Exam Bulletin - Public Safety Dispatcher, CHP

California Highway Patrol

Exam Code: EX-2987

Examination Plans Included:

  • PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL: $5,203.00 - $7,163.00 per Month

View the PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 9/16/2024
  • 11/8/2024

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2987

For PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02987

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • California Highway Patrol
    Selection Standards and Examinations Section
    P.O. Box 942898
    Sacramento, CA 94898

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • California Highway Patrol
    Selection Standards and Examinations Section
    601 North 7th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95811
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

All application (STD 678) forms must include: employment history “from” and “to” dates (month/day/year), hours per week, title/job classification, and duties performed. Application (STD 678) forms received without this information will be rejected. Résumés or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application (STD 678) form.

NOTE: DO NOT SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES (CALHR) OR TO A LOCAL CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

NOTE: All applicants must meet the experience and/or education requirements for this examination by the cut-off date. Part-time or full-time jobs, regardless of whether paid or volunteer positions, and inside or outside California state service will count towards experience.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00101663 - PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

Either I

Six months of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Public Safety Operator, California Highway Patrol.

or II

One year of experience in dispatching work involving the operation of radio communications equipment; or as an operator of a telephone switchboard or console.

Or III

Two years of experience involving a substantial amount of telephone contact or three years of direct contact with the public or other employees. Such experience must involve the responsibility to perform numerous tasks simultaneously or progressively responsible experience in a field requiring decision-making ability and the exercise of judgment. (Thirty semester or 45 quarter units of college level courses may be substituted for one year of the required experience.) (NOTE: If substituting college level courses for required experience, applications must contain the following information on all courses completed: Title, semester or quarter credits, name of institution, and completion date. Evidence of completion of required course work must be attached to the application at the time of filing [i.e., copy of transcript]. Applications received without this information will be rejected.)

Or IV

Successful completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college level courses. (Persons who will complete the required units during the current semester/quarter will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of successful completion of the units before they may be considered eligible for appointment.) (NOTE: Applications must contain the following information on all courses completed: Title, semester or quarter credits, name of institution, and completion date. Evidence of completion of required course work must be attached to the application at the time of filing [i.e., copy of transcript]. Applications received without this information will be rejected.)

Or V

Successful completion of the POST Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course and six months of experience involving a substantial amount of direct and/or telephone public contact. (NOTE: You must attach a copy of your POST certificate to your application.)

Special Requirement

Ability to type at a speed of not less than 40 words per minute and a satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen.

NOTE: This classification requires a net typing speed of 40 words per minute. If you are successful in the examination, you will be required to present an official typing certificate that meets or exceeds the standard prior to being considered for hire from the eligible list. Additionally, possession of a typing certificate does not preclude being tested on-site to verify your typing speed and accuracy.

Position Description

00101663 - PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

Working under direction, duties include operating radio, automated telephone, and computer-related equipment to receive, transmit, and record information; dispatching appropriate personnel and resources such as officer, emergency equipment, allied agencies, etc.; screening incoming calls from officers, public, media, and other allied agencies and taking appropriate action; receiving and handling 911 calls; receiving and handling calls from citizens who are difficult to communicate with (e.g., upset, abusive, intoxicated, suicidal, very young/old, or speech-impaired); querying specialized law enforcement databases for information; communicating with personnel of other agencies to obtain and disseminate information; monitoring and responding to field units and allied agencies; providing information to field units; disseminating information and advice to the public; briefing oncoming dispatcher; and processing reports and records.

Special Physical Characteristic

Normal hearing.

Special Personal Characteristics

Consistently reports to work on time with a minimum of absences; willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and at unusual hours is required; has emotional stability and even temperament; willingness and initiative to take independent action; performs tasks accurately; positive attitude; adapts to shifting demands of the job; performs effectively under stress and time pressure; tolerates a confined work space with sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods; shows interest in serving the public; shows respect and consideration for others; maintains confidentiality of information; works productively without supervision; dependable; self-motivated; mature; and a team-player.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1PerformanceN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

To obtain a position on the eligibility list, applicants must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. This examination will consist of the following:

Performance Examination – Weighted at 100%.
The performance examination consists of a computer-based test of multi-tasking ability under stress using CRITICALL software. Helpful information about the software can be found at: CritiCall Test Descriptions (criticall911.com).

The CritiCall study guide can be found at: StudyGuideCritiCall.pdf

Candidates will be provided a CritiCall test link. The CritiCall test link will NOT work with any mobile device running on a mobile operating system (Android or IOS).

Candidates will need the following: keyboard, mouse, speakers/headphones, and access to the internet to take this examination. Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, FireFox, and Safari are compatible web browsers. Notice to Safari Users: Audio and video does not play automatically.

More information regarding the examination will be sent to the email address provided on your application.

Please ensure we have the correct email information on file.

CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT COMPLETE THE PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION BEFORE THE TEST LINK EXPIRES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

The examination is an intensive, multidimensional test battery for entry-level dispatchers developed by CritiCall. The examination is designed to measure underlying skills and abilities a person needs to possess prior to any training they might receive if they are hired as a public safety dispatcher and/or call taker, including the ability to effectively navigate and use a computer.

Ability to:
  • Understand spoken and written English words, sentences, and paragraphs.
  • Communicate effectively in English so others will understand.
  • Produce a number of alternative ideas.
  • Understand the speech of another person.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to come up with logical answers.
  • Correctly follow rules to arrange things or actions in a certain order.
  • Remember information, such as words, numbers, and procedures.
  • Quickly combine and organize information.
  • Quickly and accurately compare letters and numbers.
  • Concentrate on a task or source of information and not be distracted.
  • Shift back and forth between two or more sources of information.
  • Sufficient physical dexterity, coordination, and agility to successfully perform the critical aspects of the job.
  • Sufficient near vision to successfully perform the critical aspects of the job.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL Classification will be established for:

  • California Highway Patrol

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 24 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Competitors may retest after 6 months. 

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Recruitment and Retention Pay

Public Safety Dispatchers, California Highway Patrol, assigned to any of the following communications centers shall receive a $300 monthly recruitment and retention differential: Barstow, Capitol, Chico, Fresno, Humboldt, Indio, Monterey, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, Ukiah, and Ventura Communications Center. Eligibility for the retention incentive will terminate upon reassignment for any reason to any other communications center not specified in this provision.

Public Safety Dispatchers, California Highway Patrol, assigned to any of the following communications centers shall receive a $750 monthly recruitment and retention differential: Border (San Diego), Golden Gate (Vallejo), Los Angeles, and Orange (Irvine) Communications Center. Eligibility for the retention incentive will terminate upon reassignment for any reason to any other communications center not specified in this provision.

Drug Testing Requirement

Applicants for positions in this classification are required to pass a drug screening test. (The drug screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated “sensitive” classification for which drug testing is required under California Code of Regulations, Section 213.)

Hiring Information

Background Investigation: The California Highway Patrol conducts a background investigation to determine the competitor’s suitability for employment. Information collected for a background investigation after the examination is distinct from that required on the Examination / Employment Application (STD. 678, Rev. 12-21 or later), which is completed prior to the examination. You may be requested to divulge conviction history on the background investigation form that is not required of you when completing the STD. 678. Fingerprints of competitors are also taken as part of the background investigation.

Psychological Evaluation: The California Highway Patrol conducts a psychological evaluation of applicants for positions in this classification to determine the competitor’s suitability for employment. The psychological evaluation screening process ensures competitors are free from any psychological or emotional condition that might adversely affect job performance. The evaluation consists of an online examination and a clinical interview with a psychologist or a physician.

Medical Examination: The California Highway Patrol requires a medical examination be conducted of applicants for positions in this classification by a licensed physician to determine the competitor’s suitability for employment, which includes an audiogram. The medical examination ensures competitors are free from any medical condition that might adversely affect job performance.

Testing Departments

  • California Highway Patrol

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Highway Patrol
Selection Standards and Examinations Section
097/Examination Services
P.O. Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
Phone: (916) 843-3820

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

California Highway Patrol reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)