Education · 1 of 4
The path
No degree, no tuition. You are hired first and trained on the payroll.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
A diploma or equivalent is the usual minimum. Typing speed, clear speech and a calm head matter more than grades.
- 2
Apply to a county or city 911 center
Weeks
Most agencies hire at 18. Some require 21 for certain roles.
- 3
Testing and background check
1 to 4 months
A typing test, a multitasking and listening test, an interview panel, a thorough background investigation, a hearing test and, at some agencies, a polygraph.
- 4
Academy and certification
3 to 8 weeks
A paid basic course covering call taking, radio procedure, law and stress. Certification as a dispatcher is typically required, and many states set a deadline for earning it after hire.
- 5
On-the-job training
3 to 12 months
Months sitting beside a training officer, taking live calls with someone listening, before you are released to work solo.