We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become a Dispatcher?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,892
Share

A dispatcher will be required to type quickly, take down information accurately, and communicate with various emergency services or other services clearly and succinctly. To become a dispatcher, you will first need to choose what kind of dispatcher you want to be. An emergency services dispatcher will usually need to go through additional training, while a dispatcher for a trucking company or other private service may be able to avoid such extra training. You will need a high school education or higher to become a dispatcher, and you will usually need to take a typing test in order to qualify for the job.

If your typing skills are not sufficient to become a dispatcher, you may want to consider taking a typing course at a local community college. Once you feel comfortable with your skills, go to a police station, fire station, or other service that may potentially hire you to become a dispatcher and inquire about the specific application requirements. These requirements can vary from service to service, and emergency service dispatching jobs will often require you to get first aid and CPR training as well as other certifications.

Improve your communication skills by taking a job in retail or another customer-oriented job. These jobs will give you the opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively with different types of people, which is an exceptionally important skill to have if you want to become a dispatcher. Phone skills are also important, as are computer literacy skills, so whenever possible, take jobs that will help you hone these skills.

Be prepared to undergo a background check, a polygraph test, and even a personality test when you apply for a job as a dispatcher, especially in emergency services. Employers will be highly selective so they can find just the right candidates for the job, so be sure you are prepared for any such tests. Be ready to work on weekends as well, as this is often a requirement for being hired as a dispatcher. You may need to get fingerprinted in order to be eligible to become a dispatcher, and it is likely that you will need to submit to other eligibility requirements outlined by the state or local governments. You will also need to take part in a training course, which can range anywhere from a few weeks to six months. Prepare yourself for such training by learning as much as possible beforehand about the job you will perform.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-dispatcher.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.