Dispatch Testing

[typeszh]

Does anyone know where else I can take the POST test besides San Mateo and San Jose? I just want to take it and apply ASAP. This is in the California Bay Area and I don't mind traveling a bit to take it.

[StationM]

Why limit yourself to agencies that do the POST test?

[typeszh]

Why limit yourself to agencies that do the POST test?

I don't care where I take it as long as it is a recognized POST Dispatcher Test center.

[typeszh]

OK I have taken the test. Does it really take two weeks for them to score and mail you the results?

[MrJim911]

If that's what they told you, then yes.

[StationM]

I don't care where I take it as long as it is a recognized POST Dispatcher Test center.

I guess you didn't understand my question?

My agency uses Criticall testing, not the POST test, so I was wondering why you only wanted to apply at agencies that do the POST test for screening applicants.

[typeszh]

I got my test score and applied to 3 different agencies. Now I wait for the long process of them reviewing and interviewing.

I read some thread that say upper 60 T-Score is good. Is there a site where they tell you the meaning of T-Scores?

[doggz109]

Upper 60s T-Score is pretty good....but it is just a benchmark agencies use to begin evaluting your application.

The oral board, background check, and possible final interview and how you carry yourself will mean much more than a test result. Oh and get ready to wait awhile.....its a long process.

[typeszh]

Yea but a good score helps get the ball rolling. I hope the process isn't too long. But I think a lot of agencies have these continuous recruitment where they are not actually hiring but just creating an eligible list.

[Lena]

Tscores usually measure you against those you tested with in the state... if I understand it correctly. Usually agencies accepting Tscores from another agency require it to be within 6 mos or a year. IE: San Mateo (I think I read that on their job posting).

High Tscore is good to get you to an interview... usually the interview is weighted 100%, though. You are competing against others in the interview- some may have more experience than you, or a more desirable work history, or just be what that agency is looking for. I'd focus on what you have to offer that agency- make a "portfolio" of letters of recommendations from past employers, certificates of achievement to hand to them at the end when they ask if you have any questions... for jobs usually only requiring a high school diploma and the ability to type 40+ wpm you need something to make you stand out from everyone else that attained the minimum requirements. A resume highlighting relevant coursework if you don't have job experience, etc.

Once you pass the POST test and get a decent score- well, that is the easy part =) Heed the advice above- don't put all of your eggs in one basket and apply to multiple agencies. Practice makes perfect and attaining a job in dispatch is a long process- save the physical agility testing- no different than trying to attain a LE position (testing/interview/drug test/polygraph/background-wise). Even though you are sitting in a building behind a desk, you are still representing that agency in dealing with the public- so they want the very best.

Just a few tips from my experiences in testing/interviewing. I actually found out that I wanted to be in the thick of it all... so I stopped pursuing the dispatch route- so maybe the better ones to give the advice are those that hold the positions in dispatch ;) Take what you will, though!

Good luck!

[doggz109]

The process will take quite a while. The agencies I've applied to in the past usually took 6-9 months from the time the job posting closed - to the time that an academy or OTJ training would start.

I'm also hearing (through the grapevine of course) - that some agencies are realizing that a high T-Score doesn't always translate to a good dispatcher. A lot of them are moving to Criticall testing instead or in conjunction with the POST exam. Just something to keep in mind.

Good luck!