CritiCall Test Prep 2023: Latest Syllabus & Free Practice Test
Welcome to our CritiCall Test Prep Course! We’re excited to be your partner on your journey to success. Whether you’re considering a career as a dispatcher or simply upgrading, our course has extensive knowledge, practice, and updated insights aligned with CritiCall’s latest syllabus.
This course has been crafted under the guidance of Maureen, an experienced dispatcher who brings real-world expertise to your learning journey. Maureen’s insights have been invaluable in shaping this course to meet the specific needs and challenges of aspiring dispatchers.
In this course, we’ve devotedly crafted all-inclusive lessons with sample questions and strategies to help you understand and master each topic. We understand that preparation is an ongoing process. That’s precisely why we’ve incorporated an abundance of practice tests for each topic. You’ll have many practice questions, and each comes with a detailed report to help you see where you can improve your skills.
So, let’s embark on this educational journey together, and may your pursuit be met with vibrant success.
Our Exclusive Course Offerings
We’ve crafted a comprehensive program that caters to all your preparation needs. Here’s what sets us apart:
🎯 800+ Practice Questions: We’ve covered it all – from the basics of typing tests to the complexities of multitasking. Our timed questions and three-tiered quizzes (easy, moderate, and hard) are designed to assess your readiness thoroughly.
🌐 Real-world Simulations: Dive headfirst into a true-to-life test environment long before the big day with our immersive simulations. Our multitasking questions are engineered to push your skills to the limit, with emergencies popping up just when you’re deeply engaged in your primary task. We’ve meticulously matched the complexity of the actual exam, creating the perfect playground for your practice.
🎥 Expert Insights: Our course, developed under the guidance of professional dispatcher, Maureen, goes above and beyond the ordinary. She has made it possible for us to take you on a journey that goes beyond the surface. Ready to explore? Watch this quick video from her!”.
📚 Thorough Coverage: Our course aligns with the latest CritiCall syllabus, and here’s the reality—CritiCall is highly customizable, varying by agency. Regardless of the agency you’re preparing for, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses every possible aspect of the CritiCall test. You’ll be fully prepared to tackle any scenario.
📈 Progress Tracking: Stay informed about your preparation journey with our built-in progress tracking tools. Monitor your improvement over time, pinpoint areas where you excel, and focus on areas that need more attention. Our goal is to ensure you have a clear view of your readiness, making your preparation more effective and efficient
📊 Success Stories: Explore real success stories from individuals who have completed our course and achieved their goals. Read about their experiences, challenges, and how our course played a pivotal role in their success. These stories provide tangible evidence of the impact our course can have on your career aspirations.
📚 Free Bonus Lessons: Supercharge your preparation with our complimentary bonus lessons, yours to download and save for future reference once you’ve triumphed in the pre-employment test. These invaluable bonus lessons span a variety of subjects, encompassing Interview Preparation, Background Checks, Polygraph Exams, and Medical Examinations. They offer expert insights and essential guidance for your onward career path—all at no cost to you.
CritiCall Prep Course Curriculum
The CritiCall test encompasses an extensive syllabus, and by taking a brief look at our coverage below, you’ll see that we have the most up-to-date syllabus available.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section of the CritiCall test will evaluate your capacity to understand remember, and apply what you read. These questions test your reading comprehension and memory retention abilities, both of which hold significant importance in emergency communications for dispatchers.
For this question type, you will receive a concise passage (within 200 words) followed by a set of multiple-choice questions. The passage’s content mirrors real-life scenarios encountered by dispatchers in their daily work. Now, let’s delve into a sample question from our exclusive preparation course materials– offering you a glimpse of what you can expect when you enroll in our program.
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 CritiCall Spelling Test, you will come across questions that have sentences with missing words. An audio will play the missing word and you will have to fill in the correct answer based on what you hear. There are also other types of questions where you have to choose the correct spelling from multiple choices etc. all aiming to check your spelling skills. Despite its apparent simplicity, certain spellings can be perplexing and lead to changes in the sentence’s meaning, which is unacceptable in emergency situations.
These questions evaluate your spelling skills and error-free reporting abilities. They mimic what dispatchers do in real life when they transcribe and understand spoken information. Since emergencies may have unclear or missing words, this test helps see if you’re ready for these challenges. Here is a sample question from our practice set:
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
In the Map Reading & Geographic Directions section of the CritiCall test, you will come across questions that involve maps with missing details or routes. Typically, these questions are presented in a multiple-choice format, requiring you to select answers that pinpoint directions, shortest routes, and other spatial details.
These questions evaluate your map-reading skills and your capacity to interpret spatial data flawlessly. Questions mirror real-world situations where dispatchers must navigate maps and comprehend geographic information efficiently. Because knowing where things are on maps is very important in emergencies, this test makes sure you’re ready for it as a dispatcher.
Here’s a sample question to give you a glimpse of what to expect in our course:
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 quickly 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 will face questions that require you to recall specific details or instructions given in a brief scenario and the questions follow up after a gap of few seconds. These questions evaluate your capacity to remember and apply information in the short term.
The real challenge comes with the long-term memory retention questions. At the outset, you’ll be provided with information regarding a particular scenario. As you progress through various question types, some of which might not seem immediately related, the test will later introduce questions tied to the initial scenario. Your ability to retain and recall information over an extended period is of utmost importance to clear this test.
Given the high-stress nature of emergency situations, having a strong memory for recalling essential information can make a significant difference. These questions ensure you are well-prepared to meet this challenge as a dispatcher.
Now, let’s look at a practice question that checks your short-term memory. It’s from our exclusive course materials, so you can get a feel for what our program offers. We’ve designed it to be just like the real thing, so you can practice effectively.
Memory Recall Sample Question
Sentence Clarity
Questions may be presented in a multiple-choice format, asking you to evaluate scenarios and choose the clearest option or compare two statements to determine which conveys the information most clearly. The primary objective of these questions is to assess your communication skills, a critical aspect of a dispatcher’s role. Although the concept is simple, practice is essential to excel in this question type.
Take a look at a sample question from our exclusive preparation course materials below,
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
The Data Entry segment of the CritiCall test evaluates your typing abilities in multiple formats, including straightforward typing, transcription from audio clips, and alphanumeric data entry. Each data entry format presents a unique testing interface, making practice essential to excel in this segment.
To ensure your preparedness, our preparation course offers a realistic environment for practicing data entry tasks. Here’s a preview of what you can expect from our data entry practice questions:
Data Entry Sample Question
Multi-Tasking & Advanced Decision-Making
The Multitasking and Decision-Making segment of the CritiCall test is noted for its complexity and difficulty. Merely understanding the theory is often insufficient, and many candidates falter without adequate practice. We take pride in preparing you to excel in this technically demanding environment.
Our practice tests successfully duplicate the actual testing conditions, ensuring you are well-prepared for the real deal (though the design and appearance may vary). In these questions, you’ll be primarily focused on a task that involves typing, but be prepared for sudden, randomly timed emergency situations that will require you to select the correct action for dispatch.
To provide you with a feel of our comprehensive preparation, we offer a quick practice test for free. While a single question may not fully convey the depth of our prep course, this quick test will give you what you can expect when you sign up for the course. Our course has many more practice questions to make sure you’re ready.
Decision Making & Multi Tasking Sample Question
Criticall Multi-Tasking Sample Question
Prioritization
In the CritiCall test, prioritization questions present various emergency situations, some with accompanying rules and some without. Your task is to prioritize these situations based on their urgency and severity. This skill is paramount for dispatchers who must make rapid, high-stakes decisions while managing multiple simultaneous incidents.
The ability to correctly prioritize emergencies can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations. You’ll be assessed on your capacity to apply the given rules and make swift, informed decisions to ensure the most urgent matters are addressed promptly.
Here is a sample question from our Prioritization practice test
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 contains job-related mathematical questions that require you to do addition, subtraction, and percentage calculations to get the correct answer. The questions are mainly multiple choice where you select the correct answer after performing teh required calculations.
Dispatchers often need to rapidly compute vital information to provide timely assistance. This section evaluates your ability to perform these calculations accurately and efficiently.
We have included more than 100 numerical ability questions in our practice quiz, spanning various difficulty levels. We not only provide answers but a detailed explanation of the type of calculations you need to do in each to reach the correct solution, take a look at a sample question:
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 × 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 evaluates your capacity to make well-informed decisions by choosing the most likely solution within a given scenario. These questions go beyond mere guesswork; they often entail calculations that can range from straightforward to intricate. Consistent practice is the key to mastering this skill.
Our course is packed with practice questions to help you prepare for the Probability section of the CritiCall test. Let’s take a look at one to give you an idea of what we offer:
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
In the Character Comparison section of the CritiCall test, you’ll encounter questions that require you to carefully compare strings of characters. These questions can be tricky because they involve evaluating similar-looking character sequences and selecting the most accurate solution. It’s not just about alphanumeric strings; these questions often involve name and address comparisons, which are tasks dispatchers frequently perform in their jobs.
Our character comparison lesson provides effective strategies to help you excel in these question types effortlessly. Below is a sample question that represents what you can expect in the character comparison section of the CritiCall test.
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
In the Cross-Referencing section of the CritiCall test, data is presented in extensive table formats. You will encounter questions in two different formats: audio-based questions that require you to type the requested information and multiple-choice questions where you must locate and select the correct information from the tables provided.
This segment is meant to evaluate your ability to navigate and extract essential data efficiently, a skill vital for dispatchers in their demanding roles. To get a sense of what this section entails, here’s a sample question from our preparation materials.
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 of the CritiCall test, you will be presented with realistic audio clips, typically depicting conversations between dispatchers and callers. Following the audio, you will encounter questions in either multiple-choice or data-entry formats.
This segment assesses your ability to listen attentively, comprehend crucial information from the conversation, and provide accurate summaries or responses. Effective call summarization is a critical skill for dispatchers, ensuring that vital details are accurately conveyed and acted upon.
To give you a glimpse of what questions to expect in this section, here’s a sample question from our preparation materials.
Call Summarization Sample Question
Listen to the audio clip here and answer the questions that follow:
Vocalization Summary
In the Vocalization Summary section of the CritiCall test, you will be tasked with either listening to or reading specific information. Your role is to repeat this information accurately into your microphone. This segment primarily evaluates your ability to communicate effectively, a vital skill for dispatchers. Being able to convey information clearly and precisely is essential in emergency situations where every detail matters.
We have a detailed lesson with some really useful strategies to ace the vocalization summary questions in the Critical test.
Take a look at our Criticall Course Modules
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.
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.
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.
Multi Tasking & Advance Decision Making7 Steps - 2 Hour 45 MinutesBuy 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.
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.
Character Comparison4 Steps - 1 HourBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Cross Referencing4 Steps - 1 Hour 20 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.
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.
CritiCall Prep: FAQs
How does the multitasking simulation work?
Our multitasking practice is like a real emergency test. You’ll do important tasks like typing and entering data, just like a dispatcher. While you’re doing these tasks, unexpected emergencies will come up. You’ll have to deal with them quickly, like real emergencies.
These emergencies can be all sorts of things, like urgent calls or important updates. It’s a test of how well you can handle many things at once, especially when it gets really busy.
We have a free multitasking test above that you can try. It shows you a bit of what it’s like in our full course. One question won’t show you everything, but it gives you a taste of what to expect when you join us. This free test helps you practice multitasking and making fast decisions, which are super important for being a dispatcher.
Is there a time limit for completing the practice tests in this course?
Yes, we include time limits on our practice tests to make them feel like the real thing. This helps you get used to managing your time well, which is crucial for the actual test.
It’s important to note that the time limits we use in our practice tests might not be exactly the same as what you’ll face in the real CritiCall test. That’s because every agency can customize the test to their liking. However, we make sure to add time limits wherever they apply so that you can practice under timed conditions. This way, you’ll be better prepared for any time constraints you encounter in the actual test.
Can I access the course materials offline for study purposes?
While our course materials are primarily designed for online access, we do offer the option to download certain resources such as our bonus lessons, including interview preparation materials. These resources can be useful to you, especially after successfully clearing the pre-employment test.
Are the practice questions and simulations graded?
The practice questions and simulations are primarily meant for practice and skill improvement. It’s important to note that their grading and scoring do not impact your official score on the CritiCall test. Keep in mind that the actual grading process may vary depending on the specific agency you are applying to. Our practice materials are designed to help you prepare effectively and gain confidence, but they do not contribute to your official test results.
What happens if I don't pass the CritiCall Test after completing this course?
While our course offers extensive preparation, success on the CritiCall Test is ultimately determined by individual performance. We strongly recommend dedicating at least one month to practice before taking the test. If you do not pass, you have the option to retake the test or consider additional support to further improve your skills.
Can I study at my own pace, or is there a fixed schedule for the course?
You have the flexibility to study at your preferred pace with our course. We offer three packages, providing access for one week, one month, or three months, allowing you to choose the duration that best aligns with your schedule and study needs. You can access course materials and practice tests based on your selected package, providing a tailored learning experience.
What kind of technical support is available if I encounter any issues while using the course platform?
Our dedicated technical support team is here to help you with any technical matters or questions related to the platform. You can contact us using the provided contact information, and we commit to responding to your inquiries within 24 hours. Please note that response times may vary during holidays and weekends. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re here to assist you promptly.
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