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Criticall 911 Test Online Preparation & Tips – 2024

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The Criticall test is a popular emergency dispatcher test, often used instead of ECOMM for 911 dispatchers. The test allows employers to understand whether the candidate has the skills and abilities that must be present even before training, and because of its similarity to what job-seekers and graduates will run into on the job, it has been a frequently used test in this field.

 

What Is the Criticall Test?

Criticall is a computerized pre-employment test intended for dispatchers and call-takers, particularly ones working with 911 or other related emergency services. The test is well-liked by employers because it assesses for skills and abilities an individual has to possess prior to training and, therefore, does not require any special dispatcher or call-taker knowledge and training.

 

Forming Expectations for the Test

The Criticall test is a rigorous exam. It requires a lot of multi-tasking and frequently gives candidates emergency messages on the screen during other test activities. These simulated emergency messages interrupt the flow and must be answered in fifteen seconds or less for credit to be earned. Wrong answers gain the test-taker no credit.

The test often measures a candidate’s ability to do the following:

  • Follow rules and directions
  • Make decisions quickly and accurately based on provided rules
  • Enter data or information with a keyboard that is verbal or written in form
  • Hear and comprehend in order to summarize or answer questions about the information given in short story format
  • Identify written information provided with lists
  • Recognize differences or similarities such as addresses or names
  • Hear and remember pieces of info for short periods of time
  • Correctly spell commonly-used words that sound alike but, if spelled incorrectly, would delay much-needed assistance, such as mistyping patients as patience

 

Passing Requirements

The test is made up of a total of ninety questions, which are split into eleven different sections. Each of these sections has its own passing requirements, and though they may seem easy enough, the question types vary from interactive to audio-based and other types in order to make the test challenging. Those wishing to be eligible for a dispatcher role must pass each section with high scores to be considered.

The score requirements are as follows for the non-percentage-based tests:

  • Data Entry with Multi-Tasking = 60 KPM
  • Audio Data Entry with Multi-Tasking = 28 KPM
  • Keyboarding = 35 WPM

The score requirements for percentage-based tests are below:

  • Cross-Referencing = 70%
  • Cross-Referencing with Audio = 70%
  • Character Comparison = 70%
  • Memory Recall = 70%
  • Numeric Memory Recall with Audio = 70%
  • Suburban-Rural Map Reading = 70%
  • Prioritization = 70%
  • Call Summarization = 70%
  • Call Summarization with Multi-Tasking = 70%
  • Reading Comprehension = 60%
  • Spelling = 70%
  • Sentence Clarity = 70%

As you can see, the majority of the passing grades seem low, but with the test requirements and the speed necessary to gain the high scores required to be a dispatcher, the test can become quite a challenge.

 

How to Prepare for a Criticall Exam?

Preparing for this test is going to take a lot of time, effort, and practice. Remove any one of these, and you will not be nearly as successful. There is quite a bit, however, that you can do to prepare, so unlike other tests, you are not left in the dark. There are also some helpful tips or tricks you can use to help improve your score and speed while taking the test.

The first thing of note is that you absolutely must practice before the test if you wish to keep up. The test is fast-paced just like the job will be, and candidates who expect to pass with minimal practice will, on the whole, be disappointed with their end results.

 

The System

One thing to know about the computerized test is that they use a system that may only allow the entering of information in all caps, just like in a computerized dispatcher system on the job. This may throw some people, but know about it ahead of time so it will not throw you. Besides that, use only single clicks of the left mouse button to answer.

The other important note about the setup is that you will be penalized for any skipped questions during the test unless otherwise specified. So when practicing, avoid skipping any questions.

 

Focusing Practice

Focus your practice on improving whatever areas you may be weak, but spend time on everything. Some specific things you can do to prepare and focus your practice are:

  • Building speed and accuracy with listening to names, addresses, and telephone numbers while entering them into a computer
  • Entering numbers and addresses from memory
  • Giving instructions with a map and giving the quickest route from Point A to Point B on a map
  • Finding addresses using first and last names
  • Working on memory both short and long-term
  • Learning the decision rules provided in the test preparation packet

 

Tips and Tricks for the Test

When it comes to the test itself, make sure that you view all the information that is on the page before you answer. It may require the use of the scroll bars on the right of the screen to see hidden information.

Keep the “Num Lock” key function turned on to work faster during the test. You should do this in your practice sessions too so it becomes habit. On the same thread, make sure that you enter data you have heard correctly and in the right boxes.

These areas can increase your accuracy and your speed, two things which are extremely important for this test. Use them in addition to proper practice and preparation to help you ace the test.

 

Conclusion

The Criticall test is by no means an easy assessment, but that does not mean you will or must do poorly on it.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to understand that the test is hard and not to underestimate what you are up against. The exam is hard because the job is stressful and difficult, so you should be prepared for whatever is thrown your way during the test.

Gaining the high scores necessary to achieve the dispatcher position is within reach so long as you dedicate yourself to learning the system, practicing and preparing, and knowing what to expect. Then just make sure you are used to the various question and answering formats on the test such as data-entry, speaking, or multiple-choice before test day rolls around.

If you do these things, you will be well on your way to high scores and a chance to become a 911 dispatcher.