How to Become a Dispatcher
Are you an excellent communicator? Do you have the resilience to work calmly in a fast-paced environment? You may want to consider learning how to become a dispatcher. You’ll be the connector that callers rely on when desperate times call for desperate measures. Or when someone needs to create a Plan B.
As a dispatcher, you can rest assured knowing that you helped someone through an emergency or ensured that goods and services got to where they needed to go. Plus, it’s a great way to build valuable communication and problem-solving skills that can help you progress in your career path.
If you’re thinking about applying for a job as a dispatcher, Monster can help you get there. Start by learning about the different types of dispatchers, how to become a dispatcher, and what you can expect to make as a dispatcher.
What Is a Dispatcher?
A dispatcher is a communications professional who receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency phone calls. There are several types of dispatchers, including:
- Emergency dispatchers, also known as 911 dispatchers: These dispatchers handle a wide variety of emergency calls and often dispatch police, fire fighters, medical personnel, and other first responders.
- Police dispatchers: Police dispatchers work exclusively for law enforcement agencies handling emergency and non-emergency police-related calls.
- Transportation dispatchers: Transportation dispatchers ensure that goods and transportation services get dispatched to the right places. They may also relay information to drivers on traffic delays, delivery problems, and vehicle breakdowns.
- Trucking and freight dispatchers: Trucking and freight dispatchers are transportation dispatchers that work exclusively for trucking companies and large-scale delivery services.
- Railroad dispatchers: Railroad dispatchers are responsible for directing and coordinating the safe movement of train traffic.
- Flight dispatchers, also known as aircraft dispatchers: Flight dispatchers usually direct aircraft traffic for commercial airlines and the military. They also check weather and visibility conditions and assist in planning flight paths.
What Does a Dispatcher Do?
A dispatcher answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls, provides assistance to callers, and dispatches the appropriate personnel. They also determine the types of emergencies callers are dealing with and where they’re located.
The typical duties of a dispatcher include:
- Providing instructions to callers while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
- Tracking the status of first responders and other emergency personnel.
- Keeping records of calls.
- Synchronizing responses with other nearby communication centers.
- Handling multiple calls and operating switchboards.
See Monster’s dispatcher job description sample to learn more about this position and what employers are looking for.
How to Become a Dispatcher
You need at least a high school diploma or GED and on-the-job training to become a dispatcher. Depending on which type of dispatcher job you’re applying for, and/or which state you live in, you may need certification to become a dispatcher.
The most important skills for a dispatcher job include:
- the ability to multi-task
- excellent listening and communication skills.
- strong decision-making skills.
- empathy for callers.
- typing and computer skills.
- the ability to work under pressure.
Below, we discuss how to become a dispatcher in greater detail. That includes specific requirements for becoming a dispatcher and the different types of dispatch jobs available.
How to Become a Dispatcher With No Experience
Even if you have no experience as a dispatcher, it’s possible to get your foot in the door through an entry-level job. Employers may be more willing to hire you as a dispatcher if you have previous experience in customer service or a call center. This is a great way to demonstrate your ability to handle multiple phone lines, solve problems over the phone, and work efficiently under pressure.
If you have no experience as a dispatcher, you can gain the necessary skills through on-the-job training.
The requirements for dispatcher training vary by state. Some states require you to complete 40 hours of training through your employer or pursue continuing education every two or three years. Others have no specific mandates, leaving it up to the individual employer to decide how much training you should receive.
Expect to receive training in local geography, standard dispatch procedures, agency protocol, computer-aided dispatch systems, and protocol during high-risk and emergency situations. You may also receive additional training by observing dispatch demonstrations or working under the supervision of an experienced dispatcher.
How to Become a 911 Dispatcher
To become a 911 dispatcher, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. Depending on which state you live in, a valid driver’s license may be required.
It’s highly recommended that you have some knowledge of 911 protocol. You can gain this by completing an associate degree or college certificate in public safety communications or an IAED certificate.
Related coursework for 911 dispatchers typically includes public safety, telecommunications, professional communication, crisis communication, and fire and EMS dispatching.
How to Become a Police Dispatcher
As a police dispatcher, you’ll need to know how to monitor police radios, communicate with on-duty officers, guide callers to safety during emergency situations, and conduct wanted-persons queries.
You must also possess the ability to remain calm under pressure, control your emotions, and have empathy and compassion for callers.
Before becoming a police dispatcher, you’ll need to pass a criminal background check, a general background check, a family history check, and a polygraph test. Additionally, you may be required to obtain a fingerprint card from your local police station or sheriff’s office.
Police stations typically prefer candidates who have a strong understanding of law enforcement protocol and communications systems. Completing the IAED PPDS certificate program could give you the skills and knowledge needed to land a police dispatcher job.
How to Become a Truck Dispatcher
Want to know how to become a freight dispatcher or truck dispatcher? As a truck dispatcher, you would be responsible for handling calls regarding cargo pick-ups, deliveries, and unloading. You would also document freight orders and transactions and resolve billing issues.
Most employers in the freight industry require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as some customer service experience. While there are no truck dispatcher license requirements, employers prefer candidates who have some post-secondary education and training.
The National Dispatch and Freight Certification Association (NDFCA) offers a certificate program for truck dispatchers who want to get a leg up on the competition. The coursework covers freight and logistics terminology, dispatch regulations and rules, and book logging rules. Once you complete the required coursework, you’ll need to pass a 50-question certification exam with a score of 70% or higher within 180 minutes.
How to Become an Aircraft Dispatcher
To become an aircraft or flight dispatcher, you’ll need to have a high school diploma, complete 200 hours of flight dispatch training, and pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. You must be at least 21 years old to take the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test and work as a flight dispatch assistant. You’ll then need to wait two years before you’re eligible for a flight dispatcher license at age 23.
The Sheffield School of Aeronautics offers the Airline Career & Aircraft Dispatcher Certification program, which prepares candidates for the 80-item Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test. The test will require you to exhibit proficiency in specific flight dispatch tasks, follow standard and unexpected emergency procedures, demonstrate excellent decision-making skills, and apply aeronautic knowledge.
Once you pass the test, you’ll receive a temporary aircraft dispatcher certificate. You should receive your license in the mail from the FAA within two to four months of passing the test. During this time, you may begin applying for aircraft dispatcher jobs.
Emergency Dispatcher Certification Requirements
Many states require emergency dispatchers to be certified. But even if your state doesn’t require it, having a certificate could put you ahead of other candidates.
The International Academics of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) offers the following certificate programs:
- Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD)
- Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD)
- Police Priority Dispatch System (PPDS)
- Emergency Communication Nurse System (ECNS)
- Emergency Telecommunicator (ETC)
- Quality Improvement (ED-Q)
Each of these programs requires you to complete coursework and pass an exam. They prepare you for each of the designated areas of dispatch, including how to provide emergency advice over the phone and best protocol to use for each response agency (e.g., medical, fire, and police). You only need a high school diploma or GED to be eligible to enter an IAED certificate program.
You can also choose to pursue other credentials to expand your skills and help you advance into a higher-paying dispatcher position. Many dispatchers obtain the Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certificate from the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). The ENP will help you demonstrate proficiency in:
- Emergency number program management.
- 9-1-1 protocols across several agencies.
- Awareness of current emergency-related issues and developments.
To be eligible for the ENP program, you must have three years of experience in emergency communications. You must then submit an application to the NENA. Once your application gets approved, you can schedule a date and time to take the ENP exam.
How Much Do Dispatchers Make?
As a dispatcher, your salary will likely depend on your experience level, education, location, and the type of dispatch job you apply for. The median wage for general dispatchers ranges from $14.14 to $21.97 per hour.
Here’s how much you can expect to earn in each of these dispatcher jobs:
- 911 dispatcher salary: $46,670 per year
- Truck dispatcher salary: $49,930 per year
- Police dispatcher salary: $47,750 per year
- Aircraft dispatcher salary: $80,750 per year
- Freight dispatcher salary: $49,150 per year
Find out how much you can earn as a dispatcher by entering your job title and location into Monster’s Salary Estimator. This tool will give you insight into what you might get paid and a list of potential next steps on your career path.
How to Find Dispatcher Jobs
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to become a dispatcher, let’s turn your focus toward finding a job. First, update or create your dispatcher resume. Your resume should clearly communicate your skills and experience, so employers know what you’ll bring to the switchboard. Then, make sure you send a cover letter with your resume to explain why you’re applying for a dispatch position and why you would be an ideal candidate for the job.
When you’re ready to begin your search, look for dispatcher jobs on Monster. Also, check out jobs in these five cities where dispatchers are in high demand:
Dispatch Your Job Applications via Monster
After you’ve learned how to become a dispatcher, what’s the next stage in your job search? Monster has tons of dispatcher jobs available. All you have to do is create your profile for free to find them. And you don’t need to call an emergency line to do it. We’ll connect you to job recruiters who are looking for dispatchers. Plus, we’ll relay free job notifications to you whenever new dispatcher positions open.