CritiCall Practice Test: Free Questions, Answers and Prep Guide

The CritiCall practice test helps you prepare for one of the most common pre-employment exams used for dispatcher test practice, emergency dispatcher and public safety telecommunicator positions.

The Criticall practice test is different from a normal written exam. It is designed to measure whether you can process emergency information quickly, type accurately, remember details, make correct dispatch decisions and multitask under pressure.

This free CritiCall-style practice test covers:

• data entry;
• typing accuracy;
• decision-making;
• call prioritization;
• memory;
• multitasking;
• map reading;
• reading comprehension;
• error checking;
• dispatcher judgment.

Recommended prep:

These are original CritiCall-style practice questions for study purposes. They are not official CritiCall, Biddle Consulting Group, TestGenius, POST, Public Safety Testing, NTN or agency exam questions.

What Is the CritiCall Test?

The CritiCall test is a dispatcher assessment used by public safety agencies to evaluate candidates for 911 dispatcher and emergency communications roles.

CritiCall is designed to measure job-related dispatcher skills such as:

• entering caller information accurately;
• listening while typing;
• remembering caller details;
• deciding whether Police, Fire, EMS or Public Utility should be dispatched;
• prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls;
• reading maps and directions;
• switching between tasks;
• following written instructions;
• working under time pressure.

The exact CritiCall modules can vary because agencies choose which parts of the test to administer.

Related guide:

• CritiCall Test

CritiCall Practice Test Instructions

This practice test includes 35 questions across common CritiCall-style skills.

Recommended timing:

35 questions
25 minutes

For a harder timed drill:

35 questions
18 minutes

Complete the test before checking the answer key.

Section 1: Data Entry Accuracy

Question 1: Address Entry

A caller gives this address:

2194 East Willow Street, Apartment 12D

Which entry is most accurate?

• A. 2194 East Willow Street, Apartment 12D
• B. 2914 East Willow Street, Apartment 12D
• C. 2194 West Willow Street, Apartment 12D
• D. 2194 East Willow Street, Apartment 120

Question 2: Phone Number Entry

A caller gives this phone number:

(312) 804-6792

Which entry is correct?

• A. (312) 840-6792
• B. (321) 804-6792
• C. (312) 804-6792
• D. (312) 804-6972

Question 3: Name Entry

A caller states her name is:

Tanya Velasquez

Which entry is correct?

• A. Tania Velasquez
• B. Tanya Velasquez
• C. Tanya Velazquez
• D. Tonya Velasquez

Question 4: Vehicle Description

A witness reports:

Black Ford Explorer, license plate 8NRT246

Which entry is correct?

• A. Black Ford Explorer, 8NRT246
• B. Black Ford Explorer, 8NTR246
• C. Blue Ford Explorer, 8NRT246
• D. Black Ford Expedition, 8NRT246

Question 5: Case Number

The case number is:

C-47291-B

Which entry is correct?

• A. C-47219-B
• B. C-47291-B
• C. G-47291-B
• D. C-47921-B

Section 2: Dispatch Decision-Making

Use these rules for Questions 6–12.

Dispatch POLICE if:
- a crime is in progress;
- a crime just occurred;
- there is a fight, threat, weapon, suspicious person or traffic hazard.

Dispatch FIRE if:
- there is fire, smoke, explosion, gas smell, trapped person or rescue need.

Dispatch EMS if:
- someone is injured, unconscious, not breathing, severely ill or requesting medical help.

Dispatch PUBLIC UTILITY if:
- there is a power outage, downed wire, water main break, gas leak or utility hazard.

Dispatch all agencies that apply.

Question 6: Smoke in a Building

A caller reports smoke coming from a second-floor apartment. No injuries are mentioned.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. Police only
• B. Fire only
• C. EMS only
• D. Public Utility only

Question 7: Assault With Injury

A caller reports that two people are fighting outside a store. One person is on the ground and bleeding.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. Police only
• B. EMS only
• C. Police and EMS
• D. Fire and Public Utility

Question 8: Downed Wire

A caller reports a power line is down across a sidewalk. People are walking near it.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. Public Utility only
• B. Police and Public Utility
• C. EMS only
• D. Fire only

Question 9: Gas Smell

A caller reports a strong smell of gas inside a home.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. Police only
• B. Fire and Public Utility
• C. EMS only
• D. Police and EMS

Question 10: Theft Just Occurred

A caller reports that someone stole a laptop from a coffee shop and is running away.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. Police
• B. Fire
• C. EMS
• D. Public Utility

Question 11: Crash With Injury and Smoke

A caller reports a two-car crash. One driver is injured, and smoke is coming from one vehicle.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. Police only
• B. EMS only
• C. Police, Fire and EMS
• D. Public Utility only

Question 12: Water Main Break

A caller reports water flooding a street from a broken water main. No injuries or traffic crash are mentioned.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. EMS
• B. Fire
• C. Public Utility
• D. Police and EMS

Section 3: Call Prioritization

Use this priority scale for Questions 13–17.

Priority 1: Immediate threat to life, active violence, major fire, serious injury or major hazard.
Priority 2: Crime in progress, suspect nearby, dangerous condition without confirmed life threat.
Priority 3: Delayed report, non-emergency complaint or administrative request.

Question 13: Highest Priority

A caller says a child is not breathing.

• A. Priority 1
• B. Priority 2
• C. Priority 3
• D. No response needed

Question 14: Delayed Theft

A caller wants to report a phone stolen from a gym locker three days ago.

• A. Priority 1
• B. Priority 2
• C. Priority 3
• D. No response needed

Question 15: Suspicious Person Now

A caller reports a person trying car doors in a parking lot right now.

• A. Priority 1
• B. Priority 2
• C. Priority 3
• D. No response needed

Question 16: Fire Alarm With Smoke

A caller reports a fire alarm sounding and smoke visible in a hallway.

• A. Priority 1
• B. Priority 2
• C. Priority 3
• D. No response needed

Question 17: Noise Complaint

A caller reports loud music from a neighbor’s house last night.

• A. Priority 1
• B. Priority 2
• C. Priority 3
• D. No response needed

Section 4: Memory

Read the information once, then answer Questions 18–22.

Caller: Marcus Lee
Location: 74 Brookside Drive
Incident: possible burglary
Suspect: female, green jacket, white backpack
Vehicle: gray Nissan Altima
Direction: west toward Central Avenue

Question 18: Caller Name

What is the caller’s name?

• A. Marcus Lee
• B. Malcolm Lee
• C. Marcus Reed
• D. Martin Lee

Question 19: Incident Location

Where is the incident?

• A. 47 Brookside Drive
• B. 74 Brookside Drive
• C. 74 Central Avenue
• D. 47 Central Avenue

Question 20: Suspect Clothing

What was the suspect wearing?

• A. Blue jacket
• B. Green jacket
• C. White jacket
• D. Gray jacket

Question 21: Vehicle

What vehicle was reported?

• A. Gray Nissan Altima
• B. Green Nissan Altima
• C. Gray Toyota Camry
• D. White Nissan Sentra

Question 22: Direction of Travel

Which direction did the suspect travel?

• A. East toward Central Avenue
• B. West toward Central Avenue
• C. North toward Brookside Drive
• D. South toward Brookside Drive

Section 5: Map Reading

Use this map grid for Questions 23–26.

Avenues run north-south:
1st Ave, 2nd Ave, 3rd Ave, 4th Ave, 5th Ave

Streets run east-west:
Oak St, Pine St, Maple St, Cedar St

Street order from north to south:
Oak St
Pine St
Maple St
Cedar St

Unit A is at 2nd Ave and Pine St.
The emergency is at 5th Ave and Cedar St.

Question 23: Direction

From Unit A to the emergency, the unit should generally travel:

• A. West and north
• B. East and south
• C. East and north
• D. West and south

Question 24: Blocks

How many blocks away is the emergency using the shortest grid route?

• A. 3 blocks
• B. 4 blocks
• C. 5 blocks
• D. 6 blocks

Question 25: Cross Street

The emergency is located at:

• A. 2nd Ave and Pine St
• B. 5th Ave and Cedar St
• C. 5th Ave and Oak St
• D. 1st Ave and Cedar St

Question 26: Street Direction

From Pine St to Cedar St, the unit travels:

• A. North
• B. South
• C. East
• D. West

Section 6: Reading Comprehension

Read the policy and answer Questions 27–30.

For medical calls, dispatch EMS. If the caller reports violence, weapons or an active threat, dispatch Police in addition to EMS. If the caller reports fire, smoke, gas smell or trapped occupants, dispatch Fire in addition to any other required agency. If a utility hazard is present, dispatch Public Utility.

Question 27: Medical Only

A caller reports that an elderly person has chest pain. No violence, fire or utility hazard is mentioned.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. EMS
• B. Police only
• C. Fire only
• D. Public Utility only

Question 28: Medical With Threat

A caller reports that a person has been stabbed and the suspect is still nearby.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. EMS only
• B. Police and EMS
• C. Fire only
• D. Public Utility only

Question 29: Medical With Fire

A caller reports that a person is trapped in a burning room.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. EMS only
• B. Fire only
• C. Fire and EMS
• D. Public Utility only

Question 30: Utility Hazard

A caller reports a person fell near a downed power line and may be injured.

Who should be dispatched?

• A. EMS only
• B. Public Utility only
• C. EMS and Public Utility
• D. Police only

Section 7: Error Checking

Compare the original record with the entered record.

Original:

Caller: Aisha Morgan
Address: 563 East Pine Road
Phone: 704-219-8806
Incident: suspicious vehicle
Vehicle: red Chevrolet Malibu

Entered:

Caller: Aisha Morgan
Address: 563 West Pine Road
Phone: 704-219-8086
Incident: suspicious vehicle
Vehicle: red Chevrolet Malibu

Question 31: Number of Error Fields

How many fields contain errors?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Question 32: Address Error

What is wrong with the address?

• A. Street number
• B. Direction
• C. Street name
• D. No address error

Question 33: Phone Error

Which part of the phone number is incorrect?

• A. Area code
• B. First three digits
• C. Last four digits
• D. No phone error

Question 34: Correct Field

Which field was entered correctly?

• A. Address
• B. Phone
• C. Vehicle
• D. None of the above

Question 35: Incident Field

Was the incident field entered correctly?

• A. Yes
• B. No, the incident type changed
• C. No, the vehicle changed
• D. No, the address changed

CritiCall Practice Test Answer Key

Question	Skill Tested	Correct Answer
1	Address entry	A
2	Phone entry	C
3	Name entry	B
4	Vehicle entry	A
5	Case number entry	B
6	Dispatch decision	B
7	Dispatch decision	C
8	Dispatch decision	B
9	Dispatch decision	B
10	Dispatch decision	A
11	Dispatch decision	C
12	Dispatch decision	C
13	Call prioritization	A
14	Call prioritization	C
15	Call prioritization	B
16	Call prioritization	A
17	Call prioritization	C
18	Memory	A
19	Memory	B
20	Memory	B
21	Memory	A
22	Memory	B
23	Map reading	B
24	Map reading	C
25	Map reading	B
26	Map reading	B
27	Reading comprehension	A
28	Reading comprehension	B
29	Reading comprehension	C
30	Reading comprehension	C
31	Error checking	C
32	Error checking	B
33	Error checking	C
34	Error checking	C
35	Error checking	A

Answer Explanations

Question 1 Explanation

Correct answer: A.

Only option A exactly matches:

2194 East Willow Street, Apartment 12D

The other options change the street number, direction or apartment number.

Question 2 Explanation

Correct answer: C.

The correct phone number is:

(312) 804-6792

Dispatcher tests often include digit reversals, so compare every number carefully.

Question 3 Explanation

Correct answer: B.

The correct spelling is:

Tanya Velasquez

The other options change the first name or last name spelling.

Question 4 Explanation

Correct answer: A.

The correct vehicle entry is:

Black Ford Explorer, 8NRT246

Option B reverses letters. Option C changes the color. Option D changes the model.

Question 5 Explanation

Correct answer: B.

The correct case number is:

C-47291-B

Question 6 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Fire only

Smoke in a building requires Fire.

No injury, crime or utility hazard is mentioned.

Question 7 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Police and EMS

A fight requires Police.

A bleeding person requires EMS.

Both agencies apply.

Question 8 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Police and Public Utility

A downed wire is a utility hazard, so Public Utility is required.

Because people are walking near it, Police may also be needed for safety and scene control under the traffic hazard / danger rule.

Question 9 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Fire and Public Utility

A strong gas smell requires Fire and Public Utility under the rules.

Question 10 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Police

A theft just occurred and the suspect is running away.

This requires Police.

Question 11 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Police, Fire and EMS

A traffic crash with injury requires Police and EMS.

Smoke from a vehicle requires Fire.

Question 12 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Public Utility

A water main break is a utility hazard.

Question 13 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Priority 1

A child not breathing is an immediate threat to life.

Question 14 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Priority 3

A phone stolen three days ago is a delayed report with no immediate danger.

Question 15 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Priority 2

A person trying car doors right now may indicate a crime in progress.

No immediate life threat is described, so it is Priority 2.

Question 16 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Priority 1

Smoke in a hallway with a fire alarm is a possible major life-safety hazard.

Question 17 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Priority 3

A noise complaint from last night is delayed and non-emergency.

Question 18 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Marcus Lee

The caller was Marcus Lee.

Question 19 Explanation

Correct answer: B. 74 Brookside Drive

The incident location was 74 Brookside Drive.

Question 20 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Green jacket

The suspect was wearing a green jacket.

Question 21 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Gray Nissan Altima

The vehicle was a gray Nissan Altima.

Question 22 Explanation

Correct answer: B. West toward Central Avenue

The direction was west toward Central Avenue.

Question 23 Explanation

Correct answer: B. East and south

From 2nd Ave to 5th Ave is east.

From Pine St to Cedar St is south.

Question 24 Explanation

Correct answer: C. 5 blocks

From 2nd Ave to 5th Ave:

3 blocks east

From Pine St to Cedar St:

2 blocks south

Total:

3 + 2 = 5 blocks

Question 25 Explanation

Correct answer: B. 5th Ave and Cedar St

The emergency location is directly stated.

Question 26 Explanation

Correct answer: B. South

The street order from north to south is:

Oak
Pine
Maple
Cedar

From Pine to Cedar is south.

Question 27 Explanation

Correct answer: A. EMS

Chest pain is a medical call.

No other agency is required by the policy.

Question 28 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Police and EMS

A stabbing requires EMS.

A suspect still nearby or active threat requires Police.

Question 29 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Fire and EMS

A person trapped in a burning room requires Fire.

The person may need medical help, so EMS is also required.

Question 30 Explanation

Correct answer: C. EMS and Public Utility

A possible injury requires EMS.

A downed power line requires Public Utility.

Question 31 Explanation

Correct answer: C. 2

Two fields contain errors:

East Pine Road → West Pine Road
704-219-8806 → 704-219-8086

Question 32 Explanation

Correct answer: B. Direction

The original address says:

East Pine Road

The entered address says:

West Pine Road

Question 33 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Last four digits

Original:

8806

Entered:

8086

The last four digits are incorrect.

Question 34 Explanation

Correct answer: C. Vehicle

The vehicle field is correct:

red Chevrolet Malibu

Question 35 Explanation

Correct answer: A. Yes

The incident field is correct:

suspicious vehicle

How to Score This CritiCall Practice Test

Use this unofficial scoring guide:

Score	Interpretation
0–17	Needs significant review
18–24	Basic understanding, but accuracy needs work
25–29	Solid practice score
30–33	Strong practice score
34–35	Excellent practice score

This is not an official CritiCall score.

Real CritiCall scoring depends on the agency, modules administered and required standards.

What Skills Does CritiCall Test?

CritiCall may test several job-related dispatcher skills.

Data Entry

You may need to enter:

• names;
• addresses;
• phone numbers;
• license plates;
• case numbers;
• incident details;
• vehicle descriptions;
• caller information.

Accuracy is essential.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Typing Test

Decision-Making

Decision-making modules may ask you to choose the correct dispatch response.

Common response categories include:

• Police;
• Fire;
• EMS;
• Public Utility;
• more than one agency.

Use only the rules provided in the test.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Decision-Making Test

Memory

Memory questions test whether you can recall key details after a short delay.

Common details include:

• caller name;
• location;
• suspect description;
• vehicle description;
• direction of travel;
• injury status.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Memory Test

Listening

Listening modules may require you to understand spoken information and record details accurately.

You may need to listen for:

• addresses;
• caller names;
• incident type;
• callback number;
• suspect description;
• vehicle information;
• officer or unit updates.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Listening Test

Multitasking

Multitasking modules measure whether you can handle several streams of information at once.

You may need to:

• type while listening;
• sort calls by priority;
• respond to changing information;
• monitor instructions;
• enter data while reading updates.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Multitasking Test

Map Reading

Map reading modules test whether you can understand location, direction and route information.

Practice:

• north, south, east and west;
• grid movement;
• shortest routes;
• cross streets;
• direction of travel.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Map Reading Test

Call Prioritization

Call prioritization tests whether you understand urgency.

High-priority calls usually include:

• immediate threat to life;
• active violence;
• major injury;
• person not breathing;
• fire or smoke in a building;
• major hazard;
• weapon involved.

Lower-priority calls usually include:

• delayed theft;
• noise complaint from the previous day;
• administrative request;
• non-urgent report.

Common CritiCall Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• typing fast but inaccurately;
• failing to read module instructions;
• dispatching only one agency when multiple are required;
• forgetting EMS when injuries are present;
• forgetting Fire when smoke, fire or trapped occupants are present;
• missing caller location;
• confusing East and West;
• reversing phone digits;
• panicking during multitasking;
• trying to remember every word instead of key details;
• adding assumptions not stated in the call.

Related guide:

• Common Public Safety Test Mistakes

How to Prepare for the CritiCall Test

Use this process:

1. Confirm your agency uses CritiCall.
2. Read your official test invitation.
3. Practice typing and data entry.
4. Practice addresses, phone numbers and license plates.
5. Practice dispatcher decision rules.
6. Practice call prioritization.
7. Practice listening and memory.
8. Practice map reading.
9. Use timed multitasking drills.
10. Review every error.

Recommended prep:

CritiCall Timing Strategy

CritiCall modules may be timed separately.

Use these strategies:

• read each module’s instructions carefully;
• do not assume every section works the same way;
• prioritize accuracy in data entry;
• move quickly in decision-making modules;
• stay calm during multitasking sections;
• recover quickly after mistakes;
• do not let one error affect the next task.

Best CritiCall Practice Test Prep

JobTestPrep is useful for CritiCall preparation because it offers dispatcher-style practice for the skills commonly tested in emergency communications hiring.

Use JobTestPrep for:

• CritiCall-style simulations;
• data entry;
• typing accuracy;
• multitasking;
• map reading;
• call summarization;
• decision-making;
• memory;
• listening;
• call prioritization.

Recommended prep:

Free vs Paid CritiCall Practice

Prep Type	Best Use
Free CritiCall-style questions	Learn common formats
Official candidate guide	Confirm test purpose and modules
Typing drills	Improve speed and accuracy
Map reading drills	Improve direction skills
Listening drills	Improve audio processing
Paid JobTestPrep	More realistic dispatcher-style simulations
Timed mixed drills	Build pressure tolerance

Free practice is useful for orientation. Paid prep is more useful when CritiCall is a serious hiring filter.

7-Day CritiCall Study Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Learn test format and take a diagnostic
Day 2	Typing and data entry
Day 3	Dispatch decision-making
Day 4	Listening and memory
Day 5	Map reading and call prioritization
Day 6	Multitasking and timed practice
Day 7	Review mistakes and test-day strategy

24-Hour CritiCall Study Plan

If your test is tomorrow:

1. Review the official instructions.
2. Practice typing for 20 minutes.
3. Practice phone numbers, addresses and license plates.
4. Review Police / Fire / EMS / Utility rules.
5. Practice memory recall.
6. Practice map directions.
7. Complete one timed mixed drill.
8. Review common mistakes.
9. Prepare headphones, keyboard and testing space if testing online.

CritiCall Test-Day Checklist

Before the test, confirm:

[ ] I know the testing platform.
[ ] I know whether headphones are needed.
[ ] I know whether typing is tested.
[ ] I have practiced data entry accuracy.
[ ] I have practiced dispatch decision rules.
[ ] I have practiced listening and memory.
[ ] I have practiced map reading.
[ ] I understand that each module may have different instructions.
[ ] My keyboard works properly.
[ ] My testing environment is quiet.
[ ] I have read the official instructions.

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Dispatcher test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

Criticall practice test can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, dispatcher test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

Criticall practice test can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Dispatcher test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

Criticall practice test can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, dispatcher test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

Criticall practice test can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

Related Police Dispatcher Test Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
CritiCall Test	Full CritiCall format guide
911 Dispatcher Practice Test	Full dispatcher practice test
911 Dispatcher Test	Dispatcher exam overview
Dispatcher Typing Test	Typing speed and accuracy
Dispatcher Listening Test	Audio comprehension
Dispatcher Memory Test	Recall practice
Dispatcher Multitasking Test	Multitasking practice
Dispatcher Decision-Making Test	Dispatch rules and judgment
Dispatcher Map Reading Test	Direction and map skills
How to Pass Dispatcher Test	Dispatcher strategy

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify all CritiCall details with current official and agency sources.

Use sources such as:

• CritiCall official website;
• CritiCall applicant resources;
• CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide;
• CritiCall validation and applicant information resources;
• agency job postings and test invitations;
• California POST dispatcher candidate materials if relevant;
• Public Safety Testing dispatcher test information if relevant;
• JobTestPrep CritiCall test prep;
• PoliceTest.info dispatcher test prep.

Verify:

• exact test provider;
• whether the agency uses CritiCall;
• modules included;
• typing requirement;
• audio requirement;
• whether map reading is included;
• whether multitasking is included;
• whether memory is tested;
• passing score;
• retest rules;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current affiliate URL;
• access duration and refund terms.

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