911 Dispatcher Test Preparation

Dispatcher Exams

There are many different dispatcher exams; each state, city, or country can choose the exam it'll require you to take. Below is a list of dispatcher exams and their providers:

• California Dispatcher Exam
• New York 911 Operator Exam 

Insider Information from One of Our Customers

'They are looking for people with strong common sense application skills, as well as the ability to use discretion and think outside of the box when it comes to decision-making. It is good to be able to memorize and possess the ability to retain large quantities of information, but it is the application of that information, as well as the personality of the individual, that matters the most. Personality-wise, they prefer applicants who have strong customer service skills, the ability to stay calm and work under pressure, and to produce critical thinking skills.'

Nicco K., 911 Dispatcher

Dispatcher Test Content

The 911 dispatcher test is comprised of a written test and occasionally a typing test. The written test contains a variety of questions and topics. To help prepare you, JobTestPrep has created a customized preparation package that covers spatial orientation, data entry, inductive and deductive reasoning, memory and accuracy, reading comprehension, and a personality test. Read on to learn more about each topic.

• Memory — There is a lot of memorization involved in being a dispatcher. You must be able to remember codes and the emergencies they correlate to, while also keeping in mind who you're speaking with, as this varies depending on the caller (victim, police units, medical responders, etc.).
• Spatial Orientation — You must be able to understand where the caller is calling from and know which units are available and closest. Additionally, you need to be able to read a map.
• Personality Test — The personality test assesses how you interact with callers and how you manage the stress of emergency situations. During such times, it is important to stay calm and collected, despite the circumstances, as you are viewed as the lifeline between callers and emergency responders.
• Data Entry — You input a lot of data as a dispatcher. Some entries might include the caller’s name, the location of the incident, and the type and severity of the emergency.
• Attention to Accuracy — Being detail-oriented is a crucial aspect of this job. If you enter data incorrectly, it could send emergency responders to the wrong location. With every minute being so crucial, such a mistake could have devastating results.
• Inductive/Deductive Reasoning — In this field, there is no such thing as a "standard emergency." 911 dispatchers must have excellent inductive and deductive reasoning skills in order to make the quick and calculated decisions that help save people's lives.
• Reading Comprehension — During your training period, there is a lot of reading that you must be able to understand in order to do well on your 911 dispatcher exam. Additionally, on the job, you must be able to read reports in the form of notes, data entry, and other sources from which you obtain information.

Dispatcher Interview Tips

As part of your recruitment process, you will also attend at least one interview. Below are examples of questions you can expect in this assessment. Do you feel insecure regarding your interview skills? Take advantage of our Interview PrepPack and impress your interviewer with flawless answers.

• What is your interpretation of the job expectations and what do I think the job entails?
• This job is high intensity, multi-tasking, and requires the ability to perform under pressure with a high volume of calls--do you have any experience with these aspects of a job and do you feel comfortable with it?
• How would I respond to a call from someone who is using strong profanity?
• How would I rank the priority of three incidents called in which require police response?
• What skills do I possess that could help me succeed at this job?
• What is my favorite and least favorite part of my current job?
• How do I feel about job flexibility, working rotating schedules, weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime?

Dispatcher Job Description

The most important thing to realize is that the 911 dispatcher job title has numerous names, some of which are 911 operator, public safety telecommunicator, communications operator and emergency dispatcher. However, the title public safety dispatcher encompasses the following terms: police dispatcher, fire dispatcher, and emergency medical dispatcher. Even though the job titles are different, they share similar responsibilities.

While working at a 911 dispatch call center, you are responsible for receiving calls and forwarding them to the correct public safety branch. In addition, you will provide advice and help to those who call you.

Difference Between Dispatcher and Call Taker

A dispatcher and a call taker have similar jobs but different responsibilities.

A dispatcher is responsible for receiving and transmitting messages, tracking vehicles, recording other important information, and relaying messages and information to the necessary emergency units.

A call taker is primarily responsible for making sure that the information received and sent is clearly relayed to the appropriate emergency unit(s).

Despite the differences in the job titles and job descriptions, to become a dispatcher or call taker you must take the same exam.

FAQs

Q: What is a public safety dispatcher?
A: A public safety dispatcher is a police dispatcher, a fire dispatcher, or an emergency medical dispatcher.

Q: Is the exam the same for a police dispatcher and an emergency medical dispatcher?
A: The police dispatcher test is similar to an emergency medical dispatcher test. The only difference is that on the police dispatcher test the questions may include more police terms, whereas the emergency medical dispatcher test contains more medical terms.

Q: Do public safety telecommunicators need to take different tests?
A: A public safety telecommunicator is also referred to as a public safety dispatcher, which means the exam will be the same.

Q: What is the difference between an emergency dispatcher and a public safety dispatcher?
A: There is no difference between an emergency dispatcher and a public safety dispatcher, as sometimes emergency dispatchers are also referred to as emergency medical dispatchers.

Dispatcher Exam Preparation

JobTestPrep's customized 911 dispatcher preparation package will help you succeed on the Public Safety Dispatcher Test and place you at the top of the candidates list. With detailed explanations, you're sure to not only learn but understand and comprehend the skills you need to pass the 911 operator exam. Try our unique dispatcher practice package, which includes over 10 different topics in addition to personality profiling.

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