Pass the 911 Dispatcher Test in Ontario | CritiCall Prep

Scope of the CritiCall Dispatcher Test

The CritiCall test has 23 modules which take 3 hours to complete. The most common modules are map-reading, data entry, memory and recall and decision-making.

The CritiCall Dispatcher test measures these skills:

• data entry
• multi-tasking
• decision-making
• making priorities
• reading maps
• reading and writing
• spelling and language
• basic mathematics skills
• memory recall

Another vital skill tested by the CritiCall Dispatcher test is to ensure that candidates can work in different environments and do their job under pressure.

The CritiCall Ontario  test has 23 modules which take 3 hours. The most common modules are map-reading, data entry, memory and recall and decision-making

•  Data entry and multi-tasking-Candidates are provided with names, (written or audio) phone numbers, addresses, and data, which they obligation to record into accurate fields in a simulated dispatch computer system.
• Candidates answer a range of decision-making questions, assessing their ability to make the right choices under pressure and multi-task.
• Cross-Referencing – This section requires the candidate to correctly read address books, quickly and precisely locate and record requested data. It also requires the candidate to record existing data verbally. The minimum mark is 70%.
• Character Comparison – Candidates are presented with two tables of data which are related and similar, but not the same. Candidates must scrutinize and compare the data. The minimum mark is 70%

Dispatcher Skills

• Decision making – This sections presents the candidate with a sequence of questions that a candidate uses to establish the most suitable emergency service to deploy to any happening event. Applicants use a microphone to give their responses.
• Prioritization – Candidates are given details of several incidents to be ranked accordingly to priority. This section tests your decision-making skills when responding urgently to incidents. The minimum mark is 70%
• Memory and Recall – Candidates are given the audio and written data, followed by questions. The minimum mark is 70%.
• Probability – Public safety officers very often work with partial or inconsistent information about a situation. They may not hear a caller clearly, due to background noise or a poor network. The probability section is used to judge how well a candidate can differentiate between a range of likely answers based on imperfect information.
• Map Reading – The map reading section tests an applicant’s ability to use maps for effectively planning the best route for emergency services units to reach a reported incident as quickly as possible. The minimum mark is  70%.

Basic Skills

• Call Summarization – This requires the candidate to pay attention to the public safety officer and the audio recordings before summarizing the data. Candidates are measured on speed and accuracy. The applicants are asked oral questions about the information gathered. The minimum mark is 70%.
• Reading Comprehension – This section tests the candidates ability to read and interpret information in written form, e.g., guidance materials and manuals, including written data recorded about the incoming call. The minimum mark is 60%.
• Spelling and Sentence Clarity – Public safety officers must have a high standard of written English to correctly transmit meaning. The spelling test focusses on workplace-related terms. The sentence structure tests candidates ability to use a simple sentence to pass a message.
• Mathematics This a test of basic math. Public safety officer must know basic math for incoming calls and distance calculations.

Criticall Practice Questions I Recommend

I have helped thousands of Canadians pass their entrance exams. I know exactly where people fail on the CritiCall. I can’t stress enough how valuable practice questions are. When I started studying, I felt overwhelmed by the breadth of content covered in the test. But working through practice questions was a game-changer for me.

Here’s why I recommend these practice questions:

Get used to the Format: The Criticall has a specific format, and the more you know about it, the better your score!

Identify your Weak Areas: This is the key to test prep.  When I first started practicing, I quickly realized which areas I needed to focus on more. Whether it was reading comprehension, or language skills, working through practice questions helped me pinpoint my weaknesses so that I could spend more time improving in those areas.

Building up your Confidence: The more questions I answered, the more confident I became.  Practice questions gave me the confidence that I could handle whatever the test threw at me.

Time Management on a Test: One of the biggest challenges I found was managing my time. Practice questions under timed conditions, boosted my confidence.  How to manage your time on a test

Reviewing Mistakes: Every time I got a question wrong, I looked at the explanation and trued to understand my mistake.

Day 1: The Fundamentals (Math & Logic)

Start with the foundational skills that screen out most applicants. These questions test your ability to handle data quickly.

Day 2: Analytical Skills (Map Reading)

The most intimidating part of the test made simple. Learn to navigate under pressure.

Day 3: Rapid Response (Memory & Recall)

Test your ability to retain critical details from chaotic calls.

Day 4: Communication Clarity (Reading & Writing)

Ensuring your instructions are clear, concise, and error-free.
Miscommunication costs lives. In this module, we ensure your reading speed is high and your written reports are error-free. You will practice scanning text for key details and spotting common language traps.

• Test location: The test is provided by the specific public safety agency that is recruiting the candidates.
• Test schedule: The test is done at the initial stages of recruitment to evaluate the applicants and filter those with no ability to complete the test and tasks.
• Test format: This is a computer-based test with a headset and microphone.  Help with taking a computerized test
• Question format:  Questions are multiple choice – Help with multiple choice

What is a Passing Score on the CritiCall in Ontario?

The scores are the number of correct answers in each section of the test. The test has four sections, each section is scored separately, and the scores are combined to create an overall score. Some sections may be weighted more heavily than others depending on the specific job requirements.  There is no penalty for wrong answers, so if you are unsure, making an educated guess is a good strategy.

How are the scores for the CritiCall test used?
The scores are used to determine if you are a good fit for the job and identify areas where you may need additional training.   Agencies may use the scores to assess their training programs.

What is a passing Score?  
You must score 70% or higher on each module.

Not Reading the Instructions – slow down and make sure you understand what is being asked.

Rushing Through – slow down – work carefully and methodically – don’t rush through but don’t hang around either

Practice Practice Practice – the best test prep tip is know your stuff!

How to Study – the complete guide

Complete Guide to Test Preparation

Written by, Brian Stocker MA.

Published by: Complete Test Preparation Inc.

Updated: Friday, December 19th, 2025
Published: Monday, May 3rd, 2021