CritiCall 911 Dispatcher Test Practice
Free CritiCall sample questions and a focused prep plan for the 911 dispatcher hiring test — every major module, at real test pace.
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What is the CritiCall Dispatcher Test
CritiCall is a standardized pre-employment test widely used by 911 dispatch centers (PSAPs) across the US and Canada to screen dispatcher and call-taker candidates. It is modular and computer-based — each agency selects which modules to include (commonly 8–12) and sets its own time limits, so your exact test depends on the hiring agency. Common modules cover data entry, cross-referencing, memory recall, decision-making, prioritization, call summarization, map reading, and typing (both free-typing and audio-transcription). CritiCall measures the cognitive multitasking dispatchers actually do on the job.
Try free sample questions
4 real-format questions covering the sections you'll see on test day. Pick an answer for instant feedback, and read the worked explanation under each one — no signup needed.
- Question 1 of 4Reading ComprehensionCross-reference: The caller reports a stolen license plate reading '7BXV249' on a 2019 Toyota Camry. Which line in the vehicle log matches?
Step-by-step explanation
Cross-reference items require exact matching on every character and every field. Option 1 has a transposed letter (BVX vs BXV). Speed AND accuracy matter — dispatchers do this dozens of times per shift.
- Question 2 of 4Reading ComprehensionPrioritization: You have four calls holding. Which do you answer first? (1) Non-injury fender bender, both drivers exchanging info. (2) 'Someone is trying to break into my house right now.' (3) Barking dog complaint. (4) Follow-up on a report from yesterday.
Step-by-step explanation
Life-safety and in-progress crimes take priority. Call 2 is an active break-in — respond first, then Call 1 (traffic, no injuries), then Calls 3 and 4 (non-urgent). Prioritization items appear on nearly every CritiCall.
- Question 3 of 4Reading ComprehensionMemory recall: The caller says the suspect wore a red jacket, blue jeans, black baseball cap, and white sneakers. Which best matches?
Step-by-step explanation
Memory-recall items give you information, then ask you to retrieve one detail after a short delay. Practice active listening — note the specific attributes as you read.
- Question 4 of 4Algebra & FunctionsDecision-making: An officer requests an ETA. The suspect is 4 miles away and moving away at a steady 60 mph. The pursuing officer is 6 miles behind and gaining at 90 mph. About how long until the officer overtakes?
Step-by-step explanation
The officer gains at 90 − 60 = 30 mph. The gap is 6 − 4 = 2 miles. Time = 2 ÷ 30 hours = 4 minutes.
Answer all 4 questions to see how you did.
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The complete CritiCall Dispatcher Test prep pack
One focused course, built for the exact test. Full-length timed practice tests that mirror the real exam, worked explanations for every question, and a day-by-day plan that walks you from diagnostic to test day.
If you sit the test and don't feel prepared, email us within 30 days and we'll refund you. That's the guarantee.
- Timed drills for every CritiCall module
- Data-entry & cross-referencing practice with accuracy tracking
- Prioritization & decision-making scenario library
- Memory recall drills — visual and audio
- Typing tutor with speed and accuracy tracking
- Audio-transcription practice with real dispatch-style calls
- 30 days of access, on any device
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- One-time payment — no subscription
- No credit card for the free test
Test format
Example module mix. CritiCall is modular — each agency selects which modules to include (commonly 8–12) and sets its own time limits, so your exact test depends on the hiring agency. The structure below is a representative example, not an official format.
| Section | Questions | Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Entry & Cross-Referencing (example module) | 40 | Agency-set | Enter caller data verbatim; match records exactly across fields. |
| Decision-Making & Prioritization (example module) | 25 | Agency-set | Rank calls by urgency; choose the correct response to a scenario. |
| Memory Recall & Call Summarization (example module) | 20 | Agency-set | Retrieve specific details from short audio and written scenarios. |
| Typing — Free & Audio-Transcription (example module) | 2 | Agency-set | Free-typing speed and accuracy; type what you hear from a recording. |
Scoring explained
Minimums are set by each agency. Commonly cited bars are 35–40 WPM typing (large-city PSAPs often want 45+) and high data-entry accuracy — many agencies require 90%+ on typing modules. Check the posting for your agency's exact numbers.
You typically see a report showing per-module scores. Some agencies weight typing heavily; others weight decision-making. Ask HR which modules and cutoffs apply — they usually will tell you.
Retake policy is per agency — commonly 6 months to a year. Some allow one retake per hiring cycle; others move you to the back of the applicant queue.
Median pay for public safety telecommunicators was about $[PULL CURRENT FIGURE] per year per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How to prepare
Typing is the module you can improve fastest. Cross-referencing rewards routine practice. Decision-making rewards learning what dispatchers actually prioritize (life safety, then in-progress crimes, then property, then non-urgent).
- Test your typing baseline — 5-minute timed test. Know your WPM and accuracy today.
- Drill typing daily — 20 minutes a day for two weeks. Commonly cited bars are 35–40 WPM with high accuracy; large-city PSAPs often want 45+.
- Practice cross-referencing — 15 minutes a day. Speed and accuracy both matter.
- Learn dispatch priorities — life safety first, then in-progress crimes, then property, then non-urgent.
- Simulate under pressure — take at least 2 full-length timed practice sets before test day.
Frequently asked questions
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