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TCFP Telecommunicator (Emergency Communications)
Exam Questions and Correct Detailed Answers 2025
(Verified Answers) With Rationales
- What is the primary role of a public safety telecommunicator? A. To dispatch ambulances only B. To receive, process, and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls C. To perform firefighting duties D. To enforce traffic laws
The primary role is to be the first point of contact for
emergency services and to direct appropriate response
units.
- What number should be dialed for emergency assistance in the United States? A. 411 B. 311 C. 911 D. 811
911 is the universal emergency number used in the
United States to request police, fire, or medical help.
- When answering a 911 call, what is the most important initial question to ask? A. What is your name? B. How old are you? C. What is your location? D. What time did the incident occur?
Location is critical to ensure emergency responders can
find and assist the caller quickly.
- Which of the following best describes EMD? A. Emergency Maintenance Dispatch B. Emergency Medical Dispatch C. Emergency Mechanism Deployment D. Emergency Mutual Duty
Emergency Medical Dispatch involves providing pre-
arrival medical instructions and dispatching EMS units.
- What type of communication is used between telecommunicators and field responders?
CAD systems help telecommunicators document calls and
dispatch appropriate units efficiently.
- What is a primary PSAP? A. The fire department's main entrance B. The first responder on scene C. The first 911 answering point D. The police dispatcher
Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is where
911 calls are initially received.
- Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a telecommunicator? A. Maintaining radio logs B. Conducting search and rescue C. Providing pre-arrival instructions D. Dispatching emergency units
Search and rescue is performed by field responders, not
telecommunicators.
10.What is the standard format for prioritizing emergency calls?
A. Caller name, incident, units B. Location, nature, priority C. Date, time, unit availability D. Dispatcher name, nature, caller ID
Location, nature of the call, and its priority help
determine the appropriate response.
11.A 911 call is disconnected before details are obtained. What should the telecommunicator do? A. Ignore the call B. Wait for the caller to call back C. Attempt to call the number back immediately D. Notify the police after 15 minutes
Telecommunicators are trained to try to reestablish
contact and send help if needed.
12.What is a TTY device used for? A. Thermal imaging B. Telecommunication for sighted individuals C. Communication with the hearing impaired D. Tracking emergency vehicles
A. Field operations B. Dispatch protocol C. Pre-arrival instructions D. Mobile triage
Pre-arrival instructions can save lives before responders
arrive.
16.What is the minimum information required for a basic emergency call? A. Caller’s social security number B. Description of the suspect C. Location, nature, and callback number D. Type of units requested
These three elements ensure proper response and follow-
up if disconnected.
17.Which term describes maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure? A. Empathy B. Professionalism C. Authority D. Efficiency
Professionalism includes composure and clear thinking
during emergencies.
18.Which technology allows 911 dispatchers to see a caller's number and address? A. MDT B. ANI/ALI C. LMR D. GPS
ANI (Automatic Number Identification) and ALI
(Automatic Location Identification) provide this data.
19.What is one of the top stressors in emergency communications? A. Monotonous tasks B. Short shifts C. High call volume and traumatic content D. Low pay
Handling emergencies constantly can be emotionally
draining.
C. Utilize employee assistance programs D. Yell at a supervisor
Seeking help and using resources reduces risk of burnout.
23.Which phrase describes a telecommunicator giving commands during CPR instructions? A. Panic control B. Emergency medical dispatch protocol C. Automated response D. Call screening
EMD protocols guide callers through life-saving
measures.
24.What should be done first when receiving a fire call? A. Call the nearest firehouse B. Verify the exact location C. Ask about the weather D. Contact EMS
Knowing the location ensures a timely and accurate
response.
25.What does “plain language” mean in radio communication? A. Using 10-codes B. Speaking without codes or jargon C. Whispering D. Using acronyms
Plain language prevents miscommunication across
different departments.
26.Which document protects telecommunicators from liability when acting in good faith? A. Miranda rights B. FCC guidelines C. Good Samaritan Law D. OSHA regulations
This law offers legal protection during emergency aid.
27.What should be done if multiple calls are received about the same incident? A. Hang up the extras B. Log only the first call C. Document all calls and gather corroborating info D. Ignore duplicate calls
A. Talk as quickly as possible B. Use slang C. Speak clearly and concisely D. Use long-winded explanations
Clear communication is key in emergency situations.
31.Which of the following is a non-emergency call? A. House fire B. Domestic violence in progress C. Noise complaint at 3 a.m. D. Car crash with injuries
Noise complaints are typically non-emergency and
handled with lower priority.
32.What is the best response if a caller refuses to answer questions? A. Hang up B. Argue with the caller C. Remain calm and explain why the questions are necessary D. Transfer them to another agency
Providing a reason for the questions can build
cooperation and de-escalate resistance.
33.What is the main reason for accurate documentation? A. To write better reports B. To maintain legal and historical records C. To increase call volume D. To impress supervisors
Accurate records are essential for legal use, review, and
follow-up.
34.If a child calls 911 but cannot speak, what should a telecommunicator do? A. Hang up and ignore B. Tell them to stop playing C. Attempt to gather information and dispatch help D. Put the call on hold
A silent 911 call, especially from a child, may indicate
danger and requires immediate response.
35.What’s a “silent call”? A. A call with music in the background B. A 911 call where no one speaks
38.What does ALI provide? A. Automatic level integration B. Audio logging interface C. Automatic location of the caller D. Alarm light indicator
ALI shows the address of the calling phone, which is
critical for locating the emergency.
39.What should you do if the CAD system goes offline? A. Wait for IT B. Use backup paper logs and procedures C. Stop answering calls D. Close the center
Backups ensure continuous operation when technology
fails.
40.What is the most appropriate tone to use during a 911 call? A. Frustrated B. Calm and professional
C. Casual and humorous D. Aggressive and dominant
A calm tone helps keep callers reassured and facilitates
cooperation.
41.What is the goal of radio discipline? A. Encourage jokes on air B. Ensure clarity and efficiency in communication C. Avoid silence D. Use all frequencies
Clear, disciplined radio use avoids confusion and delays.
42.When should a telecommunicator interrupt a caller? A. When they speak slowly B. When safety information is needed urgently C. To correct grammar D. Never
Sometimes interruption is necessary for critical
information to ensure safety.
MDTs are in-vehicle computers that receive dispatch
information.
46.How should telecommunicators handle personal bias? A. Use it to decide who gets faster help B. Remain neutral and treat all calls equally C. Prioritize based on personal feelings D. Trust their instincts over facts
Objectivity ensures fair and accurate service to all
community members.
47.What is the most secure way to relay sensitive information over the radio? A. Speak in code B. Use encrypted channels if available C. Whisper D. Avoid saying it
Encrypted radio channels protect confidential details
from public access.
48.Which agency sets minimum standards for telecommunicator certification in Texas? A. NFPA B. TCFP C. DOT D. FAA
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) governs
telecommunicator certification and training.
49.When should a telecommunicator update responding units? A. Only when the unit is bored B. When new, relevant information is received C. Never D. Only after the scene is cleared
Real-time updates improve responder situational
awareness and safety.
50.What does “NG911” refer to? A. Non-government 911 B. Next Generation 911
