep includes 10 practice simulations, ranging from basic to advanced level to ensure you master any Reading question on the test.
Ready for the next one? Let's dive into the CritiCall Spelling module.
CritiCall Spelling Test
In this CritiCall test section, you’ll be presented with a sentence that has a missing word. An audio recording will read the full sentence and you will have to type the missing word based on what you heard.
JobTestPrep’s CritiCall prep package includes 12 Spelling practice simulations to help you pass this section with no sweat.
Next—here comes the CritiCall Character Comparison module.
CritiCall Character Comparison Test
This CritiCall test module assesses your accuracy and attention to detail.
In each question, you’ll be presented with a string consisting of letters and digits. You must choose from four alternative strings that are EXACTLY the same as the target string.
JobTestPrep’s CritiCall prep pack includes 10 Character Comparison practice simulations with dozens of questions similar to the above.
Next in line, we have the CritiCall Math\Numerical module,
CritiCall Math Test
The CritiCall Math section is designed to assess your math abilities (mainly basic skills) and your ability to solve job-related problems dealing with numbers and amounts.
It includes three question types:
- Basic Arithmetics.
- Percentage Word Problems
- Distance, Time, and Speed Word Problems.
Calculators are not allowed.
To give you a clearer idea of what to expect in this module, here’s an example question you can try.
CritiCall Numerical Sample Question:
In Henry’s new garden, six flowers blossom at the end of each day.
Today is Monday morning and there are four flowers in the garden.
How many flowers will there be in the garden by the end of Thursday?
In this question, you are asked to decide how many flowers will be in the garden by the end of Thursday. Six flowers blossom at the end of each day. Thus, you need to add six flowers for each day from Monday to Thursday.
As there are four days, you can write this expression as 6 × 4 = 24.
There were initially four flowers in the garden on Monday. Therefore, you must add these four flowers to the 24 flowers that blossomed from Monday to Thursday.
4 + 24 = 28.
Pay attention: The total number of flowers that were added from Monday to Thursday has to be an even number as the result of multiplying any number by an even number (six in this case) is even. Thus, answer choice (B) can immediately be eliminated.
Therefore, the correct answer is C, 28.
The CritiCall prep package includes 8 Math practice simulations to help sharpen your numerical ability and basic math skills, even if you haven’t touched math for years.
Firefighter Exams also include math and numerical reasoning questions.
Moving forward, let’s take a closer look at how CritiCall test scores are determined and tackle some important questions that will help you better understand your exam results.
CritiCall Test Scores Explained
Your CritiCall test score is graded using three metrics: Keystrokes-per Hour (KPH), Words-per-Minute (WPM), and percentage scores (%) of each section. These are accumulated into an overall score shown in percentages.
The average CritiCall passing score for most portions ranges between 70% to 75%. To pass the CritiCall test at some of the most competitive agencies, you'll often need to reach a cutoff score of 80% and even 90%. The cutoff scores are usually determined by testing existing dispatchers and setting the benchmarks according to their scores.
The results’ processing time depends on every agency’s hiring schedule. Some send the results immediately to candidates, while others send out the results only several weeks after all testing dates have been completed.
Every hiring department has its own retesting policy with no one-size-fits-all policy for the number of times you can retake it. In some agencies, you can retake the CritiCall tests after six months, and in others it’s possible only when they’re re-opening a position.
It depends on the hiring department. Many agencies will send you a failure message on the test day. Others will send you an invitation to the next hiring stage. And the minority will show your exact score at the end of each section.
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CritiCall Test Preparation Tips
Use the following tips and prep strategies to increase your chances of scoring high on the CritiCall tests:
- Practice for the exam using a PC and a regular keyboard with a num pad. Avoid practicing with a laptop, Mac, or MacBook. On the real test, you’ll have regular PCs and keyboards, so you should feel comfortable using them.
- Practice using “Tab” and “Shift-Tab” on your keyboard. On the real test, these keys will help you move quickly between boxes and speed up your typing.
- To practice your typing speed and accuracy, type along to an audiobook. Let it get a few words ahead of you and see if you can keep up with good accuracy.
- Practice your multi-tasking by typing a conversation you hear on the news or radio while holding a conversation with someone in the room.
- Learn the CritiCall decision-making rules in advance. There are pre-determined rules for choosing the right emergency services to dispatch to a scene. Knowing them in advance can help you choose the right option quickly and avoid losing points on the test.