Top 10 911 Dispatcher Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a 911 dispatcher’s job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They provide employers with assurance that the dispatcher is qualified for the position and have the necessary skills to handle emergency calls efficiently and effectively. Certifications can also increase a dispatcher’s chances of getting hired as they show employers that the individual has been trained and tested on relevant topics, such as communication, medical terminology, and emergency response protocols. Furthermore, certifications may be required by certain states or agencies in order to obtain employment. Ultimately, certifications give 911 dispatchers an edge in the job market, allowing them to stand out from other applicants.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications available to 911 dispatchers and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are 911 Dispatcher Certifications?

911 dispatcher certification is a program established to provide emergency dispatchers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively respond to 911 calls. The certification helps ensure that dispatchers are well-trained and equipped to handle a variety of situations, including those involving medical emergencies, fires, and other life-threatening incidents.

The certification process involves a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as communication techniques, crisis intervention strategies, stress management, basic first aid, legal issues related to 911 dispatching, CPR/AED procedures, and more. Upon completion of the training program, dispatchers must pass an exam in order to earn their certification.

Having 911 dispatcher certification can help ensure that dispatchers are better prepared to handle any situation they may come across while on the job. It also serves as proof of competence for employers and provides an incentive for individuals who wish to pursue a career in this field. Additionally, it can help improve public safety by ensuring that only individuals who have received adequate training are responding to emergency calls.

Pro Tip: To become a certified 911 dispatcher, it is important to research and understand the requirements for your state or local area. Many states require that dispatchers have specialized training and certification in order to be qualified for the job. Additionally, some jurisdictions may require additional certifications such as medical dispatch certifications or emergency medical technician (EMT) certifications.

Related: What does a 911 Dispatcher do?

Top 10 911 Dispatcher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to 911 Dispatchers today.

1. Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification is a specialized certification program designed to equip public safety telecommunicators with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide pre-arrival medical instructions over the telephone. This certification is essential for any telecommunicator who will be responsible for providing medical direction to callers in need of emergency medical assistance.

The EMD Certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person practical assessment. The online course typically takes between 8 and 10 hours to complete, depending on the student's learning style. The online course covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, patient assessment, airway management, trauma management, and more.

Once the online course has been completed, the student must pass a practical assessment administered by a certified EMD instructor. This assessment requires the student to demonstrate their ability to accurately assess a caller's condition and provide appropriate pre-arrival instructions based on their findings.

The cost of EMD Certification varies depending on the provider; however, most providers charge around $200 for both the online course and practical assessment. Additionally, some providers may require students to purchase additional materials such as textbooks or study guides in order to successfully complete their certification program.

2. National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Telecommunicator Certification

The National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Telecommunicator Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and professionalism of emergency dispatchers. It is designed to ensure that emergency dispatchers have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide effective emergency services.

The NAED Telecommunicator Certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical skills assessment. The written exam tests a dispatcher’s knowledge of emergency dispatch protocols, policies, procedures, and other related topics. The practical skills assessment evaluates a dispatcher’s ability to apply their knowledge in an actual dispatch situation.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process. To get certified, an individual must first register for the certification program with NAED. After registering, they must then take and pass both the written exam and practical skills assessment. Once both exams are passed, they will receive their official NAED Telecommunicator Certification.

The cost of the NAED Telecommunicator Certification varies depending on where you live and which certifying body you choose to use. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $150-$500 USD for the entire certification process.

3. APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification

APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification (APCO PSC) is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of public safety telecommunicators. It is a voluntary certification program offered by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. (APCO). The certification is designed to provide public safety telecommunicators with recognition for their experience and expertise in the field.

The APCO PSC consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as radio operations, call processing, customer service, emergency medical dispatch, and other areas related to public safety telecommunication. The practical assessment involves demonstrating proficiency in the use of various communication systems used by public safety telecommunicators.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the APCO PSC certification process. To get certified, applicants must first register with APCO and pay the required fees. After registration is complete, applicants must then take and pass both the online exam and practical assessment within one year of registering for the certification program.

The cost of obtaining APCO PSC certification varies depending on several factors including location and whether or not an applicant has previously taken any APCO courses or exams. Generally speaking, it costs between $100-$200 USD for registration fees plus additional fees for each part of the examination process.

4. Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification

Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification is a certification program designed to provide emergency dispatchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively handle fire-related emergency calls. It is offered by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving public safety through the development of standardized protocols and training for emergency dispatchers.

The EFD certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person practical exam. The online course covers topics such as fire dispatch protocol, radio communication, call handling techniques, and legal considerations. The practical exam tests the dispatcher’s ability to respond appropriately to simulated emergency calls.

It typically takes about three months to complete the EFD certification program. The cost of the program varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. To get certified, you must first register for the IAED’s online course and then pass both the online course and practical exam with a score of 80% or higher. After passing both parts of the certification program, you will receive your EFD Certification card which is valid for two years.

5. International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Telecommunicator Certification

The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Telecommunicator Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills of emergency dispatchers. This certification is intended to demonstrate proficiency in the role of emergency dispatcher, including an understanding of call-taking, dispatch protocols, and quality assurance.

The IAED Telecommunicator Certification consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as call-taking, dispatch protocols, radio communication, and quality assurance. The practical assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to use the IAED's computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) and other equipment used in the emergency dispatch process.

The IAED Telecommunicator Certification program typically takes around six months to complete. Candidates must first register with the IAED and pay an application fee before they can take the written exam. After passing the written exam, candidates must then complete the practical assessment within six months in order to obtain their certification.

The cost of obtaining the IAED Telecommunicator Certification varies depending on where you are taking it from; however, it typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD for both parts of the certification program (written exam and practical assessment).

6. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Telecommunicator Certification

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Telecommunicator Certification is a program designed to ensure that emergency communication personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage emergency incidents. The certification is offered through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and provides a standardized approach for all telecommunicators to follow when responding to an incident.

To obtain the NIMS Telecommunicator Certification, individuals must complete an online course and pass an exam. The online course consists of eight modules covering topics such as incident management, communications protocols, customer service, and legal considerations. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on the material covered in the course. The entire process typically takes between four and six weeks to complete.

The cost of obtaining the NIMS Telecommunicator Certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally, it costs around $200-$300 for the course materials and exam fee.

7. Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Project 33 Training and Certification Program

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Project 33 Training and Certification Program is a training program designed to provide public safety communications professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and operate a public safety communications center. The program consists of four levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master.

To obtain certification in APCO Project 33, an individual must complete all four levels of the program. Each level requires a specific number of hours of training and the successful completion of an examination. The Basic level requires 40 hours of training, the Intermediate level requires 80 hours, the Advanced level requires 120 hours, and the Master level requires 160 hours.

In order to get certified in APCO Project 33, an individual must first complete all four levels of the program. Once all four levels have been completed successfully, individuals may apply for certification through APCO International's website or by mail. The cost for certification is $250 per person.

In addition to completing all four levels of the program and applying for certification through APCO International's website or by mail, individuals must also pass a background check in order to become certified. This process typically takes up to three weeks after submitting all required documents.

Overall, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to become certified in APCO Project 33 depending on how quickly an individual completes each level and passes their background check.

8. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training and Certification

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training and Certification is a specialized training program designed to help law enforcement officers respond more effectively to people in crisis. It is based on the premise that people in crisis often require a different approach than those who are not in crisis, and that police officers need to be trained to recognize and respond appropriately. The CIT program typically involves 40 hours of intensive classroom instruction, role-playing, and field trips.

The topics covered in CIT training include mental health issues, de-escalation techniques, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, suicide prevention, substance abuse issues, and how to interact with individuals who have developmental disabilities. The goal of the training is to provide officers with the knowledge and skills they need to handle calls involving persons in crisis situations more safely and effectively.

In order to obtain CIT certification, an officer must complete all 40 hours of required coursework and pass a written exam. Upon successful completion of the coursework and exam, an officer will receive a certificate from their agency indicating that they have completed CIT training.

The cost for CIT training varies depending on the agency providing it. Generally speaking, however, most agencies charge between $500-$1,000 per officer for the entire program.

9. National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council (NCPPC) Certified 911 Professional

The National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council (NCPPC) Certified 911 Professional is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the highest level of professional standards in the field of public safety communications. This certification provides evidence that an individual has achieved a level of expertise in the area of 911 operations, including knowledge and skills related to 911 call-taking, dispatching, and other related activities.

To become certified as a NCPPC Certified 911 Professional, individuals must first meet certain prerequisites such as having at least two years of experience working in the public safety communications field or completing an approved training program. Once these requirements are met, applicants must then pass a comprehensive written examination designed to assess their knowledge and skills related to 911 operations. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as call-taking procedures, emergency response protocols, data entry techniques, and radio communication principles.

The certification process typically takes around four weeks from start to finish. During this time period, applicants will need to complete all necessary paperwork and submit it along with their application fee ($100). Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official NCPPC Certified 911 Professional certificate. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. FEMA Professional Development Series: Introduction to the Incident Command System for Public Safety Answering Points

The FEMA Professional Development Series: Introduction to the Incident Command System for Public Safety Answering Points (ICS-P) is an online course designed to provide public safety answering points (PSAPs) with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage emergency incidents. This course covers the fundamentals of ICS, including principles, organization, and terminology. It also provides an overview of ICS-P and how it applies to PSAPs. The course takes approximately three hours to complete and can be accessed through the FEMA website for free. There are no prerequisites or fees required for this course.

Do You Really Need a 911 Dispatcher Certificate?

The short answer to this question is, "No". You do not need a 911 dispatcher certificate in order to become a 911 dispatcher. However, having one can certainly help you stand out among other applicants and increase your chances of being hired.

In most cases, a 911 dispatcher certificate is not required by the employer. What they will typically look for is experience and knowledge related to the job. For example, having some type of emergency services background or training can be beneficial. Additionally, having prior customer service or communication skills are also useful for this line of work.

Even without a 911 dispatcher certificate, there are still many ways to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills for the job. Having a strong resume that outlines your experience and qualifications can be just as effective as having a certificate. If you want to go above and beyond though, taking courses related to emergency services or public safety can be beneficial. These courses will give you an even better understanding of the role and how to handle different situations that may arise while on the job.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you choose to pursue a 911 dispatcher certificate in addition to other qualifications for the job. It could be an advantage when applying for positions but it is not absolutely necessary in order to land the position itself.

Related: 911 Dispatcher Resume Examples

FAQs About 911 Dispatcher Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a 911 dispatcher?

Answer: To become a 911 dispatcher, you typically need to have either a high school diploma or GED and pass a background check. Some jurisdictions may also require certifications in areas like emergency medical dispatch or computer-aided dispatch.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a 911 dispatcher?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a 911 dispatcher varies depending on the jurisdiction, but it usually takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

3. What is the job outlook for 911 dispatchers?

Answer: The job outlook for 911 dispatchers is positive, with an expected growth rate of 5% over the next decade. This growth is attributed to increased demand for emergency services and improved technology that allows dispatchers to be more efficient at their jobs.

4. Are there any special requirements for working as a 911 dispatcher?

Answer: Yes, some jurisdictions may require certifications in areas like emergency medical dispatch or computer-aided dispatch. Additionally, most employers expect applicants to have good communication and problem solving skills, as well as basic computer knowledge.

5. What type of training is required for becoming a certified 911 dispatcher?

Answer: Training typically includes courses in communications systems, radio operations, law enforcement terminology and procedures, geography, psychology and stress management techniques.