CritiCall Practice Test with Free Questions, Answers, and Explanations
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Updated February 20, 2025
CritiCall is a computer-based analysis test that determines the aptitudes and skills needed for emergency services and dispatcher positions.
On this page, you’ll find a free CritiCall practice test for 911 dispatchers, with full answers and explanations, that will give you a taste of the actual exam.
The free Critical test prep questions were hand-picked from JobTestPrep's CritiCall test prep and highly resemble the questions on the real exam.
Navigate Our CritiCall Practice Sections With Ease!
CritiCall Common Modules • Call Summarization • Decision-Making • Data Entry • Dispatcher Typing Test • CritiCall Additional Modules • Map Reading • Cross-Referencing • Prioritization • Reading Comprehension • Sentence Clarity • Mathematics • Character Comparison • Memory Recall • Spelling • Probability
CritiCall Test Prep: How to Ace the 2025 Test (Detailed Video Explanations + Sample Questions)
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.
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What is the CritiCall Test?
The CritiCall is a computer-based exam in which aspiring 911 dispatchers must be quick-thinking and efficient during multiple-test series.
Each aspiring emergency service candidate has to demonstrate strong skills related to the job, such as:
- multi-tasking
- short and long-term memory
- typing speed
- data entry
- spelling and grammar
- exceptional communication
- reading comprehension
- numerical ability
- map understanding
Note: 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.
CritiCall Practice Test Questions (20+ Resources)
Common Modules
The CritiCall dispatcher test is a common hiring tool used by many agencies. It has various sections that assess skills crucial for 911 dispatchers. It includes over 10 modules, and agencies choose which ones to use. Most focus on core modules that assess the essential job skills and duties needed for the job.
To help you prepare, we've divided the 911 dispatcher practice test into "Common Modules" which are frequently tested, and "Additional Modules" which are less common.
The following CritiCall practice test covers the common modules, with 2-3 sample questions per module for practice.
Note: 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.
We will begin the dispatcher practice test with the Call Summarization Module, one of the most abundant and famous 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.
Listen to the following recording and then answer the question below. Try to listen to it only once, as on the actual test, you’ll have only one shot as well. It is recommended to write down information while listening, as you'll have an on-screen notepad you could use on the actual test. Open the text version if you don't have access to audio.
"My sister, Tracy, told me she was nervous because she had to give a speech in front of television cameras. Those who sat in during her speech rehearsals were very impressed with the speech's content and Tracy's presentation style. Even with many words of encouragement from those who attended the rehearsals, Tracy was still anxious. When the time came for the actual presentation, Tracy said she had an upset stomach. However, she delivered the speech perfectly."
Call Summarization 1 - Question 1
Which of the following best describes this call?
Listen to the recording below and then answer the two following questions (Open the text version if you don't have access to audio).
Operator: "911. What's your emergency?"
Caller: "Hello, I'm on the US One highway junction to Miami. There's a major storm hit, the water is beginning to flood and cars are drifting away".
Operator: "How many cars do you see on the road?"
Caller: "I can't see clearly. I can recognize nine right now, but there might be more, two of them are stuck. The water level is the same height as the window. Hurry, please".
Operator: "What car are you driving?"
Caller: "A Volkswagen van?"
Operator: "Are you in a safe place?"
Caller: "No, I can't see any safe zones around here. Help me. I can't steer. I've lost contact with the road".
Operator: "Keep calm. The emergency crew is on their way, sir".
Caller: "Please hurry".
Operator: "What is your name, sir?"
Caller: "Steven Seveka".
Operator: "Are there kids inside the vehicle with you?"
Caller: "No, just me and my friend Larry Brickman here".
Operator: "OK. Listen to me, try to stay on the road. Whatever you do, don't leave the car. If the water level becomes too high. Get on top of the vehicle. Our helicopter is trying to find you".
Call Summarization 2 - Question 1
How many kids are inside the vehicle?
Call Summarization 2 - Question 2
How many cars does the caller believe are currently at the junction?
Tip: 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 criticall-test-practice.
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!
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The next common module is quite different, as it requires logical skills and quick thinking. Decision-Making simulates an essential role of 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.
CritiCall Decision-Making Practice
Question 1
Which unit would you assign?
A man reported dirty water coming out from the window of the neighbor's apartment.
Question 2
Which unit would you assign?
A girl's hand got stuck in a vending machine.
Question 3
Which unit would you assign?
A teacher reported that a boy collapsed in gym class.
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.
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💡 Note that Decision-Making questions are typically integrated as emergency pop-up questions in other Criticall test sections, rather than presented as a standalone exam. As a result, you'll need to prioritize and respond to multiple tasks simultaneously while answering these questions.
To prepare for these challenges, our CritiCall practice test pack includes a full Decision-Making practice test, with hundreds of additional scenarios included in other test modules as a multi-tasking option. For a price of 69$, you can start practicing and substantially improve your abilities prior to the test.
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/VIN numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, and alphanumeric characters, into their corresponding fields.
This module comes in two versions- written data and audio:
1. Written
A split-screen format where the data is displayed on one side and the empty fields on the other. This example is designed to simulate such questions:
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
- 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 in advance long and confusing pieces of information 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.
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.
Listen to the following recording, which highly resembles the real Data Entry test questions, and write down the details below on a piece of paper. On the actual test, you'll need to enter the details into their appropriate fields.
- Last Name
- First Name
- Title
- Address
- City
- Zip/Postal
- User Name
- Password
Answer:
Last Name: Brooks| First Name: Florence
Title: Photographic Spotter
Address: 3472 Parkway Drive
City: Mammoth | Zip/Postal: 85618
User Name: rymen1991rymen-1991
Password: cush4aev
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.
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💡 The Data entry module appears in every agency's dispatcher test since 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.
Additionally, 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
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For the Dispatcher typing test module, we recommend practicing to improve your accuracy and typing speed, or WPM (words per minute). The typing speed expected from a 911 dispatcher or operator candidate is set by the hiring agency involved, but it is recommended to reach a typing speed of 35 WPM and above and to be able to maintain this speed for at least 5 minutes throughout the test.
To achieve improved typing speed and accuracy, you can use typing practice software that tracks your speed and analyzes mistakes. Our CritiCall Test Prep Pack includes this type of software, offered to easily improve your typing skills before your upcoming assessments.
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 Practice Test – Additional Modules
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).
CritiCall Map Reading Practice
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 |
Cross-Referencing - Question 1
What's the last name of the person whose License Plate number is 6XAB175?
Cross-Referencing - Question 2
What is the phone number of the person living on Rose Street?
Cross-Referencing - Question 3
What is the first name of the person whose VIN starts with 5X?
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
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.
Prioritization - Question 1
Which situation is more urgent?
911 Dispatcher Practice tests with many unique scenarios, including full explanations, and methods for prioritizing, can be found in our CritiCall Preparation Pack.
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.
CritiCall Reading Comprehension Practice
Answer the questions below according to the following text:
Lots of people start running in their 30s or older, and it is one of the few sports in which you can improve with age. One example is the great Jack Foster, a self-styled "ancient marathoner”, who ran for the first time at the age of 32, and by the age of 40 found himself picking up a silver medal at the Christchurch Commonwealth marathon in 1974.
Of course, while we all may hold secret hopes of uncovering a latent talent, most of us are unlikely to progress to an elite level. But, whether we like to compete on a weekend or prefer to go on solitary excursions through the countryside, the message is that age is far less of a barrier in running than it is in other sports. With running, even if taken up later in life without any previous experience, it really is realistic to expect improvement with age.
1. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the second paragraph?
A. It describes people's hopes to uncover their talents.
B. It compares solitary runners to competitive runners.
C. It highlights the message that running has no age.
D. It emphasizes the importance of running when one is older.
Reading Comprehension - Question 1
1. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the second paragraph?
Reading Comprehension - Question 2
2. Based on the text, which of the following is definitely correct?
Reading Comprehension - Question 3
3. Which one of the following is definitely true regarding Jack Foster, based on the text?
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.
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.
CritiCall Sentence Clarity Practice
Sentence Clarity - Question 1
Choose the passage below that is most clear:
Sentence Clarity - Question 2
Find the answer which best matches the meaning of the original sentence:
An alarming statistic shows that suicide attempts among men are more likely to succeed, even though more women attempt suicide.
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.
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).
CritiCall Mathematics Practice
Mathematics - Question 1
Emilio drives to a town 25 miles away from his location. He calls you, saying he has driven 3/5 of the way. How many miles did Emilio drive?
Mathematics - Question 2
A mountain trail is 12.1 miles long. If a hiker walks along the trail at a rate of 1.96 miles per hour, in approximately how many hours will the hiker walk the entire trail?
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.
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.
CritiCall Character Comparison Practice
Character Comparison - Question 1
Determine which of the options is an exact copy of:
7227277277277222 James Baxter
Character Comparison - Question 2
From the alternatives below, choose the one which is exactly the same as:
2C4GM68475R65969
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.
The following module requires memorization, focus, and patience. Continue to the Memory Recall module:
CritiCall Memory Recall Practice
CritiCall memory recall questions require listening to voice recordings of letters and numbers, and then repeating the recorded sequence.
Click the play button in order to listen to the sequence of letters and numbers:
Write down the sequence you heard after the recording ends.
Memory Recall - Question 2
Click the play button in order to listen to the sequence of letters and numbers:
Write down the sequence you heard after the recording ends.
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.
The following module is another verbal module – Spelling.
CritiCall Spelling Practice
Listen to the following recording and complete the missing words in the 2 sentences below. Open the text version if you don't have access to audio.
"The word is hazardous. Workers should wear gloves while working with hazardous chemicals."
Spelling - Question 1
Workers should wear gloves while working with __________ chemicals.
Spelling - Question 2
Any recent ____ in jobs is likely to have been ____ in the south.
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.
The next and final module we will cover is the Probability Module which requires both numerical and reasoning skills.
CritiCall Probability Practice
Probability - Question 1
Read the following description and answer the question below:
Four people reported the address of a burning building. The addresses reported were:
#1: 6742 Clerk Blvd.
#2: 4742 Clerk Blvd.
#3: 6782 Clerk Blvd.
#4: 3142 Clerk Blvd.
Probability - Question 2
Read the following description and answer the question below:
A cyclist hit a pedestrian on a boulevard. The accident was described by a few eyewitnesses:
#1: The cyclist left the bicycle lane. The pedestrian was wearing earphones and was looking at his phone.
#2: The cyclist rode fast and hit a pedestrian looking at his phone.
#3: The cyclist left the bicycle lane when suddenly a Caucasian male appeared out of nowhere.
#4: The pedestrian was wearing his earphones, looking at his phone, and did not pay attention to his surroundings.
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.
