CritiCall Test: Format, Modules, Practice Questions and Prep Guide

The CritiCall test is a pre-employment assessment used by many public safety agencies to evaluate candidates for dispatcher test practice, emergency dispatcher, call taker and public safety telecommunicator roles.

Unlike a standard written exam, Criticall practice is designed to simulate dispatcher-related tasks. It measures how accurately and quickly you can enter information, listen, remember details, make dispatch decisions, read maps, prioritize calls and multitask under pressure.

Recommended prep:

Always follow your agency’s official testing instructions. CritiCall modules, time limits, passing scores and typing requirements vary by agency.

What Is the CritiCall Test?

The CritiCall test is a dispatcher skills assessment used to measure job-related abilities for emergency communications work.

It may test your ability to:

• type accurately;
• enter caller information;
• process audio information;
• summarize calls;
• remember short-term details;
• recall information later;
• choose whether Police, Fire, EMS or Public Utility should be dispatched;
• prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls;
• read maps and directions;
• compare names, numbers and codes;
• apply rules quickly;
• multitask while maintaining accuracy.

The exact test is not identical for every candidate because agencies can choose which CritiCall modules to administer.

CritiCall Test Quick Facts

Feature	What to Expect
Main use	911 dispatcher and public safety telecommunicator hiring
Format	Computer-based test
Question style	Interactive modules, typing, data entry, decision-making and multiple-choice tasks
Common skills	Speed, accuracy, multitasking, listening, memory and judgment
Modules	Vary by agency
Typing requirement	Varies by agency
Passing score	Varies by agency and module
Best prep	Dispatcher-specific timed practice

Is CritiCall the Same for Every Agency?

No.

CritiCall is a test system with a library of dispatcher-related modules. Agencies may select the modules they want to use.

That means one candidate may take modules focused on data entry, decision-making and multitasking, while another may also receive map reading, call summarization, spelling, cross-referencing, numerical ability or memory recall.

Before preparing, check your test invitation for:

• whether the test is CritiCall;
• whether it is online or in person;
• whether audio is used;
• whether typing is included;
• whether headphones are needed;
• whether a separate typing certificate is required;
• whether retesting rules are provided.

CritiCall Test Modules

CritiCall may include several different modules.

Data Entry

The data entry module measures your ability to type information accurately and quickly.

You may need to enter:

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

Common mistakes include:

• reversing digits;
• confusing letters and numbers;
• missing apartment numbers;
• changing East to West;
• misspelling names;
• typing the correct information into the wrong field.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Typing Test

Decision-Making

Decision-making modules test whether you can apply dispatch rules correctly.

A common CritiCall-style decision task asks which agency should be dispatched:

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

The guide candidate format emphasizes applying only the stated rules. If injuries are mentioned, EMS may be required. If fire or smoke is mentioned, Fire may be required. If a crime, threat or suspect is involved, Police may be required. If a downed wire, gas leak or water main break is involved, Public Utility may be required.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Decision-Making Test

Multitasking

Multitasking modules measure whether you can complete one task while monitoring another.

You may need to:

• listen while typing;
• make decisions while data changes;
• respond to prompts under time pressure;
• process multiple incidents;
• switch between information sources;
• maintain accuracy despite distractions.

This is one of the most dispatcher-specific parts of the CritiCall test.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Multitasking Test

Oral Comprehension and Call Summarization

Oral comprehension modules measure how well you understand spoken information.

You may need to listen to a simulated call and identify:

• caller name;
• location;
• callback number;
• incident type;
• injuries;
• weapons;
• suspect description;
• vehicle description;
• direction of travel;
• key facts for dispatch.

Some call summarization tasks may require you to type a concise summary of the important information.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Listening Test

Memory Recall

Memory recall modules test whether you can remember details after a short delay.

You may be asked about:

• names;
• addresses;
• phone numbers;
• suspect descriptions;
• vehicle descriptions;
• incident details;
• directions;
• colors;
• times;
• sequence of events.

Some modules test short-term memory. Others may require recalling information later in the exam.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Memory Test

Map Reading and Geographic Directions

Map reading modules test whether you can understand directions and location relationships.

You may need to identify:

• north, south, east or west;
• shortest route;
• correct cross street;
• direction of travel;
• closest unit;
• route affected by signs or restrictions.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Map Reading Test

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension modules measure whether you can understand written information and apply it correctly.

You may read:

• short policies;
• instructions;
• incident descriptions;
• procedural rules;
• written messages.

Then you may need to choose the answer that follows from the text.

Cross-Referencing

Cross-referencing measures your ability to search and compare information accurately.

You may need to match:

• names;
• addresses;
• phone numbers;
• codes;
• license plates;
• unit numbers;
• incident IDs.

This is similar to clerical accuracy, but under dispatcher-style pressure.

Spelling and Sentence Clarity

Some CritiCall tests include spelling or sentence clarity.

These sections may test whether you can:

• identify correct spelling;
• choose the clearest sentence;
• avoid ambiguous wording;
• communicate facts clearly.

Clear written communication matters because dispatch records may be used by officers, supervisors, investigators and courts.

Numerical Ability

Some agencies may include numerical ability tasks.

These are usually job-related and may involve:

• basic addition;
• subtraction;
• percentages;
• time calculations;
• distance calculations;
• simple practical math.

Perceptual Ability

Perceptual ability questions test whether you can quickly compare similar-looking information.

You may compare:

• license plates;
• phone numbers;
• addresses;
• names;
• codes;
• serial numbers.

Small errors matter.

CritiCall Test Practice Questions

These are original CritiCall-style practice questions. They are not official CritiCall questions.

Question 1: Data Entry

Original information:

Caller: Jordan Miles
Address: 4817 South Cedar Avenue, Apt 6C
Phone: 503-918-2047

Which entry is correct?

• A. Jordan Miles, 4817 South Cedar Avenue, Apt 6C, 503-918-2047
• B. Jorden Miles, 4817 South Cedar Avenue, Apt 6C, 503-918-2047
• C. Jordan Miles, 4871 South Cedar Avenue, Apt 6C, 503-918-2047
• D. Jordan Miles, 4817 North Cedar Avenue, Apt 6C, 503-918-2047

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A.

Only option A exactly matches the name, street number, direction, apartment and phone number.

Question 2: Dispatch Decision

Use these rules:

Dispatch Police for crimes, threats, fights, suspicious persons or traffic hazards.
Dispatch Fire for fire, smoke, explosion, gas smell, rescue need or trapped persons.
Dispatch EMS for injuries, unconscious persons, breathing problems or medical help.
Dispatch Public Utility for downed wires, power outages, water main breaks or utility hazards.
Dispatch all agencies that apply.

A caller reports a car crash. One driver is injured, and smoke is coming from the engine.

Who should be dispatched?

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

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D.

A crash with injury requires EMS. Smoke requires Fire. A traffic crash and hazard require Police under the rule.

Question 3: Dispatch Decision

A caller reports a downed power line sparking across a residential street.

Who should be dispatched?

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

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C.

A downed power line is a utility hazard, so Public Utility is required. Because it is across a street and creates a public safety hazard, Police may be needed for scene and traffic control under the traffic hazard rule.

Question 4: Call Priority

Which call should be handled first?

• A. A phone was stolen from a locker three days ago
• B. A person is unconscious and not breathing
• C. A caller wants a copy of a report
• D. A neighbor played loud music yesterday

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

A person unconscious and not breathing is an immediate life-safety emergency.

Question 5: Memory

Read the information:

Caller: Sofia Grant
Location: 92 Elm Court
Incident: suspicious person
Description: male, black hoodie, tan backpack
Direction: south toward River Road

What was the direction of travel?

• A. North toward Elm Court
• B. South toward River Road
• C. East toward River Road
• D. West toward Oak Street

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

The direction was south toward River Road.

Question 6: Map Reading

A unit is at 2nd Avenue and Pine Street. The emergency is at 5th Avenue and Cedar Street.

Avenues increase as you go east. Streets from north to south are:

Oak
Pine
Maple
Cedar

Which direction should the unit generally travel?

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

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A.

From 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue is east. From Pine Street to Cedar Street is south.

Question 7: Reading Comprehension

Policy:

If a medical call involves violence or a weapon, dispatch Police in addition to EMS. If a medical call involves fire, smoke or a trapped person, dispatch Fire in addition to EMS.

A caller reports a person was 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

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

The stabbing requires EMS. The suspect still nearby creates a law enforcement need, so Police is also required.

Question 8: Error Checking

Original:

Plate: 6QHT492

Entered:

6QHT429

What is the error?

• A. The first digit is wrong
• B. The letters are wrong
• C. The last two digits are reversed
• D. There is no error

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C.

Original ending:

492

Entered ending:

429

The last two digits are reversed.

Question 9: Cross-Referencing

Find the record that matches:

Name: Priya Shah
DOB: 04/17/1991
ID: PS-4827

• A. Priya Shah, 04/17/1991, PS-4827
• B. Priya Shaw, 04/17/1991, PS-4827
• C. Priya Shah, 04/17/1997, PS-4827
• D. Priya Shah, 04/17/1991, PS-4872

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A.

Only option A matches the name, date of birth and ID exactly.

Question 10: Sentence Clarity

Which sentence is clearest?

• A. The officer spoke with him about it there.
• B. Officer Ramirez spoke with the caller at 3:15 p.m. about the stolen vehicle.
• C. He talked to the person and handled the thing.
• D. The situation was dealt with by someone.

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B.

Option B is specific, clear and factual. It identifies who, when and what the communication involved.

CritiCall Practice Answer Key

Question	Skill Tested	Correct Answer
1	Data entry	A
2	Dispatch decision	D
3	Dispatch decision	C
4	Call priority	B
5	Memory	B
6	Map reading	A
7	Reading comprehension	B
8	Error checking	C
9	Cross-referencing	A
10	Sentence clarity	B

How Is the CritiCall Test Scored?

CritiCall scoring varies by agency and by module.

Your score may consider:

• accuracy;
• speed;
• number of correct answers;
• typing accuracy;
• typing speed;
• module-specific performance;
• pass/fail standards;
• comparison with agency requirements.

There is no universal CritiCall passing score that applies to every agency.

Some agencies may require candidates to pass each selected module. Others may use a combined score or agency-specific cut score.

What Is a Good CritiCall Score?

A good CritiCall score is one that meets or exceeds the hiring agency’s standard.

Because agencies can choose different modules, a “good score” depends on:

• the modules administered;
• the agency standard;
• whether typing is scored separately;
• whether the test is pass/fail;
• whether candidates are ranked;
• whether retesting is allowed.

Do not rely on a generic pass mark unless it comes from your testing agency.

Is the CritiCall Test Hard?

The CritiCall test can be hard because it combines several tasks under time pressure.

Candidates often struggle with:

• typing while listening;
• remembering details after delays;
• applying dispatch rules quickly;
• choosing multiple agencies when needed;
• reading maps under time pressure;
• switching between tasks;
• maintaining accuracy when stressed.

The questions may not be academically advanced, but the test is demanding because it simulates dispatcher workload.

Related guide:

• How Hard Is CritiCall?

How to Prepare for the CritiCall Test

Use this preparation process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Agency Uses CritiCall

Do not assume every dispatcher test is CritiCall.

Check your invitation for:

• CritiCall;
• TestGenius;
• dispatcher skills test;
• computer-based dispatcher exam;
• emergency communications exam.

Step 2: Practice Data Entry

Practice entering:

names
addresses
phone numbers
license plates
case numbers
vehicle descriptions
incident summaries

Compare every field for accuracy.

Step 3: Practice Typing for Accuracy

Typing speed matters, but accuracy matters more.

Practice with dispatcher-style content:

• street addresses;
• apartment numbers;
• names;
• plates;
• phone numbers;
• short call summaries.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Typing Test

Step 4: Practice Dispatch Decision Rules

Use the basic categories:

Agency	Common Trigger
Police	Crime, threat, suspect, weapon, fight, traffic hazard
Fire	Fire, smoke, explosion, gas smell, rescue, trapped person
EMS	Injury, illness, unconscious, not breathing, medical request
Public Utility	Downed wire, outage, water main break, utility hazard

Remember that more than one agency may be correct.

Step 5: Practice Listening and Memory

Practice listening to short messages and recalling:

• location;
• caller name;
• incident type;
• suspect description;
• vehicle description;
• injuries;
• direction of travel.

Related guides:

• Dispatcher Listening Test
• Dispatcher Memory Test

Step 6: Practice Map Reading

Review:

North = up
South = down
East = right
West = left

Practice grid movement, shortest routes and cross streets.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Map Reading Test

Step 7: Practice Multitasking

Use drills where you must:

• type while listening;
• answer questions while reading updates;
• sort calls by priority;
• compare records quickly;
• make dispatch decisions under a timer.

Related guide:

• Dispatcher Multitasking Test

CritiCall Test Strategy

Use these strategies on test day:

• read every module’s instructions carefully;
• do not assume all modules work the same way;
• use only the rules shown in the test;
• focus on exact data entry;
• do not panic after one mistake;
• prioritize life-safety calls;
• dispatch all agencies that apply;
• track names, locations and callback numbers;
• keep moving during timed tasks;
• recover quickly between modules.

Common CritiCall Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• typing quickly but inaccurately;
• failing to read instructions;
• missing apartment numbers;
• reversing phone digits;
• confusing East and West;
• forgetting EMS when injuries are present;
• forgetting Fire when smoke is present;
• forgetting Utility for downed wires or utility hazards;
• dispatching only one agency when multiple apply;
• adding assumptions not in the scenario;
• trying to remember every word instead of key details;
• panicking during multitasking modules.

Related guide:

• Common Public Safety Test Mistakes

CritiCall vs 911 Dispatcher Test

CritiCall is one type of 911 dispatcher test.

CritiCall	General 911 Dispatcher Test
Specific dispatcher testing platform	Broad category of dispatcher exams
Computer-based modules	May be written, computer-based or agency-specific
Often includes data entry and multitasking	May include reading, memory, typing, judgment and civil service sections
Modules vary by agency	Format varies by provider
Dispatcher-specific skills	Dispatcher or public safety communications skills

Related guides:

• 911 Dispatcher Test
• 911 Dispatcher Practice Test

CritiCall vs POST Dispatcher Test

CritiCall and POST dispatcher tests are different.

CritiCall	POST Dispatcher Test
Dispatcher skills testing platform	Public safety dispatcher selection battery used by POST-participating agencies
Interactive computer modules	Timed aptitude battery
Agencies select modules	POST format depends on state and agency
Often includes data entry, multitasking and decision-making	May include verbal, reasoning, memory and perceptual ability
Common in many agencies	Especially relevant for California POST agencies

Best CritiCall Test Prep

JobTestPrep is useful for CritiCall preparation because it offers dispatcher-style practice for common CritiCall skill areas.

Use JobTestPrep for:

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

Recommended prep:

Free vs Paid CritiCall Prep

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

Free resources are 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 format and take diagnostic practice
Day 2	Data entry and typing
Day 3	Dispatch decision-making
Day 4	Listening and memory
Day 5	Map reading and cross-referencing
Day 6	Multitasking and timed mixed practice
Day 7	Review mistakes and prepare test-day checklist

24-Hour CritiCall Study Plan

If your test is tomorrow:

1. Read your official invitation.
2. Review module instructions if provided.
3. Practice typing for 20 minutes.
4. Practice addresses, phone numbers and license plates.
5. Review Police / Fire / EMS / Utility rules.
6. Practice short memory recall.
7. Practice basic map directions.
8. Complete one timed mixed drill.
9. Prepare headphones, keyboard and testing space if needed.

CritiCall Test-Day Checklist

Before the test, confirm:

[ ] I know whether the test is CritiCall.
[ ] I know the testing location or online platform.
[ ] I know whether headphones are needed.
[ ] I know whether typing is tested.
[ ] I have practiced data entry accuracy.
[ ] I have practiced dispatch decision-making.
[ ] I have practiced listening and memory.
[ ] I have practiced map reading.
[ ] I understand that modules may differ.
[ ] I will read each section’s instructions carefully.
[ ] My keyboard works properly.
[ ] My testing space is quiet if testing online.

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 Practice Test	Free CritiCall-style questions
911 Dispatcher Practice Test	Full dispatcher practice test
911 Dispatcher Test	Dispatcher exam overview
How Hard Is CritiCall?	Difficulty and strategy
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 CritiCall details with current official and agency sources.

Use sources such as:

• CritiCall official website;
• CritiCall applicant resources;
• CritiCall test descriptions;
• CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide;
• Biddle / TestGenius CritiCall pages;
• agency job postings and test invitations;
• California POST dispatcher resources if relevant;
• Public Safety Testing dispatcher resources if relevant;
• JobTestPrep CritiCall test prep;
• PoliceTest.info dispatcher test prep.

Verify:

• whether the agency uses CritiCall;
• modules included;
• typing requirement;
• audio requirement;
• whether map reading is included;
• whether multitasking is included;
• whether memory is tested;
• time limits;
• passing score;
• retest rules;
• whether candidates can use headphones;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current affiliate URL;
• access duration and refund terms.

FAQ