Communication Operator Trainee Exam

[DES630 10]

Here is the link for the next test for Communication Operator Trainee for all that are interested in taking it.

http://www.westchestergov.com/csexam/exann...exams/60244.htm

Edited August 12, 2006 by DES630

[JBE 328]

What's the hours??

[Guest]

White Plains is holding their Public Safety Dispatchers test the same day 10/21/06 the last filing date is 09/29/06 call 422 1257 personnel or go online for applications top pay is about 55,000 plus benifits. I will check on monday if these are the same tests.

[x635 4,066]

What's the hours??

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The Westchester County exam is for both County Police AND 60 Control- they hire off the same list.

County Police Dispatchers work rotating 8 hours shifts, and the 60 Control dispatchers work a nice rotating pattern of 12 hour shifts.

Both are great jobs, with more importantly, great people in agencies that definetly will be expanding the future.

Edited August 13, 2006 by x635

[JBE 328]

Thanx, Seth. Always looking to keep the options open.

[HFD750 6]

Well I'll try again I missed it last time by one key stroke!!! I couldn't believe it.

[x242Steve 1]

Well I'll try again I missed it last time by one key stroke!!! I couldn't believe it.

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Dino-

If they haven't changed the test since I took it in '04... You are better off spelling as many words correctly as you can even if you leave off the last few words in a phrase, rather than trying to complete each phrase and having typo's.

Best of luck to all!

[Paul J DeBartolomeo 0]

Is this strictly for full time dispatchers, or do they also employ part time fill in people?

[INIT915 1,119]

Didn't they just give the test last year? They must have flew right thru that list.

[COMMANDCHIEF 4]

Neither agency has part- time staff.

[x242Steve 1]

Didn't they just give the test last year? They must have flew right thru that list.

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Not necessarily...

Westchester County offers this exam whether they have an immediate need for dispatchers or not. The test has been given every October for the last few years. So if you are on the list from the October 2005 exam and you still want to work for WCPD or 60-Control, it is in your best interest to take the 2006 exam because the list from the 2005 exam will expire once they populate a new list from the 2006 exam...

...did I make that as confusing as I think I did?

Basically: If you want the job, take the exam. Again, and again, and again...

[spike2231 38]

just wanted to add to the test questions you may have

the test has alot of questions about filing on it i took it awhile back im sure it has not chaned much

[x635 4,066]

just wanted to add to the test questions you may have

the test has alot of questions about filing on it i took it awhile back im sure it has not chaned much

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The test contains several different tasks used to assess your ability to be trained as a dispatcher.

This is how the parts of the test are described on the exam announcment. There are numerous ways to practice for this exam and sharpen your skills, so I suggest anyone who seriously wants to attempt to get on 60 Control or WCPD Commo read through this and practice. If anyone needs clarification or ways to practice these skills, feel free to ask me on this thread. If you dismiss some of these skills "oh it'll be easy" as I've heard from some out in the field, then you should stay home that day. Remember, you are COMPETING for this job.

This examination will consist of three parts: on day of examination; a written and listening test, at a later weekday date; a performance examination on a personal computer.

WRITTEN TEST is designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:

1.      Coding/Decoding Information - These questions test your ability to use written directions to code and decode information accurately. You will be asked to apply sets of coding rules to code information and to interpret coded information. Complete directions will be provided; no previous knowledge of or training in any coding system is required.

2.      Following Directions (Maps) - These questions test your ability to follow physical/geographic directions using street maps or building maps. You will have to read and understand a set of directions and then use them on a simple map.

3.      Retaining and Comprehending Spoken Information from Calls for Emergency Services - These questions test retention and comprehension of information in calls for emergency services. Some questions test retention of specifics, such as street addresses, or comprehension of the spoken information, such as determining the location of a site in relation to landmarks. Each of these questions is weighted 1.0. Other questions test comprehension and application of directions for filling in a form. Each of these questions is weighted 0.2. Several simulated 911 calls will be played on audio tape. After listening to each call, candidates will be asked from two to four questions about the information that was presented in the call. The time to answer them will be limited. The tape will keep track of the time and, at the end of each answer period, will automatically begin to play the next call. Note paper will be provided. Candidates will be permitted to take notes and to refer to them when answering the questions.

4.      Name and Number Checking - These questions test your ability to distinguish between sets of words, letters, and/or numbers that are almost exactly alike. Material is usually presented in two or three columns, and you will have to determine how the entry in the first column compares with the entry in the second column and possibly the third. You will be instructed to mark your answers according to a designated code provided in the directions.

5.      Understanding and Interpreting Written Material - These questions test how well you comprehend written material. You will be provided with brief reading selections and will be asked questions about the selections. All the information required to answer the questions will be presented in the selections; you will not be required to have any special knowledge relating to the subject areas of the selections.

LISTENING TEST:  The written test series for public safety dispatchers will include an audio-based test for all hands-on public safety dispatchers and related titles.  It is called Retaining and Comprehending Spoken Information from Calls for Emergency Services.  The Listening Test uses two media:  booklet(s) and audio CD.  After each call is played, candidates will read questions in a test booklet and answer them on a standard answer paper.

PERFORMANCE TEST:  A performance test will also be held at a later WEEKDAY DATE, to be announced.  The written test will be a ranking test and the performance test will be a qualifying (pass/fail) test.  You must pass both the written and performance tests to be considered for appointment.  You will not be called to the performance test unless you have passed the written test.  Since the performance test is qualifying (pass/fail), if you pass the performance test your final score for the examination will be the score that you achieve on the written test. 

Candidates may be invited to the performance test in the order of the scores that they achieve on the written test.  The Westchester County Department of Human Resources reserves the right to give the performance test to only as many candidates as are needed to fill available vacancies.

The test will be administered on the conventional personal computer (PC).  You will be using a conventional PC keyboard, but you will not be using a mouse.

SUBJECT:  The test consists of three parts, each preceded by a separate practice session.  It will test your ability to enter the kinds of information that dispatchers and related personnel must process for fire, police, and emergency medical services.  You will not need any specific information prior to the test; rather, complete on-screen instructions will tell you all that you need to know in order to take the test.  In order to pass, you must enter the data at a rate of least 6,000 keystrokes per hour (which is equal to typing approximately 20 words per minute), with an accuracy rate of least 97.5%.

[HFD750 6]

Dino-

If they haven't changed the test since I took it in '04...  You are better off spelling as many words correctly as you can even if you leave off the last few words in a phrase, rather than trying to complete each phrase and having typo's.

Best of luck to all!

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Thanx

[CAM502 6]

Listen, if you can read and understand the English language you can pass this test. Just take your time while doing the written parts. Worry about the listening and typing parts. You only hear each simulated call once and have to jot down as much key info as possible. And typing is typing, be quick but accurate. Good luck to all.

[Guest]

Is there a book to study from like the FD exams?

[IzzyEng4 427]

Just a question, is it worth the trip for a CT guy to take the test?

[x635 4,066]

Just a reminder, the CLOSING DATE-DEADLINE for filing is next Tuesday, September 5th. That's ONE WEEK from TODAY!

If you claim to be serious about wanting this job, your application should be in by now.

By the way, the higher you score, the better chances you have of landing the job sooner. As for the CT thing, I'm not sure, but it can't be bad to get the practic.e

[CAM502 6]

You can get a generic Dispatcher/Emergency operator book if you want. But it is a waste of your money.