what to expect at the ca post dispatcher course

by Halie O'Hara Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 10 min read

The POST Dispatcher Test is designed to measure aptitude for performing public safety dispatcher work. The test consists of eleven (11) brief tests that measure a candidate’s: Verbal Ability (the ability to read and listen to information and identify facts and draw conclusions; and the ability to write clearly),

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What is the post dispatcher test in California?

Feb 25, 2022 · The Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1011 to currently employed full-time dispatcher employees of an agency that participates in the POST Public Safety Dispatcher program. Applicants must have been selected in accordance with the POST selection requirements, and have satisfactorily completed the …

When do you have to take the public safety dispatchers'basic course?

Jun 23, 2021 · The POST program exists under the authority of, and in compliance with, California Penal Code Sections 13503, 13506, and 13510 POST Professional Certificates Peace Officer, Dispatcher/Supervisor, and Records Supervisor

How long does the post entry level dispatcher test take?

The Academy offers a full array of courses specifically designed for dispatchers by experts in the field. ... CritiCall Public Safety Dispatcher Pre-Employment Skills Test Description; POST Dispatcher Test Events; Criticall Test Events; Upcoming Dispatch ... CA 95141 T: (408) 229-4299 E: sbrpstc@theacademy.ca.gov 8 am to 5 pm - Monday - Friday ...

Where can I find information on public safety dispatchers in California?

The CA POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery measures four distinct categories. These four components are essential for success in the dispatcher training program and profession. Verbal Ability – Tests your ability to read and listen to information while recalling facts, summarizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions based on the information provided.

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Aug 16, 2021 · Since scores on the POST Dispatcher Test are predictive of both training proficiency and job success, many law enforcement agencies and communication centers use the POST Dispatcher Test to measure your aptitude for performing public safety dispatcher work. What should I expect when I take the test? The POST Dispatcher Test is designed to measure …

How do I prepare for a dispatcher test?

How Can I Prepare for the 911 Dispatcher Test?

Coding/decoding information.
Map skills and following directions.
Name and number checking.
Problem solving.
Ordering information.
Deductive and inductive reasoning.
Typing test.
Personality Test to help prepare for the psychological evaluation.

Is dispatch training hard?

Sometimes Dispatching is Hard

The job isn't physically demanding, but it can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Some days are worse than others. These are the reasons why specific training deals with some of the more distressing aspects of the job.

How do you pass a dispatcher test?

To pass the 911 dispatcher test, you need to possess the ability to think quickly, precisely and logically. You should also need to remain calm and collected at the time of emergencies. You should have the ability to handle stress and take accurate decisions.

What can I expect from a dispatch test?

The Dispatcher exam consists of more than a dozen of test sections that evaluate four different areas of aptitude. The tests include typing, listening, reading, setting priorities, speech recognition, memory, spatial orientation, and more.

Is being a dispatcher worth it?

A career as a 911 dispatcher is fast-paced, hectic, and above all else, rewarding. As a part of a chain of emergency responders, dispatchers are the face—or the ear—of emergency calls to 911. It takes a remarkable person to do a dispatcher's work, and it is not suited to everyone.

Is being a dispatcher stressful?

Being an Emergency Dispatcher is difficult for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, the job is incredibly intense and stressful; at any moment you could answer the phone to a panicked caller and alter the course of their lives depending on your actions.

How many words per minute does a dispatcher have to type?

Most 911 telecommunicators are required to type between 30 – 45 WPM without errors.Feb 8, 2021

What is the passing score for Criticall test?

70%

Candidates will need to listen to simulated 911 calls and summarize the information they hear on the computer system. Accuracy and speed are essential for a good score. Candidates are also asked verbal questions about the information heard. The passing score is 70%.Dec 6, 2021

What is the Perfex test?

The Perfex test is a multitasking test meant to assess a candidate's dispatching skills: Writing, reading, memory, responsiveness, map reading, listening, dexterity and multitasking.

What is the dispatcher test like?

The DST™ contains cognitive ability questions that are presented in two formats: oral and written. It is important to note that the DST™ does not measure job-specific knowledge or any specific skills that require specialized training. You will not need any specific dispatcher knowledge or skills to succeed on the DST™.

Why do you want to join dispatch?

Some potential reasons for wanting to become a 911 dispatcher include a desire to help the community, a desire to support emergency response or police and skills in a high-stress and fast-paced environment. You can reflect on your answer to this question to develop a more personalized response.Nov 11, 2021

How do I prepare for 911 dispatcher?

Here are the steps to becoming a police dispatcher:

Complete high school. Police dispatchers must have at least a high school diploma or GED. ...
Gain relevant experience. Police dispatchers need to be at least 18 years of age. ...
Develop vital skills. ...
Pass a background check. ...
Obtain certifications. ...
Finish on-the-job training.

Jul 23, 2021

What are the requirements for a public safety dispatcher?

1.What should be considered in my decision to apply for a California Public Safety Dispatcher position?#N#Individuals applying for a public safety dispatcher position in California are required to meet several statewide minimum standards for employment. These standards include:#N#fingerprint and DMV records checks#N#background investigation#N#medical examination#N#oral communication skills evaluation (employment interview)#N#verbal, reasoning, memory, and perceptual abilities assessment 1 fingerprint and DMV records checks 2 background investigation 3 medical examination 4 oral communication skills evaluation (employment interview) 5 verbal, reasoning, memory, and perceptual abilities assessment

What is a post certified dispatcher certificate?

This is not to be confused with the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate which is a professional certificate awarded by POST, to individuals who have completed a POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course and who have completed a probation period of at least 12 months. Some agencies require that an individual already possess the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate in order to apply for a position. This would mean that the agency is looking for someone who has been previously employed and completed probation with another agency. Some agencies do not require the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate, but instead are requiring a certificate of completion for the POST-certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course training. If the job flyer is not clear, an applicant should get clarification on this point.

How long does a public safety dispatcher have to be on probation?

The Commission Regulation 1018 (d) states that a public safety dispatcher must complete a minimum probationary period of 12 months.

Can a dispatcher be grandfathered into the post program?

The only time a dispatcher can be grandfathered into the POST program as a Public Safety Dispatcher is if employed by the agency at the time the agency joins the POST Dispatcher Program.

What is the basic course for dispatchers?

The Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course is the entry-level training requirement for dispatchers employed by agencies participating in POST's public safety dispatcher program, as specified in Commission Regulation 1018.

Does California have a waiver for dispatchers?

California POST does not have a waiver process for dispatchers. All applicants must meet the California public safety dispatcher minimum selection and training standards as outlined under Public Safety Dispatcher Candidate Selection Standards .

How long is the post dispatcher test?

The CA POST Dispatcher Test takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete. This includes going over instructions and a short break. Multiple-choice is generally the format throughout the exams.

What is a PELLETB?

Do not confuse the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery with the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) which is used as a pre-employment screening device for law enforcement personnel other than dispatchers.

What is required to become a 911 dispatcher?

In fact, these professionals must often complete an extensive, pre-employment process, which may include a panel interview, a skills test, a background investigation, and a complete medical and psychological evaluation.

Does Post have a referral list?

Unfortunately, POST does not maintain a list of nor provide referrals for testing locations; however, the POST Website does provide a list of POST participating law enforcement agencies that may offer entry-level testing. Again, you will need to contact the agencies and/or communication centers directly to determine if and when they offer the test.

How long does it take to get a post test result?

All agencies that use the POST Dispatcher Test are required to provide candidates with their test results within 30 days of the test administration. If it has been less than 30 days, you should allow time for the agency to process your results. If it has been more than 30 days, you should contact the agency where the test was originally administered to inquire about your results. For security reasons, POST is unable to provide test results directly to candidates.

Does the post test have a shelf life?

A score on the POST test has no shelf life; therefore, a candidate may submit the department letter from the previous administration to the prospective employer. Individual departments, however, have the discretion to establish their own acceptable time frames for the shelf life.

How long do you have to wait to retake a test?

If you retest within 30 days either with the same or a different department/agency, your test results will be invalidated. You MUST wait at least 30 calendar days prior to retaking the test.

What is a T score on a post test?

When POST electronically scans your test answers, statistical calculations are performed to convert your raw score (the number of items you answered correctly and subtracting a portion of a point for those answered incorrectly) into a “T-score.” A T-score is a standardized score that places your performance on the test into a normal distribution (bell-shaped curve) with a midpoint (average) of 50 and standard deviations (statistically-significant variations from the mean) of 10. If your score falls around 50, your performance is considered “average” when compared to other candidates who have taken the same test. If you score 40 or below, your performance is considered “below average” when compared to other candidates who have taken the same test. If you score 60 or above, your performance is considered “above average” when compared to other candidates who have taken the same test.

What are the skills required to be a public safety dispatcher?

Commission Regulation 1957 mandates that “public safety dispatchers shall demonstrate Verbal, Reasoning, Memory, and Perceptual Abilities at levels necessary to perform the job.“ These abilities must be evaluated before hire to assure the presence of ability levels commensurate with the performance of dispatcher duties, as measured by the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (POST Dispatcher Test) or alternative job-related tests of these abilities. Since scores on the POST Dispatcher Test are predictive of both training proficiency and job success, many law enforcement agencies and communication centers use the POST Dispatcher Test to measure your aptitude for performing public safety dispatcher work.

What is post entry level dispatcher selection test?

The POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Examinee Guide (pdf) provides information about the test. Because the test measures general abilities, there is no study guide or reading list for the test. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the test formats shown in the Examinee Guide. If you are not accustomed to test-taking in general, of if you tend to get tense in testing situations, you may find it helpful to practice doing activities similar to those described in the Examinee Guide.

Dispatchers: Career Resiliency

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About This Product

A dispatcher's approach to an emergency phone call may be the difference between life and death. What dispatchers do is incredibly valuable, but is often incredibly difficult and stressful, too.

What is the post entry level dispatcher exam?

The POST entry-level dispatcher exam is a test for emergency dispatchers that assesses verbal ability, reasoning, memory, and perceptual skills in candidates. The test is broken down into eleven individual exams that assess those four primary aptitudes. The timing on the test is around two-and-a-half to three hours, ...

What are the four aptitudes?

If there is no one area where you struggle in the four aptitudes, then spend your preparation time improving memory recall, speed, data-entry, and listening skills. All of these are heavily tested in the eleven sections, and improving them will give you a boost that may be much needed for the POST assessment.