Public-Safety Dispatcher / Calltaker Applicants

Have you always wanted a career in public-safety? Do you like to help people and think the dispatch industry is right for you? Do you need a career change and becoming a public-safety dispatcher is calling your name?

While CritiCall is a software program used by agencies to test applicants before they are hired, we do not offer a software solution catered specifically to job applicants. For training and industry information, we recommend you investigate the websites of the leading industry organizations.

Leading Industry Associations:

• APCO International – Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
• IAED – International Academics of Emergency Dispatch
• NENA – National Emergency Number Association
• The Academy – South Bay Regional Public-Safety Training Consortium
• NECI – National Emergency Communications Institute

CritiCall Candidate Resources:

• CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide (PDF)
• CritiCall and the Dispatcher Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Sample Test Battery (Keyboarding, Proofreading, and Spelling)
• Sample Test (Keyboarding Only)
• Sample Test (Proofreading Only)
• Sample Test (Spelling Only)

Additional Resources:

• Data Entry Practice Test created by Karen Freeman-Smith *Note: This tool was created by dispatcher applicant Karen Freeman-Smith for her personal use and as a resource for her blog readers. CritiCall 911 or Biddle Consulting Group did not participate in its development.
• 911 Dispatcher Education and Career Information *Note: This website link has been provided as a resource for dispatcher job applicants and is independent of CritiCall and Biddle Consulting Group, Inc., altogether.
• 911 Dispatcher Orientation Video by Gateway Technical College
• WECT News. New Hanover County 911: a WECT News 6 Feature Story & Video