CritiCall Practice Test with Free Questions, Answers, and Explanations
Criticall is the name of a 2-to 3-hour computer-based assessment used by most security service agencies to screen candidates for dispatcher positions. The test is divided into sections, called "modules", which include:
This Criticall practice test is designed to help you gain close familiarity with each module of the Criticall Assessment Test so that you can ace the exam.
Updated Julu 31, 2025
What is the CritiCall Test?
The Criticall test is a cognitive aptitude assessment designed for emergency dispatcher candidates. It is used in the hiring process of most dispatcher agencies across the United States and Canada. So, if you are hoping to become a 911 dispatcher, it is very likely you will run into it.
💡 Note: If you are applying to become a dispatcher in California, learn about the POST exam.
The test date and location are determined by your hiring agency, which will send you an email invitation once your initial application has been reviewed and approved.
What Does the Criticall Exam Actually Measure?
Biddle Consulting Group, which publishes and distributes the Criticall test, designed it to gauge soft skills they deem as directly relevant to the everyday job of a dispatcher, such as:
- short-term and long-term memory
- typing speed
- data entry
- spelling and grammar
- exceptional communication
- reading comprehension
- numerical ability
- map understanding
However, a key thing to understand is that Biddle also lets each agency choose which skills they consider important enough to include.
This is why the test is divided into modules. Each module is designed to assess specific skills by simulating the part of the job that requires those skills. Agencies build their own version of the Criticall based on their own priorities.
What Is a Good Score on the Criticall Test (And How Do You Achieve It)?
Each Federal, State, or County agency sets its own minimum passing score for the Criticall, typically around 70%.
The exam is taken on state-of-the-art software, which measures more than just the number of correct answers. It will also assess your speed, set-shifting, and multitasking abilities.
To achieve a passing score, it is often helpful to familiarise yourself with the test ahead of time. This carries several advantages.
For example, one section requires you to quickly and accurately determine which responders to dispatch for a given situation, based on a set of rules. Prior planning will allow you to commit these rules to memory. Likewise, various keyboard shortcuts, some of which will be discussed on this page, can speed up and improve the efficiency of your work.
CritiCall Practice Test Questions
Let's dive into some Criticall sample questions that simulate the real exam.
To help you prepare, we've divided this Criticall practice test into "Common Modules", which are frequently used by most agencies, and "Additional Modules", which are not as ubiquitous.
The first four ,odules covered on this practice test are the "Common Modules".
Tip
If you have already received a test invitation, we recommend checking whether you have been provided with a list of the modules you will be tested on and focusing on those modules in this free test. If you have not received a list, we recommend going through all the modules, particularly the most common ones.
Let's begin the dispatcher practice test with the Call Summarization Module, one of the most well-known modules of the CritiCall test.
CritiCall Call Summarization Practice
The Call Summarization section virtually simulates the real-life work of a 911 dispatcher.
There are two types of questions – Call Summarization 1 (short), which includes a short random recording followed by a single question, and Call Summarization 2 (long), which includes an extended recording of a 911 distress call with more information and multiple questions.
Try listening only once, as on the actual test. If possible, jot down information while listening. You'll have an on-screen notepad on the actual test.
Tip
To avoid issues during the Criticall test, it's vital to ensure your workspace and all your devices are In working order. Specifically, make sure you are using a working headset with clear sound quality before the exam begins.
To succeed on this test, we recommend that you learn different techniques for quickly summarizing audio recordings, as well as strategies for answering within a tight time limit. A comprehensive guide to various types of questions, including unique summarizing techniques, as well as 13 Call Summarization practice tests and additional practice materials, can be found in our practice course.
If you're a New York resident, visit our NY Police Exams for additional information ,or try our Free NYPD Practice Test for more questions with full solutions!
CritiCall Decision-Making Practice
The next common module is quite different, as it requires logical skills and quick thinking. Decision-making simulates an integral part the 911 dispatcher’s everyday work.
Referring distress calls and emergency situations to a different unit is crucial, since assigning a situation to the wrong unit may have fatal results.
In order to correctly answer the 911 dispatcher practice scenarios, you must have a clear understanding of different emergency situations.
Tip
On the actual Criticall test, each module will begin by displaying example questions.
These will not affect your score, and you will be able to skip them if you feel prepared for the actual test. However, they can be helpful in letting you know whether you've understood the instructions correctly.
To make the right decision, you must rely on the decision rules that are given by the test administrator. These rules can be found on the official PDF of the CritiCall test provider, as well as in JobTestPrep's preparation pack.
CritiCall Data Entry Practice
The purpose of the CritiCall Data Entry test is to assess your accuracy in entering various forms of data, including names, license plate numbers/VINs, addresses, telephone numbers, and alphanumeric characters, into their corresponding fields.
The Data Entry module appears in every agency's dispatcher test, as data entry skills are one of the most fundamental abilities of a 911 dispatcher. You'll have either an audio version, a non-audio version, or both
Let's review the written and audio formats of these questions.
1. Written
These questions are crafted in a split-screen format where the data is displayed on one side and the empty fields on the other.
A written data entry question looks like this:
You will have to fill in the displayed fields according to the information on the left side of the screen. In addition, you must respond to emergency situations and redirect the caller to the most relevant government agency: Police, Fire, EMS, or Utility.
Solving Tips
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When taking the Criticall practice test, experiment with using the number pad. Many people find it easier than using the digits on the number row. If you prefer them, make sure you are using a keyboard with a number pad on the actual Criticall test, and that your "Num Lock" is disabled ahead of the exam.
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Notice - some of the fields in the data entry section only support capital letters. This simulates how real dispatcher systems work. Do not let it take you by surprise, practice your data entry skills before the test to become familiar with this quirk. You can use our Criticall practice tests.
- Before beginning the module, read the rules carefully. Phone numbers, for example, can be written without dashes, while license plate numbers may require dashes, and capital letters may or may not be of importance.
- When typing written information, work methodically and quickly. Either type in chronological order, letters, numbers, and then mixed data, or any other method that best suits you – and don’t change it midway through the test.
- Identity long and confusing pieces of information in advance, such as VIN and Driver’s License, and make sure you retype them correctly.
- Use the Tab to move forward, and Tab + Shift to move backward to improve your overall typing speed. Additionally, it often helps to memorize the order of the fields so you can navigate between them swiftly without having to search for the one you need each time.
Our full CritiCall test prep pack is an interactive practice that helps improve accuracy and speed by requiring you to respond to multiple emergency messages within 15 seconds of them appearing. Due to the short amount of time you have to complete the form and catch essential details, as well as respond to emerging messages, this task is especially challenging.
2. Audio
On these questions, you will listen to an audio recording of an emergency call where the caller provides all necessary information. Your task is to accurately fill out the appropriate fields based solely on the information you hear.
Solving Tips
- Before beginning the module read the rules carefully - License plate numbers may require dashes, and capital letters may or may not be of importance.
- When typing recorded information always work according to the order of information given to you. The order of the data may change in the test. Make sure you write down the information in the correct field instead of instinctively writing according to the order of the fields.
- Unlike written information – data is not visible to you. You must listen carefully to the exact letters given for names and addresses and not assume how the words should be written, i.e., while Rian is a possible name, the correct name in this drill is Ryan.
- If you miss a piece of information while the recording plays do not dwell over it. Continue to the next piece of information, at the end of the data, quickly write down what you remember and move on – so you will not run out of time before all recordings are played.
Tip Unlock Your Full Potential with Our CritiCall Test Practice!
The data entry section doesn't only measure clerical skills, but attention and multi-tasking as well.
You'll need to respond to emergency messages simultaneously within 15 seconds of their appearance. This task is particularly challenging because you only have about five minutes to catch essential details and correctly complete as many fields as possible, while also responding to emerging messages on time. The recorded version of the Data Entry is even more difficult, as the data does not remain visible, and mistakes can't be double-checked.
Comprehensive and timed practice for both the written and recorded versions of the Data-Entry module that simulates the challenge of simultaneously entering data and responding to emergency messages, can be found in our CritiCall practice test PrepPack.
The next module requires typing abilities. The Data Entry module requires you to fill out forms identical to the ones presented – either written or recorded.
Dispatcher Typing Test Practice
In the Dispatcher typing test, you are required to re-type a given text passage as quickly and accurately as possible for 5 minutes. Keep in mind that mistakes and the number of times you corrected a typing error are also measured and impact your final score. Here's an example from our Dispatcher typing practice test:
*source: JobTestPrep CritiCall Practice Tests
Check out our employment typing test and sharpen your typing skills.
Now that you’ve finished the Common Modules of the 911 dispatcher practice test, we will review additional Criticall modules which will possibly appear on your Dispatcher test. We recommend going through this section only if any of the modules appear in your test invitation, or if you are not sure which modules you will face.
CritiCall Map Reading Practice
The previous four modules were the most common sections of Criticall tests. let's now begin to go over additional modules that may or may not appear on your exam.
We will begin with Map Reading, which requires orientation abilities and following instructions and directions.
Map Reading is a crucial skill for a 911 dispatcher since it requires the ability to orientate in and understand navigation to a scene of an emergency. It requires spatial reasoning skills, following instructions, and usage of directions (north, south, east, and west, and adjusting to left and right according to the current direction).
Map Reading - Question 1
Answer the following question based on this map:
A man fainted at a grocery store on Lord Cir. A dispatcher ambulance is currently parked on the narrow road next to the medical center, between 29th St and King Cove.
What is the most direct route of the ambulance to reach the Lord Cir entrance of the store?
Answer:
The correct answer is (C).
CritiCall Test Prep
The CritiCall map reading questions will usually consist of two types:
- Best route: you'll need to find the most direct route between two locations.
- Orientation: you'll need to follow directions from a given starting point and determine where you will be at the endpoint.
A Map Reading guide and 13 practice tests with hundreds of map reading questions, and a variety of maps can be found in our CritiCall Preparation Pack.
The next module, Cross-Referencing, requires dealing with multiple data and locating specific pieces of information according to given instructions. The Cross-Referencing section requires you to navigate large tables of data, scrolling through information, and extracting names, addresses, license plates, or other personal information. The module may include a multi-tasking feature, including decision-making questions which make it far more challenging.
CritiCall Cross-Referencing Practice
Answer the following questions according to the information below:
| Last name | First name | Address | Phone Number | VIN | License Plate |
| GREEN | JEFFREY | 9123 WILLIAMS STREET | 361-946-9273 | 2GCEK19K5P1218458 | 6XJX353 |
| THOMPSON | CARL | 3891 FRANKLIN AVENUE | 443-762-7687 | 1HVBDZRM8NH459321 | 6ZXA459 |
| CARTER | DIAMOND | 3130 ESSEX COURT | 713-678-5225 | 5J6RE48558L048775 | RMJ 6699 |
| SCOTT | FINNEGAN | 630 WILLOW AVENUE | 774-489-5790 | 1FAFP33Z24W145616 | 445-YUR |
| CABLER | MIRANDA | 2055 ROUTE 30 | 398-343-1204 | WAUGFAFC7EN072017 | 6XAB175 |
| PARKER | RYAN | 3644 CLAY STREET | 663-601-8107 | 5XXGM4A72DG215499 | 6YVH144 |
| WESTCOTT | BRIANNA | 6632 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD | 385-452-9922 | 5NPEC4AB8DH507922 | 7CPT601 |
| MOORE | NATALIE | 2397 ROSE STREET | 269-743-9685 | 1G1AB5F52A7117210 | ATW V31 |
| MITCHELL | HUNTER | 9289 ROUTE 30 | 741-304-7424 | 2MEFM75W01X707833 | 7BSR491 |
| CARTER | HOLLY | 1255 WHITE STREET | 696-724-7942 | JS3TX92V124195237 | 7AVM897 |
| CABLER | GEORGE | 6334 WHITE STREET | 310-446-8695 | 1C3EL46X04N248206 | A38 7LG |
911 Dispatcher Practice Test
The cross-referencing questions above require focus, data navigation techniques, and following instructions. You'll have only a few rows visible, and you'll need to scroll through the address book to find the details while responding simultaneously to emergency messages that appear at the bottom of the screen. This requires additional focus to remember exactly in which rows and columns the information should be found, which can be achieved and improved through practice.
Practice tests that include written and recorded questions with multitasking options are available in the CritiCall Preparation Pack. It can be purchased for $69 and can help you improve your skills prior to the test, feeling more confident and prepared for the assessment.
The next CritiCall test practice module refers to the 911 Dispatcher's ability to make difficult decisions while prioritizing. The Prioritization module will present you with different scenarios of varying urgency levels.
Prioritizing scenarios correctly is crucial and may be the difference between a successful response and a disaster. It requires you to consider both time and response urgency - for example, whether the situation is ongoing, whether there is any current danger to civilians, how serious an injury is, and so on.
CritiCall Prioritization Practice
Prioritization - Question 1
- A man calls in reporting about his loud neighbors. He claims they are having a loud argument. Sounds of glass shattering and a scream for help were heard.
- The municipal garbage men crew found a dead homeless man in an alley in the city's commercial area. His corpse had signs of brutal violence on his head and chest. Gang graffiti was sprayed next to him.
Which situation is more urgent?
The correct answer is (A).
In prioritization questions, When deciding, follow scales. These scales will help you determine which scenario is the most urgent:
Scenario A depicts a possibility of abuse and violence that could be stopped (screams for help). A plausible outcome of this scenario is serious injury and physical harm (code 1).
Scenario B is an incident, which presents a dead homeless person. This incident is also code 1, but this case already happened, and the criminals are known. According to the time scale, incident A has priority on this call.
911 Dispatcher Practice tests with many unique scenarios, including full explanations, and methods for prioritizing, can be found in our CritiCall Preparation Pack.
CritiCall Reading Comprehension Practice
911 Dispatchers require more than just prioritizing skills, typing and summarizing abilities. The next module - Reading Comprehension- assesses the verbal skills necessary to understand and respond to texts. As the examples demonstrate, reading comprehension requires careful reading, verbal proficiency, an understanding of context, and summarization techniques. Some of the texts may be lengthier, contain more details, or be at a higher English level.
How to Pass the CritiCall Test?
The content of the CritiCall reading comprehension passages will mostly be related to law enforcement, emergency communication, and other texts that are used on the job. That being said, you don't need to use any prior knowledge or experience, but rather base your answer only on the given text and your reasoning skills.
For a comprehensive practice that includes guides and different types of questions, you can purchase our CritiCall Preparation Pack.
CritiCall Sentence Clarity Practice
Next is another verbal module – Sentence Clarity, which focuses on using proper English and the ability to rephrase or clarify sentences. The Sentence Clarity module requires excellent verbal skills, proficiency in English, and a sharp eye for errors. It involves selecting how a sentence should be phrased, as well as being able to rephrase it in the most effective way.
Other than reading and improving verbal skills, it is recommended to focus on practicing these types of questions. Practice tests full of different formats and types of questions can be found in our CritiCall PrepPack.
CritiCall Mathematics Practice
Next, you will face the Mathematics Module, comprised mostly of word problems in a variety of difficulty levels. The Mathematics Module requires numerical abilities, an understanding of basic arithmetic operations, the usage of fractions, decimals, and more. It also requires an ability to translate written problems into equations – while knowing which equations should be used (i.e., remembering that time multiplied by speed equals distance).
You can find math study guides and practice tests of increasing difficulty in our CritiCall PrepPack.
For more math assessing exams, check out our Free Wonderlic Test Practice.
911 Dispatcher Jobs
If you're interested in becoming a 911 dispatcher, the first step is to research requirements in your area. Although each place has their own process, many departments use the CritiCall Test. Other popular tests are the Post Dispatcher Test and NYPD Police Communications Technician Exam.
For more information on 911 dispatcher jobs, contact your local law enforcement, fire department, EMS, or Department of Public Safety to know more about their application process.
Learn more about how to become a 911 dispatcher.
CritiCall Character Comparison Practice
The next module aims to test your attention to detail and focus. You will need to be methodical to ensure that no mistakes are made. Proceed to the Character Comparison module, which demands attention to even the slightest details, methodical work, staying focused, and working quickly yet thoroughly.
Since multi-tasking emergency questions could also appear within this module – practice is greatly helpful in improving your ability to divide your attention between tasks while not missing any important details. You can find multiple practice tests with and without the multi-tasking feature in our CritiCall PrepPack.
CritiCall Memory Recall Practice
CritiCall memory recall questions require listening to voice recordings of letters and numbers, and then repeating the recorded sequence.
Memory Recall tests come in various levels of difficulty - the longer and more detailed the written or audio passage is, the harder it is to remember and answer questions later. Our CritiCall Preparation Pack includes unique tips and practices for improving your memory recall ability.
CritiCall Spelling Practice
The following module is another verbal module – Spelling.
The Spelling module requires proper English, verbal proficiency, as well as listening abilities. The questions, which may involve sentence completion or correction, could include recorded words or not. Practice tests for the Spelling module covering all possible formats can be found in our CritiCall Preparation Pack.
CritiCall Probability Practice
The next and final module we will cover is the Probability Module which requires both numerical and reasoning skills.
Congratulations! You have completed our free CritiCall practice test successfully. Now that you are familiar with the different CritiCall modules and have been introduced to various problem-solving techniques, it is time to begin your practice. Practicing each module methodically, under the same time constraints as the actual CritiCall dispatcher test, is the best way to improve your chances of achieving a high score on the real test.
Get Access to 125 CritiCall Practice Tests Tailored to Common & Additional Modules, including:
1. Guides, Explanations, Tips, and Techniques for Studying.
2. Multi-tasking features to experience the same format and challenges as the CritiCall Dispatcher Test.
3. Additional practice and an interactive interface to help you identify and address your strengths and weaknesses, maximizing your potential for improvement and success.
How to Pass the CritiCall Test – Expert Tips & Strategies
1. Understand the CritiCall Test Format
The CritiCall Test is not just a basic exam; it's a simulation designed to assess your ability to think and react quickly under pressure.
2. Review the Minimum Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, which may vary slightly depending on the agency:
- Age: Typically, candidates need to be at least 18 years old.
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency.
- Optional Requirements: In some instances, a valid driver's license or a clean driving record might appear.
3. Practice with Sample CritiCall Tests
- Take Multiple Practice Tests: Aim for at least 5-10 practice tests before your exam to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Time Yourself: The CritiCall test is timed, so practice under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.
4. Improve Your Multitasking Skills
The test will challenge your ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, which is critical in high-pressure situations.
5. Work on Your Decision-Making and Prioritization
911 dispatchers must make quick, accurate decisions that could mean the difference between life and death.
6. Pass the Background Check
A clean background check is essential to becoming a 911 dispatcher. This includes checks for:
- Criminal History: Any felonies or serious offences could disqualify you.
- Drug Screening: Many agencies conduct random or pre-employment drug tests.
- Driving Record: A poor driving history can be a red flag, as dispatchers need to be reliable and trustworthy.
CritiCall Practice Test FAQ
The CritiCall test is designed to assess the essential skills required for a 911 dispatcher, including multitasking, decision-making under pressure, data entry, and situational judgment. Many candidates find it challenging due to its comprehensive evaluation of these critical abilities. However, thorough preparation, such as engaging in practice tests that simulate the actual exam environment, can significantly enhance your proficiency and confidence, thereby increasing your chances of success.
The exact failure rate for the CritiCall test varies across different agencies and is not publicly standardized. Some agencies have reported passing rates as low as 13%, indicating a high level of difficulty.
The passing score for the CritiCall test varies by agency, as each sets its own standards. Typically, a passing score falls around 70% to 75%. However, some competitive agencies may require higher scores, sometimes between 80% and 90%. It's essential to check with the specific agency you're applying to for their exact requirements.
The CritiCall test typically takes between one and three hours to complete, depending on the modules included. The CritiCall software offers over 20 different tests, but each agency selects only the tests most relevant to their positions. This results in varying test lengths and focuses based on the job's specific requirements. It's best to check with the agency you're applying to for details on the expected duration and content.
A proficient typing speed is crucial for 911 dispatchers to efficiently manage emergency communications. Many agencies require a minimum typing speed of 35 to 40 words per minute. However, specific requirements can vary by agency. Achieving a higher typing speed while maintaining accuracy can enhance performance in this demanding role.
You don’t have to be a genius to be a 911 dispatcher, but the role requires quick decision-making, multitasking, clear communication, and staying calm under pressure. Strong preparation, especially through practice tests, helps develop these essential skills and boosts your chances of success.
The hardest part of being a 911 dispatcher is managing high-pressure situations, such as handling life-or-death emergencies, while remaining calm and focused. Dispatchers must multitask effectively—listening to callers, entering data, and coordinating with responders—all in real-time. Emotional resilience is crucial, as dealing with traumatic calls can be mentally and emotionally taxing.
If you are looking for a different test, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, contact us, and we'll do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming exam.
Useful Links
If you are interested in a career with the force, check out some of our police-related pages:
Or, learn about other civil service exams we offer prep for:
Criticall Test Prep Info Video
The CritiCall is the most popular pre-employment test used to screen applicants for 911 dispatcher and call-taker roles across the U.S and Canada.
