Inside Scoop: Typing and CritiCall for Communications
Candidates who apply for Cadet-Communications positions at ATCEMS must undergo two additional important testing elements that Field applicants do not take. Communications applicants must complete CritiCall and a typing test.
The typing test is fairly straightforward: we require individuals to be able to demonstrate that they can type at least 35 words per minute (wpm) with 80% accuracy. The typing test, also called keyboarding, is a module that is integrated within CritiCall. Do you know how fast and how accurately you can type? There are many free typing tests online for you to see your current skill level and practice prior to the hiring process.
So what is CritiCall? It is a computer-based multi-tasking assessment tool used to ensure that applicants possess the necessary skills to perform the duties for a 911 call-taker/dispatcher role. Each test can be different from agency to agency based on the required skills necessary to be successful in that job. There are dozens of different test modules that can be programmed into CritiCall but you will not be required to take all modules.
ATCEMS uses the following 10 test modules: Decision Making, Keyboarding, Data Entry Multi-Tasking (MT), Data Entry MT (Audio), Call Summarization 2 MT, Memory Recall-Numeric (Audio), Map Reading, Spelling, and Sentence Clarity. You can learn more about the modules and detailed descriptions of each one on the CritiCall website under Test Descriptions.
We encourage applicants to practice typing and multi-tasking skills prior to your test date. You can find a basic data entry test designed to hone your multi-taking abilities. It allows you to monitor your keystrokes per hour and will imitate an actual multi-tasking exam. Another helpful resource is the CritiCall blog with F.A.Q. and further helpful links. We hope these links and information will help you find success in our Cadet-Communications hiring process!
Questions? Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098. You can find dates for the hiring process elements here.
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