Pre-Employment Test - Computer and Other Related Skill/Ability Requirements - A Mouse-Keyboard-Headset Practice Guide

Sep 29, 2026

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Pre-employment testing evaluates foundational computer and related skills needed before any subsequent training after hiring. The test measures abilities that can be demonstrated without specialized dispatcher/call-taker knowledge, focusing on basic mouse control, single left-click use, keyboard navigation and data entry, and headset-based listening with typed responses. It also includes guidance on multiple-choice selection, scrolling through on-screen content, following written or spoken instructions, and additional decision, comprehension, memory, and basic arithmetic tasks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Pre-Employment Test Overview

Basic Computer and Keyboard Skills

Mouse control and single left-clicks

Keyboard keys, Tab/Shift/Enter, and arrow behavior

Alt + letter shortcuts for moving to fields

Using the mouse to move between fields

Following Instructions and Practice Items

Headset Listening and Verbal Information Entry

Multiple-Choice Response Methods

Clicking selection boxes

A/B/C/D keyboard selection

Scrolling Through On-Screen Content

Other Skills and Abilities That May be Measured

Pre-Employment Test: Computer and other related Skill/Ability Requirements The CritiCall pre-employment test measures underlying skills and abilities a person needs to possess prior to any training they might receive once hired. Because it measures skills and abilities needed prior to training, a test taker does not need to possess any specialized dispatcher/calltaker knowledge or training tobe able to read, understand, or answer the test items. However, there are some very basic, computerrelated skills that a test taker must possess in order to properly demonstrate the other abilities measured during the test. During the pre-employment test, a qualified applicant should be able to: - Accurately move a mouse pointer or cursor to specific locations on the computer screen. - Press down and release a left-mouse button once each time required. - To use the mouse during the test, position the mouse-pointer/cursor to the desired screen location, and then press down and release the left mouse button once. During the test, this will be referred to as “clicking” the mouse. Throughout the test you should use only single clicks ofthe left mouse button. For example, during the test you maybe required to move and place the mouse pointer over one of the four symbols/icons shown in the box to the right (indicating Police, Fire, EMS, or Utility Company) and left-click once to express your choice. - Use the keys on a keyboard (including all of the letter and number keys, plus the Tab, Shift, Enter and up/down arrow [ ] keys) to enter information or navigate around the screen. (Note that the side-to-side arrow keys [] will not work during the CritiCall test.) . When you press the Tab or key, the cursor will move to the right if there is a field adjacent to the right, or down (or down left) if there is no field adjacent to the right. The Shift + Tab keys or key move the cursor in the opposite pattern. - You can also move to a specific field by pressing the letter key that is underlined for that field (such as L in Last Name) while simultaneously pressing down the Alt key. In other words, in the example above if you press down on C and the Alt key at the same time, your cursor will move directly to the City field. - In addition to using the arrow keys or the keystroke-combinations described above, you can also move from field to field using your computer’s mouse. Copyright © 2004-2006. Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. CritiCall ® is a registered trademark of Biddle Consulting Group, Inc. - Follow the instructions provided in writing and/or verbally during the test. Practice test items/questions are offered before each section of the test to help you determine if you are following the instructions correctly. Scores from the practice items are not included in your final test score. You are not required to take the practice items and you will be given an opportunity to bypass them during the test ifyou wish. - Listen to and use verbal/spoken information provided over a headset. You frequently must enter the information you hear into a computer using a standard keyboard. You will be able to reasonably control the volume of the information heard in the headset you will be provided during the test. - Choose a multiple-choice response by clicking your mouse over the small box to the left of your choice or by pressing the A, B, C, or D key on the keyboard. A “check mark” indicates your choice during multiple-choice questions. In this example, the check mark next to alternative B (“Green”) was placed by either moving the pointer over the small box to the left of the letter B and clicking once, or by entering the letter B on the keyboard. You can change your response as many times as you wish before you move on to the next test item by either clicking on a different box or by entering a different letter. - Use “scroll bars” that appear on the right side of some documents or lists on the computer screen so that you can vie

FAQs

What computer skills are required before taking the pre-employment test?

Test takers must accurately move a mouse pointer, perform required single left-clicks, and use the keyboard to enter information or navigate the screen using supported keys and shortcuts.

How should candidates use the keyboard to move between fields?

Candidates should use Tab and related Shift+Tab patterns for cursor movement, and can jump directly to underlined fields by pressing the letter key together with Alt.

Are practice items required, and how do they affect the final score?

Practice items are provided before each section to verify instructions. Scores from practice items are not included in the final test score, and candidates are not required to take them.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by dawugda