Education · 1 of 5

The path

Hired first, trained after. The screening is the hard part.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   The minimum almost everywhere. Police and fire centres increasingly prefer some post-secondary study.

2. 2

   Build the skills they test

   Months

   Fast accurate typing, clear speech, map reading and knowledge of your city's geography. Some centres test all four.

3. 3

   Apply and test

   3 to 9 months

   Written test, typing test, a hearing and voice check, a multitasking simulation, panel interview, psychological screen and a background check. Many candidates fail the multitasking test.

4. 4

   In-house training

   3 to 9 months

   Classroom, then months sitting beside a trainer wearing a second headset before you take calls alone.

5. 5

   Call taker, then dispatcher

   1 to 2 years

   Most centres start you on calls and move you to radio dispatch once you prove out.