CritiCall Test Prep 2024: Latest Syllabus & Free Practice Test
Embarking on the journey to become a lifesaving emergency dispatcher begins with conquering CritiCall, an assessment designed to test your skills and cognitive abilities. This assessment rigorously evaluates the diverse skills and cognitive abilities that are fundamental to performing under pressure. Our extensive prep course is your first step towards achieving excellence and readiness for a career at the heart of the emergency response.
This prep course has been crafted under the guidance of Maureen, an experienced dispatcher – who brings real-world expertise to your learning journey. It includes lessons with sample questions and strategies to help you master each topic individually. At the end of each topic, there are 3 to 4 sets of timed practice tests of different difficulty levels.
With us, every practice step brightens your journey to success!
CritiCall Dispatch Primer System
Course Content
Introduction to CritiCall2 Steps - 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Reading Comprehension4 Steps - 1 Hour 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Spelling4 Steps - 1 HourBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Sentence Clarity4 Steps - 1 Hour 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Data Entry4 Steps - 2 HoursBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.- Data Entry - Written Guide
- Plain Typing Practice Questions
- ID Practice Question – Easy
- ID Practice Question – Moderate
- ID Practice Question – Hard
- Table Practice Questions – Easy
- Table Practice Questions – Moderate
- Table Practice Questions – Hard
- Audio Practice Questions – Easy
- Audio Practice Questions – Moderate
- Audio Practice Questions – Hard
Cross Referencing4 Steps - 1 Hour 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Multi Tasking & Advance Decision Making7 Steps - 2 Hour 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.- Decision Making & Multi-Tasking - Written Guide
- Multi-Tasking Practice Questions - Easy
- Multi-Tasking Practice Questions - Moderate
- Multi-Tasking Practice Questions - Hard
- Decision Making Practice Questions – Easy
- Decision Making Practice Questions – Moderate
- Decision Making Practice Questions – Hard
Numerical Ability4 Steps - 1 HourBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Frequency of Information / Probability Determination4 Steps - 1 HourBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Prioritization4 Steps - 1 Hour 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Oral Comprehension / Call Summarization4 Steps - 1 Hour 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Vocalizing Summary1 Step - 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Map Reading & Geographic Directions4 Steps - 1 Hour 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Memory Recall (Long & Short Term)4 Steps - 1 Hour 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Character Comparison4 Steps - 1 HourBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Bonus - Interview Prep1 Step - 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.- Bonus - Background Screening1 Step - 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Polygraph Test1 Step - 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Psychological Examination1 Step - 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Medical Exam1 Step - 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
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CritiCall Prep Course Curriculum
The CritiCall test covers a wide range of topics, presenting questions in diverse formats under timed conditions. Let’s quickly look at the course modules and sample questions – custom-designed to provide a realistic practice environment.
Reading Comprehension
Tests your ability to understand remember, and apply what you read. It tests your reading skills and memory retention abilities, both of which hold significant importance in emergency communications.
Here is a sample question:
Reading Comprehension Sample Question
Passage
The art of calligraphy, once an essential skill for scholars and monks, has evolved into a form of expression merging writing and drawing. Traditionally, it required mastery over brush and ink to reproduce intricate scripts, representing not just words but the essence of the writer. Contemporary calligraphy has broken the boundaries of traditional scripts, allowing artists to weave their personalities into their creations. With the rise of digital technology, virtual calligraphy tools have become popular, offering endless possibilities for creativity while preserving the core essence of the art.
Explanation:
The title should encapsulate the essence of the passage. Here, the transition of calligraphy from traditional to modern forms, including the influence of digital tools, is discussed, making (C) the most fitting title.
Spellings
In the Spelling Test, you will be tasked with filling in missing words. These missing words will either be played in an audio form or multiple-choice options. While it may seem straightforward, spelling errors can alter meanings—a critical concern in emergency communication.
Here is a sample question:
Spellings Sample Question
Explanation:
Rule Applied: "Double 's' or 'p' Rule: Double the 's' or 'p' in certain words, such as 'misspelling' and 'disappointment.'
Map Reading & Geographic Directions
This part of the test is quite challenging and assesses your spatial understanding. The questions come in multiple-choice form where instructions are in audio or written formats. Depending on the situation provided, your task will mostly be about finding the shortest route or nearest emergency resource, etc.
Here is a sample question:
Map Reading Sample Question
Explanation:
Short & Long Term Memory Recall
In the Memory Recall section of the CritiCall test, your ability to remember important details is put to the test. This section evaluates your short-term and long-term memory retention, both of which are necessary for emergency response as a dispatcher.
In the short-term memory test, you are required to quickly recall details right after a scenario is presented on your screen. Contrarily, the long-term memory test displays scenarios randomly, then asks related questions later on, interspersed among other questions you are answering.
Here is a sample question:
Memory Recall Sample Question
Sentence Clarity
In the Sentence Clarity segment, you’ll see similar scenarios and need to choose the one that communicates the message most clearly. It is easy and doesn’t need much thinking, but take a moment to read all options before deciding. It aims to test your communication skills – crucial for dispatchers.
Here is a sample question:
Sentence Clarity Sample Question
Explanation:
Option A introduces a descriptive clause ("who were wearing blue uniforms") between the subject ("the paramedics") and the action ("provided assistance"), creating ambiguity about who provided assistance. Option B adheres to the principle of eliminating ambiguity and conciseness by placing the subject immediately before the action, making it clear that the paramedics in blue uniforms provided assistance after arriving at the accident scene.
Data Entry
In the Data Entry segment, you will get questions about various typing tasks like simple text data entry, audio transcription typing, and entering alphanumeric information – under a timed setting, etc. Each question type has a custom interface which makes it all the more important for you to practice data entry questions in a realistic environment.
Our course provides a realistic custom-designed environment for practicing your data entry skills. Below is a screenshot from our practice test:
Data Entry Sample Question
Multi-Tasking & Advanced Decision-Making
The Multitasking and Decision-Making segment of the CritiCall test is notably complex and challenging. Imagine you’re in the middle of typing information when suddenly, an emergency alert pops up on the screen, presenting a scenario that requires you to dispatch the appropriate team immediately. This segment tests your ability to swiftly shift focus, make a critical decision within a minute, and then resume your previous task, all within a timed environment.
To help you practice for this part, we have developed a specialized practice environment that simulates these multitasking and decision-making scenarios.
Here is free multitasking practice from our prep course:
Decision Making & Multi Tasking Sample Question
CritiCall Multi-Tasking Sample Question
Prioritization
In the Prioritization section, you get different emergency scenarios, each varying in urgency and complexity. Some scenarios come with specific guidelines, while others rely on your judgment. The key skill tested here is your ability to quickly evaluate and order these situations by importance. This is crucial for dispatchers, who often handle several high-pressure situations.
Here is a sample question:
Prioritization Sample Question
- Immediate threats to life or health.
- Crimes in progress or very recent violent crimes.
- Threats to property or non-immediate threats to personal safety.
- Non-violent or non-threatening situations that require investigation.
Task: Based on the above rules arrange the statements in order of priority.
- A caller reports that a group of children have climbed onto the roof of a three-story building and are playing there, laughing and shouting.
- A woman calls in whispering, saying she's hiding in her closet because she saw someone trying to break into her house through the back door.
- A store owner calls, stating that after reviewing security footage from the previous night, he discovered a break-in where a considerable amount of electronics were stolen.
- A local resident reports a stray dog roaming the neighborhood streets. The dog seems friendly and is wagging its tail but is causing minor traffic disruptions.
Explanation:
- Situation 2 is an immediate threat to life or health. There's a potential intruder, and the caller's life might be in danger.
- Situation 1, while not a crime in progress, presents an immediate danger to the children playing on a high rooftop.
- Situation 3 is a non-immediate threat since the crime has already happened, but it's a serious crime that requires attention.
- Situation 4 is non-threatening and more of a public nuisance; thus, it's the least urgent.
Numerical Ability
The Numerical Ability segment features job-related math questions, covering addition, subtraction, and percentage calculations to arrive at the correct answer. These questions are predominantly multiple-choice, requiring you to select the correct option after performing the necessary calculations.
Dispatchers frequently need to swiftly compute essential information to offer timely assistance. This segment assesses your capacity to accurately and efficiently perform these calculations.
Numerical Ability Sample Question
An emergency unit was dispatched to cover two consecutive events. The first event's location was 120 miles away, and the unit covered this distance at a speed of 60 mph. Upon completion, they immediately traveled to the second event. If the second event was 15% farther than the first event and they reached there in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Explanation:
Solution:
For the first event, the unit traveled 120 miles at 60 mph. The time taken would be:
Considering the formula Time = Distance / Speed
Time = 120 miles / 60 mph = 2 hours
For the second event, the distance was 15% farther than the first. That's an additional
0.15 Ă— 120 = 18 miles Thus, the second event was 120 + 18 = 138 miles away.
They covered this distance in 2.5 hours (2 hours 30 minutes). So, the speed would be:
Speed = Distance / Time
= 138 miles / 2.5 hours = 55.2 mph
The closest option is:
Answer: C: 55.2 mph
Frequency of Information (Probability Determination)
The Probability segment assesses your ability to make informed decisions by selecting the most probable solution for a given situation. These questions require more than guesswork; they often involve calculations ranging from simple to complex.
Here is a sample question:
Probability Determination Sample Question
Throughout an evening shift, a dispatcher receives various reports of a suspicious individual lurking around the neighborhood. Based on the information:
- 4 calls mention a suspicious individual near the Central Park.
- 3 calls identify a similar presence near the Local Library.
- If the individual is at Central Park, there's a 65% likelihood he's wearing a blue hoodie.
- If the individual is near the Local Library, there's an 80% likelihood he's wearing a blue hoodie.
Explanation:
Explanation:
Frequency of Calls:
The likelihood that a randomly chosen call is about the Central Park is 4 out of 7 (or approximately 57.1%).
The chance for the Local Library is 3 out of 7 (or about 42.9%).
Suspicious Individual's Clothing:
If the suspicious person is at Central Park, there's a 65% likelihood he's wearing a blue hoodie.
If the suspicious person is near the Local Library, the probability rises to 80%.
Combine the Two Probabilities:
Probability for Central Park AND the individual wearing a blue hoodie: 57.1% x 65% = 37.1%.
Probability for Local Library AND the individual wearing a blue hoodie: 42.9% x 80% = 34.3%.
When comparing the two, 37.1% is slightly larger than 34.3%. So, the individual in a blue hoodie is marginally more likely to be associated with suspicious activity at Central Park. The answer is B) Central Park.
Character Comparison
Character Comparison questions require you to compare strings of characters and find resemblance. These questions can be challenging as they involve closely resembling character sequences of alphanumeric strings with punctuation marks, which can be particularly confusing under time constraints. They can include VINs, addresses, names of people, or a combination of them.
Here is a sample question:
Character Comparison Sample Question
Explanation:
VIN numbers are long and often a mix of letters and numbers, making them complex to compare. Dividing the VIN "JHMCR6F3XDC009083" into smaller, more digestible sections like "JHMCR", "6F3X", "DC", and "009083" can help simplify the process.
Option B replaces the number '6' with the letter 'O'. Option C changes the number '0' in the sequence "009" to the letter 'O'. Option D skips a '0' in the sequence "009". Only Option A remains consistent with the original VIN across all sections.
Strategy Usage: Using the "Focus on One Section at a Time" technique is highly beneficial, especially for longer sequences like VIN numbers. By breaking it down, you transform a complex task into a series of simpler, more manageable comparisons.
Cross-Referencing
Cross-referencing questions present a dataset, typically in a table format, along with related questions. Your task is to use the provided data to answer the question. Despite its apparent simplicity, this task can be challenging under time pressure. Questions may be delivered in audio format or the traditional written multiple-choice format – the objective remains consistent: refer to the provided data to answer.
Here is a sample question:
Cross-Referncing Sample Question
| Last name | First name | Address | Phone Number | VIN | License Plate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HART | AMELIA | 7223 BAKER STREET | 316-946-1873 | 3GFEK14P6P1283456 | 7YJL362 |
| BAXTER | JAMES | 8912 HARRISON DRIVE | 443-762-9812 | 1HVBDRM3PH459982 | 6ZXB462 |
| ROBERTS | LUCIA | 4112 ADAMS LANE | 713-678-9915 | 5J7RE98558L078915 | RMN 6799 |
| FRYE | OWEN | 8391 PINE ROAD | 774-489-5711 | 1FBP32Z25W195716 | 446-YUP |
| WILSON | GRACE | 2050 ROUTE 45 | 398-343-9905 | WAUGFBFC6EN091218 | 6XBC175 |
Call Summarization
In the Call Summarization section, you’ll listen to realistic audio clips depicting dispatch situations. Based on the call you heard, you will be asked questions in either multiple-choice or data-entry formats.
This segment evaluates your listening comprehension and decision-making abilities—critical skills for dispatchers who navigate life-and-death situations.
Call Summarization Sample Question
Listen to the audio clip here and answer the questions that follow:
Vocalization Summary
The Vocalization Summary section assesses your ability to listen and accurately relay specific information vocally. Your task is to repeat the provided piece of information into the microphone, which may be presented to you in either audio or text format.
This segment primarily evaluates your vocal communication skills and clarity in relaying information back and forth.
We have a detailed lesson with some really useful tips to ace this segment of the test.
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1000+ Practice Questions
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Real-world Simulations
Matching the complexity of the actual exam.
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Coverage
Our syllabus covers all dispatch topics, suitable for any hiring agency.
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CritiCall Prep: FAQs
The pass rate for the CritiCall test can vary depending on the agency since each department sets its standards. Typically, a passing score for most sections is between 70% to 75%, though it can be higher for certain competitive positions. Some sections, like Reading Comprehension, may have a lower passing threshold of around 60%.
The test is designed to assess critical skills needed for 911 dispatchers, including typing speed, data entry, multitasking, and decision-making under pressure. For example, candidates often need to type at least 35 words per minute and achieve a minimum of 60 keystrokes per minute in data entry tasks. Agencies may choose which modules to include and set their own benchmarks, which means the exact passing criteria can vary significantly​
The timing for receiving your CritiCall test results can vary depending on the agency. Some agencies provide results immediately after the test, especially if it’s computerized. Others may take a few days to several weeks to process and review the results.
If you fail the CritiCall test, the first step is to check with the agency that administered the test to understand their retake policy. Many agencies allow candidates to retake the test after a certain waiting period, which could range from a few weeks to several months.
During this time, it’s important to focus on improving the areas where you struggled. You can use practice tests, typing exercises, or specific skill drills to enhance your performance in areas like multitasking, decision-making, or typing speed. Preparing more thoroughly before your next attempt can increase your chances of passing on the retake.
To improve memory recall for the CritiCall Test, practice chunking information, use visualization techniques, and engage in regular repetition. Mnemonics and simulations can also help, as well as maintaining good focus through mindfulness. Regular practice and a healthy lifestyle are key to enhancing memory recall​. Studies suggest that regular practice can improve recall efficiency by up to 30%.
Yes, slow typing can hurt your score on the CritiCall Test. The test not only measures accuracy but also requires candidates to meet a minimum typing speed, often around 35 words per minute. If your typing is accurate but too slow, it may negatively impact your overall score, as the role of a 911 dispatcher demands quick and efficient data entry
No, the CritiCall Test is not adaptive. The difficulty level remains constant throughout the test. However, certain sections may feel progressively harder because they require more mental energy, especially in multi-tasking or memory recall scenarios where the workload increases gradually.
After completing the CritiCall test, candidates typically receive a detailed score report that shows their performance across individual sections. This report includes metrics like typing speed in words per minute (WPM), keystrokes per hour (KPH) for data entry, and percentage scores for other skills like decision-making and memory recall. The specific details and format of the report can vary depending on the agency that administered the test​.
To effectively prepare for the CritiCall Test, focus on increasing your typing speed and accuracy, practicing multitasking, and using targeted practice tests that replicate the actual test environment. Studies have shown that candidates who engage in these preparation methods can improve their scores by 60-70%.
Our prep course is also designed to cover these areas, offering practice tests that closely simulate the CritiCall Test. It can help you to become familiar with the format and boost your confidence and performance on the exam.
