To become a 911 dispatcher in the United States, you must pass a test. The Criticall Test is one of the exams & it is designed to evaluate your skills, knowledge and abilities in areas such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, multitasking and stress management. It will also assess your ability to remain calm under pressure while taking calls from the public and dispatching first responders quickly and accurately.
If you think you have what it takes to become a 911 dispatcher, you will need to prepare for the Criticall Dispatcher Test. This test is designed by Criticall and is considered one of the most challenging exams in the public-safety industry. You will need to be well-studied and knowledgeable on topics such as communication protocols, radio procedure codes, geography and more.
What Is the CritiCall Test and What Is its Purpose?
The CritiCall Test was designed by the Biddle consulting group and is used to evaluate individuals wishing to enter the field of public safety dispatching. It is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates your cognitive abilities, customer service skills, job knowledge and problem-solving capabilities. The test is administered over a computer or tablet device and consists of various scenarios and questions that must be answered correctly.
The Criticall Test ensures the highest quality of customer service and safety by ensuring that each potential dispatcher is qualified and knowledgeable in the field. By taking this test, you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and public safety.
Eligibility for the Criticall test
To be eligible for the Criticall Test, you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- You are eighteen years or older.
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- In order to work in public safety, it is necessary to have no criminal record.
- You will need to pass a background check in order to be hired.
- A credit check will need to be passed.
It is important to note that all states have different requirements, so contact your local public-safety agency for more details is best.
By understanding what is required of you and preparing for the Criticall Test, you are taking the first step in a potentially rewarding career as a 911 dispatcher. Becoming a dispatcher means you will be helping to save lives and make a difference in your community.
How to Register for the Criticall Test?
To register for the Criticall Test, you must first contact your local public-safety agency. They will be able to provide you with more information on registering and taking the exam. Once you have registered, you must prepare for the test as best as possible by studying the material thoroughly and practicing sample questions.
Criticall Test Overview
The Criticall Test is usually two to three hours long and consists of verbal, numerical and situational questions. The exam is designed to evaluate your skills, knowledge and abilities in areas such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, multitasking and stress management. Additionally, the test will assess your ability to remain calm under pressure while taking calls from the public and dispatching first responders quickly and accurately.
What to expect on the Criticall Test
On the day of your exam, you will be presented with a series of multiple-choice questions. The questions are designed to evaluate your ability to think critically and quickly and your knowledge of communication protocols, radio procedure codes, geography, and more.
It is important that you remain calm during the test, as this will help you to think clearly and make the best decisions possible. Additionally, it is important to read carefully and answer each question honestly.
No of Questions
The test contains a total of 23 modules, but applicants are only given questions from the modules that correspond to the job they applied for. The most frequent skills that will be evaluated are reading, writing, hearing, map reading, and resolving simulated emergency situations.
The CritiCall dispatcher test comes in different versions, each one designed to assess skills required for a specific job. For example, call centres would be tested on memory, prioritization, and ability to communicate instructions. In contrast, the test version given to dispatchers would focus more on math, map reading, and accurately providing directions.
Test Timing
The Criticall Test is administered between one & three-hour time limit. It is important to be mindful of the time limit so that you are able to answer all questions thoroughly and accurately.
CritiCall Test Structure - Sections & Question Types
The modules of the CritiCall test are divided into three sections, which are:
Attention to Detail
This section focuses on the applicant’s ability to find information quickly and accurately interpret written instructions. It is important that applicants are able to read carefully and answer questions correctly.
Cross Referencing
This section assesses the applicant’s ability to understand and apply information from multiple sources. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well the applicant can remember spoken instructions and how accurately they can follow directions.
Character Comparison
This section evaluates the applicant’s ability to evaluate and compare different scenarios. This module will test how well the applicant can interpret written information and their ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Basic Reading, Writing & Math
This section assesses the applicant’s ability to read and understand written instructions, as well as their knowledge of basic math. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well the applicant can interpret written material and their ability to calculate numerical figures accurately.
Reading Comprehension
This section focuses on the applicant’s ability to read and interpret written instructions. The questions in this module are designed to assess how well the applicant can understand, analyze, and remember information from a given passage.
Spelling
This section evaluates the applicant’s ability to spell correctly. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well applicants can use the English language correctly, as well as their ability to report events clearly.
Sentence Clarity
This section assesses the applicant’s ability to clearly state their thoughts in a written form. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well applicants can communicate effectively, as well as their ability to write grammatically correct sentences.
Math
This section evaluates the applicant’s knowledge of basic math operations and formulas. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well applicants can utilize math skills to solve problems, as well as their ability to calculate figures accurately.
Dispatch Skills
This section assesses the applicant’s ability to use their knowledge in a simulated emergency situation. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well applicants can think on their feet and make quick decisions under pressure.
Memory Recall
This section evaluates the applicant’s ability to remember detailed instructions from a simulated emergency dispatch. The questions in this module are designed to assess how well applicants can recall events accurately and quickly.
Prioritization
This section assesses the applicant’s ability to prioritize tasks in a simulated emergency dispatch. The questions presented in this module are designed to test which tasks are prioritized by the applicants and make decisions in a timely manner.
Map Reading
This section evaluates the applicant’s ability to interpret a map and coordinate activities. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well applicants can identify and locate streets and landmarks, as well as their ability to give directions accurately.
This section assesses the applicant’s ability to type quickly and accurately. The questions presented in this module are designed to test how well applicants can input data accurately and quickly, as well as their ability to follow instructions.
How is the Criticall Test Scored?
The CritiCall exam is split into separate sections, each with a distinct passing score. As you prepare for the exam, keep these requirements in mind; even if you get half the questions correct, it won’t be enough if you struggle with the rest of them. You need to excel at every component of the test.
Attention to Detail
- Cross-Referencing – At least 70 Percent
- Cross-Referencing with Audio – At least 70 Percent
- Character Comparison – At least 70 Percent
- Call Summarization – At least 70 Percent
- Call Summarization with Multi-Tasking – At least 70 Percent
Basic Skills
- Reading Comprehension – At least 60 Percent
- Spelling – At least 70 Percent
- Sentence Clarity – At least 70 Percent
- Numeric Memory Recall with Audio – At least 70 Percent
Dispatcher Skills
- Memory Recall – At least 70 Percent
- Suburban-Rural Map Reading – At least 70 Percent
- Prioritization – At least 70 Percent
- Data Entry with Multi-Tasking – At least 60 Keystrokes per minute (KPM)
- Audio Data Entry with Multi-Tasking – At least 28 Keystrokes per minute (KPM)
- Keyboarding – At least 35 Words per minute (WPM)
Study Tips for the CritiCall Test
Take a Criticall Practice Test
Get Familiar with the Test Format
Learn Decision-Making Rules
Practice Basic Skills
Frequently Asked Questions: Criticall Test
If I Fail the CritiCall Test, Can I Retake It?
There is no one-size-fits-all policy for the number of times you can retake a CritiCall test, as it varies from agency to agency. Some allow retesting after six months, while others only permit it when they are advertising an open position again.
What Are the Most Difficult Aspects of the CritiCall Test?
The most difficult aspects of the CritiCall test include Memory Recall, Suburban-Rural Map Reading, Prioritization, and Typing.
When can I expect to receive my CritiCall dispatcher test results?
How long it takes for an agency to process results and send them out to candidates varies, depending on the agency’s hiring schedule. Some agencies will immediately notify candidates of their results, while others wait until several weeks after all testing dates have been completed.
How will you know if you've successfully completed the CritiCall test?
The outcome of the test depends on which hiring department you applied to. Many agencies will notify you of failure if you fail to pass their standards. Others show invitees the next stage of the hiring process. And finally, a small number will present everyone’s score at the end of sections.