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Do you want to work as an emergency dispatcher? Do you think you have what it takes to handle the pressures of the job? There’s only one way to find out – take the 911 dispatcher test! This quiz will measure your knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures and protocols. It will also test your ability to think quickly and effectively under pressure.

So if you think you’re up for the challenge, let’s get started!

The written exam will test your knowledge of dispatch procedures, radio communications, and emergency medical terminology.

You will be given a scenario and asked to respond to it using the proper protocols. The practical exam will test your ability to use the dispatch system and equipment. You will be given a call and asked to route it appropriately.

What is the 911 Dispatcher Test?

If you wish to work as a public safety dispatcher, you will first need to successfully pass a 911 operator exam. The 911 Dispatcher Test is an important part of the 911 dispatcher hiring process. It is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in dispatch communications. The test may be taken by anyone who wishes to become a 911 dispatcher.

This is not an easy exam, but if you study and prepare properly, you can increase your chances of passing. So, here are some tips on how to prepare for the 911 dispatcher test

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format

The 911 dispatcher test is typically multiple choice. Therefore, you will need to know how to answer questions quickly and accurately under pressure. Make sure to take tests from various websites and applications for example – Wondeslic Wonscore Practice Test.

2. Study up on emergency procedures

A big part of being a 911 dispatcher is knowing what to do in various emergencies. Make sure you know the proper procedures inside and out.

3. Practice your communication skills

As a 911 dispatcher, you will need to communicate clearly and concisely. Practice talking to people calmly and professionally.

4. Stay calm under pressure

When taking the 911 dispatcher test, you will be under a lot of stress. Therefore, you must stay calm and focus on the task at hand.

5. Get plenty of rest before the test

You must be at your best when taking the 911 dispatcher test. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam to be sharp and focused.
Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to passing the 911 dispatcher test.

911 Dispatcher Exam Pattern

The test consists of two parts: written and practical exams.

The written exam will test your knowledge of dispatch procedures, radio communications, and emergency medical terminology. You will be given a scenario and asked to respond to it using the proper protocols. The practical exam will test your ability to use the dispatch system and equipment. You will be given a call and asked to route it appropriately.

Types of 911 Dispatcher Tests

1. CritiCall Test
2. Post Dispatcher Test
3. NYPD 911 Operator Exam

1. CritiCall Test

The CritiCall test is a computer-based skills test that measures a candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of a 911 dispatcher.
The test consists of five components: data entry, multitasking, memory, prioritization, and map reading.

Data Entry

The data entry portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s speed and accuracy in entering information into a computer system. Candidates are given a list of items to enter and must do so as quickly and accurately as possible.

Multitasking

The multitasking portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Candidates are presented with a list of tasks to complete, and they must do so while also monitoring a simulated 911 call.

Prioritization

The prioritization portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to prioritize tasks. Candidates are given a list of tasks to complete, and they must prioritize them based on importance.

Map Reading

The map reading portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to read and understand maps. Candidates are given a map and a list of locations and must find the quickest way to get from one place to another.

Memory Recall

The memory recall portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to remember information. Candidates are given a list of items to remember and must recall as much information as possible.

Probability

The probability portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to understand and apply basic concepts of probability. Candidates are given a list of items and must determine the probability of each item occurring.

Reading Comprehension

The reading comprehension portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to read and understand written material. Candidates are given a passage to read, and they must answer questions about the passage.

Mathematical Reasoning

The mathematical reasoning portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to understand and apply basic mathematics concepts. Candidates are given a list of problems to solve, and they must do so using basic mathematical principles.

Sentence Clarity

The sentence clarity portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to write clear and concise sentences. Candidates are given a prompt and must write a response.

Cross Referencing

The cross-referencing portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to find information in multiple sources. Candidates are given a list of items to find, and they must do so by looking at various sources.

Research

The research portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to find information. Candidates are given a list of items to find, and they must do so by researching various sources.

Source Evaluation

The source evaluation portion of the CritiCall test measures a candidate’s ability to evaluate sources of information. Candidates are given a list of sources and must evaluate them based on specific criteria.

2. POST Dispatcher Test

This test is a multiple choice test that usually takes between 2.5 – 3 hours to finish. The total score is the sum of your correct answers and the scores from each test component, which are then compared to the statewide average of all test-takers in California to compute your final assessment.

The following are the subtests included in the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher exam:

Checking and Listening Skills

This subtest measures your ability to use basic skills required for a dispatcher’s job. You will be asked questions about the information you hear, read, or see in short conversations, messages, and other materials.

Setting Priorities

This subtest measures your ability to set priorities in a dispatcher’s job. You will be asked questions about the information you hear, read, or see in short conversations, messages, and other materials.

Reading Comprehension

This subtest measures your ability to understand what you read in a dispatcher’s job.

Sentence Clarity

This subtest measures your ability to use clear and concise sentence structure in a dispatcher’s job.

Call Taking

This subtest measures your ability to understand and follow oral and written directions in a dispatcher’s job.

Checking Coded Information

This subtest measures your ability to use basic skills required for a dispatcher’s job.

3. NYPD 911 Operator Exam

The NYPD 911 operator exam tests your knowledge, skills, and abilities. The examination is designed to assess your ability to perform the duties of a police dispatcher. The test consists of two parts: written and oral examinations.

You must pass both parts of the examination to be eligible for an appointment to the position of police dispatcher.

The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions that measure your knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and vocabulary and your ability to read and comprehend written materials.

The oral examination is conducted in English and measures your ability to communicate effectively in speaking and writing.

You must achieve a passing score on both the written and oral examinations to be eligible for an appointment as a police dispatcher.

The GRE is offered at the New York City Computer-based Testing and Application Center. To be considered for the position, you must score at least a 70%. The following areas are covered in this exam:

• Written Comprehension:  This section includes questions about testing your ability to understand written materials such as police reports, memos, and instructions.
• Written Expression: This section tests your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.
• Memorization: This section tests your ability to remember information such as names, numbers, and codes.
• Problem Sensitivity: This section covers the questions related to identifying problems and taking appropriate action.
• Oral Comprehension: It includes understanding spoken materials, such as instructions, directions, and questions.
• Deductive Reasoning: It covers questions about testing your ability to draw logical conclusions from given information.
• Inductive Reasoning: It includes the questions to test your ability to see relationships between given information and to generalize from that information.
• Information Ordering: This section tests your ability to put information in an order that makes sense.

Required Key Skills for 911 Dispatcher Practice Test

To become a 911 dispatcher, you must have excellent communication skills. You will also need to be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. The following are some key skills you will need to practice before taking the 911 dispatcher practice test.

Decision Making

You will need to be able to make decisions quickly and under pressure. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Communication

You will need to have excellent communication skills. You must communicate clearly and effectively with the caller and the other emergency personnel. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Critical Thinking

You will need to be able to think quickly and critically to assess the situation and decide what needs to be done. Again, the 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Caller Management

You will need to be able to manage the callers efficiently and effectively. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Emergency Management

You will need to be able to manage the emergency effectively. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Prioritization

You will need to be able to prioritize the callers and the emergency. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Time Management

You will need to manage the time efficiently to ensure that all the callers are helped on time. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this.

Map Reading

You must read maps to understand the caller’s location and direct the emergency personnel to the scene. The 911 dispatcher practice test will help you learn how to do this. In this question, you’ll need to pick the quickest path while staying within the bounds of the law for the emergency vehicle’s arrival.

You will need to practice these skills before taking the 911 dispatcher practice test. There are many other important skills that you will need to learn to become a successful 911 dispatcher.

At the End

Hope this guide explains everything you need to know about the 911 dispatcher test, from what’s on the test to how best to prepare. Gain a better understanding of what skills are being tested and learn how to hone your abilities so that you can apply for the test confidently.  Good luck!

Learn more about career options:

Read when to start teaching kids about career building skills.

Halloween is the first big holiday kids get to celebrate at school. It gives them an excuse to dress up, eat candy, stay outside late, and have fun in ways they normally can’t, like making glow-in-the-dark crafts. If you’re hoping to bring all these fun ideas to your classroom, you should throw a Halloween party.

Crazy Crafts

Kids tend to bounce off the walls around the holidays, especially candy-centric ones like Halloween. Give them a way to creatively express themselves and get some of that energy out with Halloween glow-in-the-dark art projects. You can tailor these art projects so that they’re perfect for kids at any age level. That way, if your classroom involves children of different ages or stages of development, they can all feel included.

Glow-in-the-dark rock eyeballs or fun gooey stretchy slime are one of the best options for kids of all ages. This project is also a great way to encourage natural play environments for children. You can have your students collect the rocks or bring a bucket yourself and let them paint the eyes and draw the veins.

Younger children will find it easier to paint large rocks that can lay flat on a table, while older children may prefer small rocks that they can easily take home in their backpacks and show off.

Cauldron Toss

For a more physical way to help kids expel their energy, try a cauldron toss. You’re the witch or wizard leading the classroom and can set up your big black cauldron wherever you want. Place a piece of tape on the floor to make a fair starting line, and then pass out whatever elements you need to add to your brew.

Plastic pumpkins are a fun, light option that younger children can easily toss, while rubber spiders are a better option for older children. You can give points or prizes to kids who make their shot or just have fun. Depending on the size of your cauldron, this game can go for multiple rounds with multiple ingredients, or each child can have one turn.

Sour Candy Contest

Most kids like eating sour candy. But this contest is not about how many sour candies a child can eat. That would be a bit much as parents would not appreciate their kids coming home after school jacked up on sugar and potentially with an upset stomach. No, this contest is all about your classroom participant’s ability to eat sour candy and keep a straight face.

Get a taste of the kind of candies we’re referring to by checking out sour gummy worms at Eat Rotten or other tangy treats from your favorite confectionery stores. Kids who want to play the contest can line up and one-by-one and eat a sour candy. They must chew it for 15 seconds and keep a straight face. The last child standing is the winner. You can limit the number of candies to three per child and have multiple winners.

Costume Parade

For many young kids, Halloween is the ultimate time of self-expression. They get to choose a costume that displays their interests, like their favorite character from a book, and show off that interest when they go trick-or-treating. But since the kids in your classroom probably live in different areas, they may not get to show off their costumes to their school friends. This means you have the perfect excuse to host a costume parade at your Halloween party.

Tell kids to wear their costumes to school if they meet the dress code or bring them to change into right before the parade. Split the class into sections so that most of the class can watch while one of the sections makes their way around the classroom, showing off their costume. If possible, you can also invite family members who will love getting to see their little ones strut around with pride in their costumes.

Some of our favorite ideas for your classroom’s Halloween party are crazy crafts, games, and a costume parade. These suggestions give your students the opportunity to safely enjoy this fall holiday and make fun memories in your classroom.

Additional Articles Related to Halloween

Explore these cute and fun halloween costume ideas for kids
Teach your students about the history of halloween

Although the United States does not have the highest rate of obesity in the Americas (that honor goes to Mexico), more than one-third of all adults in the U.S. are fat, and the rate isn’t going down anytime soon. It’s a startling figure, especially when contrasted to data from nations like Japan and India, where obesity levels are much below 5%.

Why is there a contrast? A variety of factors influences obesity rates, but it all comes down to what individuals eat and how they consume it. The good thing is that healthy eating habits can be borrowed from countries worldwide, while less nutritious ones may be left on foreign territory.

1. Japan

What’s a surprising Japanese habit to adopt? The focus is on the look of the food. A visually appealing—and healthy—plate combines small amounts with colorful, seasonal vegetables. Small servings keep calories down, while veggies deliver a variety of vitamins and minerals.  Skip eating fishes like tuna, king mackerel, and swordfish. They contain mercury, an element that can damage nerve cells. Rather than maguro (tuna) and nama-saba (mackerel), consume sake (salmon), Ebi (shrimp), and ika (squid).

Another beneficial Japanese habit is the practice of hara hachi bu, which means eating until you are 80% full. This tradition, originating from Okinawa, encourages mindfulness and helps prevent overeating. Additionally, incorporating more fermented foods like miso, natto, and pickled vegetables can improve gut health due to their probiotic content. Traditional Japanese meals often include a variety of small dishes, allowing for diverse flavors and nutrients in one sitting, which can lead to a more balanced and satisfying diet. By adopting these habits, you can enhance both the enjoyment and nutritional value of your meals.

2. China

Grip chopsticks: Chopsticks will help you eat more slowly, which means you’ll eat less. Moreover, studies have shown that people who consume more quickly are more prone to be fat and suffer from heart disease.  Orange chicken should be avoided (and other Americanized Chinese food). You should not consume meat that’s been coated in sweet sauce (which is why it tastes so nice). Instead, go for lo mein or stir-fry dishes.

Incorporating traditional Chinese food practices can further enhance your dining experience. Chinese cuisine often emphasizes balance and variety, with a focus on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and green onions not only add flavor but also offer health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and improving digestion. Drinking tea, especially green or oolong tea, during meals is another common practice that aids digestion and provides antioxidants. By embracing these authentic elements of Chinese dining, you can enjoy a more nutritious and flavorful meal.

3. USA

The United States offers a diverse culinary landscape, heavily influenced by a mix of cultures and traditions from around the globe. One prominent aspect of American eating habits is the preference for convenience food. Fast food restaurants and pre-packaged meals are a significant part of the American diet. These options are popular due to their affordability and time-saving attributes. However, they often come with high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, contributing to the country’s high obesity rates. On the flip side, there is a growing trend towards organic and farm-to-table dining, with many Americans becoming more conscious about their food choices and opting for fresher, locally sourced ingredients.

Another notable food habit in the USA is portion size. Serving sizes in American restaurants and at home are generally larger than those found in many other countries. This tendency towards larger portions can lead to overeating and plays a significant role in calorie consumption and weight gain. Tourists traveling to Sin City, as well as residents, love checking out area15 Las Vegas The Beast which is well known for its fair portions and authentic American food. Nonetheless, there is a rising awareness around portion control, with some restaurants offering smaller plate options and individuals practicing mindful eating to better manage their food intake. Amidst these habits, the unique element of American dining culture is its adaptability and innovation, continuously evolving to incorporate healthier eating practices while retaining its rich and varied culinary heritage.

4. France

Tempt your taste buds: According to one study, the French equate eating with pleasure (rather than health), and the nation has less obesity and heart disease levels than the United States. Americans, however, are more worried about how nutritious their food is, yet they enjoy eating less. Instead of a big section of a “healthy” snack like frozen yogurt, try a little amount of a delicacy you enjoy (a rich, dark chocolate nugget fits the bill) and enjoy the senses.

The regular pastry should be avoided. Much like most buttery morning pastries, a choco croissant is high in simple carbs, sugar, and fats (a.k.a. not a great start to the day). Over most days, go for healthier options like oatmeal or yogurt, and reserve the pastry for special occasions.

5. Ethiopia

The classic Ethiopian flatbread injera is abundant in fiber, Vit C, and protein. Root vegetables, legumes, and lentils are essential in the Ethiopian diet, low in milk and animal products. Make your injera or use teff grains instead of rice in a rice alternative.

This dish is best served as a family meal. Shared foods are picked up with injera in the typical Ethiopian diet. Put individual servings on a plate to make it simpler to see how much you’re consuming while eating this way.

6. India

Spice things up. Indian food has a lot of spices, which give them a lot of taste, a lot of colors, and a lot of healing properties. Turmeric, ginger, and red pepper are some of the spices that may help decrease cholesterol. Onions and garlic, which are commonly used flavorings, can also help to reduce your risk of heart problems.

Creamy sauces should be avoided. Several recipes have an unusually high saturated fat content thanks to ghee (clarified butter) and full-fat coconut milk. Ease up on the rich dishes if you’re trying to prevent or limit saturated fat in your diet. Instead, opt for tandoori-grilled meat and tomato-based soups.

7. Mexico

Enjoy your lunch: Almuerzo, a lunchtime meal that is the largest meal of the day, is a part of the traditional Mexican culture. According to recent research, eating a good dinner in the evening may be a major contributor to weight gain.

Refried beans are a no-no. Beans have lots of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Cooking them in butter or oil, on the other hand, greatly increases the calories. For a healthier burrito, use dried or low-sodium canned beans.

8. Italy

Dine and Drink: Have a glass of wine with your meal, but don’t overdo it. Moderate alcohol consumption—one glass a day for women and two glasses per day for men—has been shown in studies to lower your risk of heart disease and prolong your life. For non-alcoholics, you can have your preferred beverage in glass bottles for juice.

Pasta plates should be avoided. For otherwise fit Italians, a pasta-heavy meal has been found to raise heart disease risk. Replace spaghetti squash for ordinary noodles and serve a veggie-rich soup for a healthier take on Italian night.

9. Greece

The medical benefits of the Mediterranean diet are no longer a secret. Classic Mediterranean food mainly consists of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and legumes, with only trace amounts of protein, fish, milk, and olive oil. You can also consume bottled and jarred packaged goods.

Phyllo flour should be avoided. We know that spanakopita is loaded with spinach, but the buttered pastry is loaded with refined carbs. A normal entrée-size dish of spanakopita can have the same amount of fat as a bacon cheeseburger!

10. Sweden

Although Scandinavian food does not include many vegetables, it does contain several healthy items. Rye bread is basic, and it has a lot of fiber, which will keep you feeling full. For a fiber-rich option to white or whole-wheat bread, make a sandwich on rye.

Avoid Salt, mainly if you’re prone to high blood pressure. Traditional Nordic meals, such as smoked salmon, are high in salt. As an option, try preparing your smoked fish—still, it’s delicious but helps maintain the sodium under control.

The Bottom Line

There is no such thing as a universally healthy (or harmful) diet. However, the meals of places with cheaper rates of chronic illness have a few traits. All stress the need to eat lots of fruits, veggies, grains, and healthy fats and enjoy your meals.

Turn to different cuisines for culinary ideas, new flavors and ingredients, and diverse eating habits. Combine aspects from these many diets to build your form of healthy eating.

Building a model rocket is no easy task. You won’t get the results you want if you rush to complete this project. In fact, there’s a chance that your first attempt to make a model rocket will be a failure, which is okay, but we’re here to help. Here are four common mistakes people make when building a model rocket.

Speeding Through

The process of building a model rocket is just that, a process. You cannot speed through the steps. It requires a lot of time, patience, and attention to detail. The smallest miscalculation can result in some undesirable outcomes. Don’t plan to complete the task in a day or two.

If rocketry is a new project for your students, set aside some real time so that they can work on the task. Dedicate a whole lesson to the project because it will require a lot of focus. There are calculations you all need to review, test to run, observations and predictions to make, and safety precautions. After all, building a bottle rocket is perfect for reducing kids’ screentime so they can focus on these important calculations. Take your time and enjoy the build-up to the finale.

Improper Supplies

Don’t skimp out on the supplies when building a model rocket. You don’t have to go as big as NASA, but it’s not ideal to go cheap, either. If you want the best outcome when you finally launch the rocket, you’ll need to put a little money behind the project.

Moreover, it’s important that you have all the proper supplies necessary. There are various tools and materials you need to purchase to ensure the model comes out looking fantastic. Try to refrain from substituting certain pieces unless instructions tell you otherwise.

Overcomplicating

Building a model rocket is already complicated enough, so there’s no reason for you to add more fuel to the fire. Follow the instructions because their guidance will lead you to success. Don’t look for additional ways to impress your students like adding more power.

Building a model rocket and successfully launching it is plenty cool already. The idea alone will impress them so try to keep things as simple as possible. Find alternative ways to make the project more fun without adding extra pressure to the original design of the rocket. For example, you can always add some artwork to the exterior.

Neglecting Safety

Safety first. This is the most important. Most first-timers only focus on the safety aspect when it comes to launching the rocket. While this is important, it’s not the only time you need to focus on safety when building a model rocket.

Some of the tools you’ll use can be harmful. Make sure you follow the precautions laid out for you from beginning to end. Practicing safety also means not taking any liberties with the designs and calculations. Make sure everything is proper. When it comes time for launch day, you experience no problems. Do a couple test runs first to work out the kinks.

Building a model rocket is exciting and very educational. Watch out for these common mistakes, and you’re sure to have a blast.