911 Dispatcher Practice Test: What to Expect and How to Prepare
If you’re considering a career as a 911 dispatcher, one of the first hurdles is passing the 911 dispatcher practice test. Since requirements vary by state, the exam format may differ, but the goal is always the same: to evaluate if you have the skills needed to handle emergency calls under pressure.
This guide will walk you through what the 911 dispatcher test includes, the most common test types, and how to prepare effectively.
What Is the 911 Dispatcher Test?
The 911 dispatcher test (also called the dispatcher skills test or national dispatcher selection test) is a computer-based assessment designed to measure the qualities essential for dispatchers.
The exam is usually divided into sections that test:
- Data Entry – Quickly and accurately entering information from written and audio prompts.
- Cross-Referencing – Matching details like names, addresses, or codes.
- Character Comparison – Spotting small differences between similar data sets.
- Decision-Making – Choosing the right emergency response based on caller information.
- Prioritization – Ranking multiple calls by urgency.
- Probability – Interpreting unclear or partial information.
- Map Reading – Selecting the fastest routes while following traffic rules.
- Memory & Recall – Remembering and summarizing critical information.
- Reading Comprehension – Understanding written passages and extracting details.
Most Common 911 Dispatcher Tests
1. CritiCall Dispatcher Test
The CritiCall Test is the most widely used dispatcher exam in the U.S. It is interactive and covers:
- Data Entry & Cross-Referencing
- Character Comparison
- Decision-Making
- Memory Recall
- Prioritization & Probability
- Map Reading
- Call Summarization
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Clarity
- Basic Math Concepts
You can take a free CritiCall practice test to get familiar with the format.
2. California POST Dispatcher Test
The California POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam is a multiple-choice test lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours. It includes 11 subtests, such as:
- Public Safety Bulletin Reading
- Assigning Field Units
- Evaluating Facts & Setting Priorities
- Sentence Clarity & Reading Comprehension
- Fact Recall & Call-Taking
- Oral Directions
- Checking Coded Information
Scores are compared against statewide averages, and a strong performance is required to move forward.
3. NYPD 911 Operator Exam
The NYPD Police Communications Technician (PCT) Test is administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). Applicants must score at least 70%.
It covers:
- Written Comprehension & Expression
- Memorization & Recall
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive & Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
Passing this exam is the first step toward becoming a 911 operator in New York City.
How to Prepare for the 911 Dispatcher Test
Success comes down to preparation. Here’s how to get ready:
- Take practice tests – Familiarize yourself with test formats and question styles.
- Improve typing speed – Most tests require a minimum typing accuracy and WPM.
- Practice memory drills – Strengthen recall with number and letter sequences.
- Review maps – Work on navigation and route selection.
- Study reasoning exercises – Deductive and inductive reasoning questions are common.
- Simulate pressure – Practice in timed conditions to mirror the stress of the real exam.
Common test topics include:
- Coding/decoding information
- Following directions
- Name and number checking
- Problem solving and ordering information
- Deductive/inductive reasoning
- Personality test practice (for psychological evaluation)
Free 911 Dispatcher Test Sample Questions
Data Entry Sample Question
- Who lives at 56 West Street?
- What is the catalog number of the only person from Florida?
Free 911 Dispatcher Practice Test (15 Questions)
Section 1: Data Entry & Accuracy
Q1. You receive the following call details:
- Caller: Maria Lopez
- Location: 325 Pine Avenue
- Emergency: Car accident with injuries
- Units required: Police, Medical
Fill in the fields below:
- Name: ________
- Address: ________
- Emergency Type: ________
- Dispatch Units: ________
Q2. A caller reports: “Suspicious person wearing a black hoodie, loitering near 210 Market Street at 11:45 PM.”
Enter the correct details into the table:
- Description: ________
- Location: ________
- Time: ________
Q3. Identify the typo:
ORIGINAL: License Plate – XTR-5982
COPY: License Plate – XRT-5982
a) No error
b) XTR vs. XRT
c) Missing numbers
d) Wrong plate format
Section 2: Prioritization & Decision-Making
Q4. Rank the following calls from most urgent to least urgent:
- A man reports his house is on fire with family members inside.
- A resident reports loud music at 2 AM.
- A caller reports a possible burglary in progress.
- A woman reports her wallet stolen yesterday.
Q5. A caller says: “There’s a fight happening outside my apartment. I see one person bleeding.”
What is the correct response?
a) Transfer to non-emergency services
b) Dispatch police and medical immediately
c) Ask the caller to break up the fight
d) End the call
Section 3: Map Reading & Routes
Q6. A crash has occurred at Oak Street & 6th Avenue. The nearest hospital is at Maple Street & 10th Avenue. Which is the best route?
- Route A: Oak → 7th → Maple → 10th
- Route B: Oak → 8th → Pine → Maple → 10th
- Route C: Oak → 5th → Maple → 10th
Q7. You need to dispatch units from Station A (on 2nd Street) to an incident at 9th Street & River Road. Which path is fastest while obeying traffic laws?
- A) 2nd → 5th → River
- B) 2nd → 7th → River → 9th
- C) 2nd → 9th directly
Section 4: Memory & Recall
Q8. Caller states: “Red pickup truck, license plate ZYH-3391, driver with sunglasses, accident near Lincoln Bridge.”
Recall after 30 seconds:
- Vehicle: ________
- Plate: ________
- Driver: ________
- Location: ________
Q9. Sequence Memory Drill: 4, 9, A, F, 6, J, 2
Enter the sequence exactly: ________
Q10. Caller states: “Suspect ran east on Pine Street wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, carrying a black backpack.”
Recall the suspect’s clothing and direction: ________
Section 5: Reading & Comprehension
Q11. Caller reports: “I smell gas in my apartment building, and my neighbors are coughing.”
What should the dispatcher do first?
a) Dispatch fire and medical units immediately
b) Tell caller to investigate the source
c) Advise caller to ignore unless there’s fire
d) Put the caller on hold
Q12. Caller states: “There’s a man lying on the ground near the park, he’s not moving.”
Best dispatcher action:
a) Send medical units immediately
b) Wait for another caller to confirm
c) Dispatch police only
d) Advise caller to check the man themselves
Section 6: Problem-Solving & Logic
Q13. If all fire units are busy and two emergencies are reported at the same time, which takes priority?
a) A cat stuck in a tree
b) A reported house fire with possible people trapped
c) A broken streetlight
d) A car blocking a driveway
Q14. Caller reports: “Two masked men broke into my neighbor’s house five minutes ago. I can hear noises inside.”
Correct response:
a) Dispatch police immediately
b) Ask caller to confront suspects
c) Advise caller to hang up
d) Transfer to non-emergency line
Q15. Caller reports: “There’s flooding on Main Street. Cars are stuck in the water and people are on the roofs.”
What’s the correct action?
a) Dispatch rescue and medical units
b) Ignore, since flood is ongoing
c) Transfer call to weather service
d) Ask caller to wait until water clears
Free 911 Dispatcher Practice Test Answers
Section 1: Data Entry & Accuracy
Q1.
- Name: Maria Lopez
- Address: 325 Pine Avenue
- Emergency Type: Car accident with injuries
- Dispatch Units: Police, Medical
Explanation: Dispatchers must record caller, location, emergency type, and required units accurately.
Q2.
- Description: Suspicious person wearing black hoodie
- Location: 210 Market Street
- Time: 11:45 PM
Explanation: Accuracy in caller descriptions is essential for officer safety and response.
Q3. Correct Answer: b) XTR vs. XRT
Explanation: Dispatchers must catch small but critical details, especially license plate errors.
Section 2: Prioritization & Decision-Making
Q4. Correct Order:
- House fire with family members inside
- Possible burglary in progress
- Fight with injuries
- Loud music complaint
- Wallet stolen yesterday
Explanation: Life-threatening emergencies always take priority over property crimes or disturbances.
Q5. Correct Answer: b) Dispatch police and medical immediately
Explanation: A fight with visible injuries is an active emergency requiring both law enforcement and EMS.
Section 3: Map Reading & Routes
Q6. Correct Answer: Route A
Explanation: Route A is the most direct to the hospital with minimal turns.
Q7. Correct Answer: C) 2nd → 9th directly
Explanation: The direct route is fastest and avoids unnecessary detours.
Section 4: Memory & Recall
Q8.
- Vehicle: Red pickup truck
- Plate: ZYH-3391
- Driver: Sunglasses
- Location: Lincoln Bridge
Explanation: Dispatcher memory skills are crucial for relaying accurate info to first responders.
Q9. Correct Sequence: 4, 9, A, F, 6, J, 2
Explanation: Exact recall tests focus and short-term memory, critical during long calls.
Q10. Correct Recall: White T-shirt, jeans, black backpack, ran east on Pine Street.
Explanation: Clothing and direction are critical for suspect identification.
Section 5: Reading & Comprehension
Q11. Correct Answer: a) Dispatch fire and medical units immediately
Explanation: Gas leaks are hazardous material emergencies requiring urgent response.
Q12. Correct Answer: a) Send medical units immediately
Explanation: A non-moving person may be unconscious or dead—medical response is required.
Section 6: Problem-Solving & Logic
Q13. Correct Answer: b) A reported house fire with possible people trapped
Explanation: Threats to human life take priority over property or minor issues.
Q14. Correct Answer: a) Dispatch police immediately
Explanation: Home invasion with suspects inside is an active crime scene requiring urgent police response.
Q15. Correct Answer: a) Dispatch rescue and medical units
Explanation: Flooding with trapped individuals is life-threatening, requiring immediate rescue.
Dispatcher Skills Sample Question (Urgency Ranking)
Which of the following is the most urgent?
- A father reports his son hurt his leg after falling off a bike.
- A woman reports being followed by drunk men in an isolated area.
- An older woman reports garage vandalism.
- A man reports a leaking factory pipe in a lake.
Memory Recall Sample Question
Listen to a sequence of numbers and letters, then type it back in order.
Character Comparison Sample Question
Spot the differences between nearly identical data sets (names, numbers, or codes).
Final Thoughts
The 911 dispatcher test is designed to measure if you can stay calm, think clearly, and make quick decisions in emergencies. While it can feel overwhelming, consistent practice and preparation can dramatically increase your chances of passing.
Start today with a free 911 dispatcher practice test to see where you stand.
FAQ Section
1. Is the 911 dispatcher test hard?
Yes, it can be challenging because it measures multiple skills like memory, reasoning, and multitasking. With regular practice, most candidates improve quickly.
2. What is the CritiCall dispatcher test?
The CritiCall test is the most common 911 dispatcher exam, covering data entry, decision-making, memory recall, and map reading.
3. How can I prepare for the 911 dispatcher test?
Take practice tests, improve typing speed, strengthen memory, and review reasoning exercises. Simulating timed conditions helps build confidence.
4. Do all states use the same dispatcher exam?
No, exams vary by state and agency. The most common are CritiCall, California POST, and NYPD 911 Operator Exam.
5. What score do you need to pass the NYPD dispatcher exam?
Candidates must score at least 70% on the NYPD Police Communications Technician (PCT) Test to qualify.
Q1. What is the 911 Dispatcher Test?
The 911 dispatcher test is an assessment that evaluates skills such as data entry, decision-making, memory recall, map reading, and comprehension to ensure candidates can handle emergency calls effectively.
Q2. What skills are tested on the 911 Dispatcher exam?
The exam measures data entry, prioritization, probability, map reading, memory recall, reading comprehension, sentence clarity, and problem-solving abilities.
Q3. Which 911 Dispatcher tests are most common?
The most common tests are the CritiCall Test, the California POST Dispatcher Exam, and the NYPD 911 Operator Exam. Each focuses on slightly different skill areas depending on the agency.
Q4. How can I prepare for the 911 Dispatcher Test?
You can prepare by practicing data entry drills, reading comprehension exercises, map navigation, and situational decision-making. Taking practice tests and sample questions is the most effective preparation method.
Q5. Is the CritiCall Test difficult?
The CritiCall Test can be challenging because it simulates real-life emergency conditions. With regular practice and familiarity with its question types, candidates can significantly improve their scores.
Q6. What score do I need to pass the NYPD 911 Operator Exam?
To qualify, candidates must achieve at least a 70% score on the NYPD Police Communications Technician exam.
Q7. Are practice tests available for the 911 Dispatcher exam?
Yes, several practice tests and free sample questions are available online. They help candidates build speed, accuracy, and confidence before taking the official exam.
